In-office CAD/CAM: What you should consider BEFORE investing

When new technology is introduced, there is a certain wow factor that comes with it. But once the excitement clears and the hype settles, as a dentist you may be faced with a decision to invest or not to invest? How do you choose? It’s wise to make your decision based upon the answers you derive from research and careful planning.

Research 101

You should begin with external research. External research is the process of thoroughly evaluating available information on a product or new technology. Appropriate resources include research initiated by the manufacturer, unbiased articles written by credible authors, and making contact with dentists who have purchased and are using the product or technology. (Manufacturers will often provide you with a list of customers who you can call with questions.) External research, although time consuming, isn’t difficult. The bigger challenge: It’s the internal research you will need to conduct.

Internal research requires a bit more soul-searching. Start by asking yourself a series of questions.

    * Does this new product or technology solve a problem in my practice? (If yes, then how?)
    * Does this new product or technology assist in growing my practice? Does it save me time and/or money?
    * How will I initially pay for this new investment?
    * How will I recoup my investment? (You will need to determine the expected return on investment, or ROI.)
    * What changes will I have to make to my practice in order to integrate this new product or technology? Will I have to hire staff, create space, and take time off for training?
    * How will these changes effect my time and/or revenue during the transition?
    * How long will the changes take to implement?

Before you purchase new technology, make sure you can answer these questions.

Investing in new technology takes careful planning, both of your time and with your finances. Some of the answers to the above questions will assist you in the planning process. However, make certain that when you create your financial plan and allocate time for integrating a new product or technology into your practice, you take a realistic look at your practice. Don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Although well intentioned, the manufacturer is not intimately familiar with your practice and the recommendations may not be applicable to your practice’s unique circumstances.

What about CAD/CAM systems?

With this information in mind, beware of the most common misconceptions that dental office staffs may have when they invest in in-office CAD/CAM systems. The following information was compiled after speaking with laboratory personnel who work with dentists who own in-office systems.

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How in-office CAD/CAM systems are marketed can be a touchy subject among some in the dental laboratory community. Click here to read more.

Dental office misconception: The in-office CAD/CAM system will eliminate our laboratory bill.

Consider this: While the system will provide you with another service that you can offer to patients, it will not eliminate your laboratory bill. While you may have an initial drop in your laboratory bill, the volume of work you send to the laboratory is likely to continue. However, for compatibility purposes, if you choose to invest in an in-office CAD/CAM system, then consider working with a laboratory that also owns a CAD/CAM system. The laboratory CAD/CAM system has materials and technology that are not available with the in-office system.

Dental office misconception: The in-office CAD/CAM will save your practice time and it will produce laboratory-quality restorations.      

Consider this: Single visit dentistry is a plus for those patients needing a simple posterior crown or inlay. However, anterior work is usually not as esthetically pleasing. Color management is difficult, which can result in a monochromatic restoration that will have to be stained and glazed by someone in the office who is properly trained. This requires additional time.

The time and training you invest into achieving ideal results from your in-office CAD/CAM system may result in the need to make a decision about whether you want to be a dentist or dental technician. In addition, the design of a full contour anterior crown is very difficult and the work is usually better suited for a skilled dental technician, and not a CAD/CAM system.

You also will need to consider the type of restorations that you normally deliver and you’ll need to determine if you can deliver a sufficient volume of these to pay for the system. Ask yourself: How many units will have to be produced per week to pay it off? Can my office make that many units? What other costs will be incurred: materials, dongle fees, upgrades, etc.? Who in the office will be doing the scanning, milling, and adjusting? What revenue could those people generate if they were instead doing conventional dentistry? Has the cost to stain and glaze crowns in the office, and the equipment and material necessary to do this, been considered?

New technology: whether it be CAD/CAM or something else, can present you with a myriad of opportunities for your practice. As long as you research, evaluate, and plan using an open mind and factual information, new technology can work for you.