Harnessing digital dentistry

Efficiency means the ability to do something successfully, without waste. Waste can be something abstract, like time, or physical, such as money or another resource that, once it’s gone… it’s gone.

‘Efficient’ is a word you’ll see in every dental supplies and equipment catalogue, because all practices want smooth workflows and low stock costs, at no compromise to results and level of service. If product X does the same job as products Y and Z, but promises to it more efficiently than the other options, it is likely to pique your interest.

Never underestimate the value of speed to patients. If dental teams are able to deliver their treatment in one 90-minute appointment, when a practice up the road offers the same in two hour-long visits, you become the more convenient option. Convenience is often a major factor for consumers’ decision-making, whatever it is they are buying, and we know that modern patients do shop around. High-quality dentistry delivered in a single session means less time off work, less juggling with other commitments – they get it done, then get on with their lives. Patients don’t want to be ripped off and they want good value, but value isn’t only defined by price. It incorporates every part of the service that they are willing to pay for and people are often very willing to pay for added convenience. Also, could your dental practice reasonably charge patients more for one, highly convenient 90-minute appointment than your competitor charges, in total, for two? If there is demand, then absolutely yes. Efficiency is good for business.