Starting or buying a dental practice is exciting but it’s not without its challenges.
One of the biggest parts of setting up your practice is buying the right dental equipment. This will impact your practice’s efficiency, patient satisfaction and ultimately your bottom line.
In this guide we’ll go through it all buying dental equipment for your new practice in Australia.
Australian Dental Equipment Market
The Australian dental equipment market is big and growing. According to IBISWorld the dental services industry in Australia is worth $11 billion as of 2023 and has grown at 3.1% over the last 5 years. This growth has created an increase in demand for dental equipment with the market expected to reach $265 million by 2025.
Major players in the Australian dental equipment market are Henry Schein, A-dec and Dentsply Sirona. They offer a wide range of products from basic instruments to advanced imaging systems. But note that imported equipment makes up a big part of the market with Germany, USA and China being the main sources.
Must Haves for Your New Practice
When setting up your new practice you’ll need to invest in several pieces of equipment. Here’s a list of the essentials:
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Dental Chairs: The foundation of any practice. Look for ergonomic design for patient and practitioner comfort.
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Dental Units: These include the chair, light, handpiece connections and sometimes built-in scalers and curing lights.
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X-ray Equipment: Intraoral and panoramic depending on your practice needs.
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Sterilisation Equipment: For hygiene standards. Autoclaves are a must have.
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Handpieces: High speed, low speed and electric.
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Compressor and Suction Systems: The backbone of your practice’s infrastructure.
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Curing Lights: For composite restorations.
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Intraoral Cameras: For patient education and documentation.
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Practice Management Software: Not equipment but essential for a modern practice.
What to Consider
When buying dental equipment in Australia:
1. Quality and Performance
Buy from high quality manufacturers. While it may be tempting to cut costs, remember that good equipment will save you money in the long run through less downtime and maintenance costs.
2. Australian Standards
Make sure all equipment meets Australian standards and regulations. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates medical devices in Australia including dental equipment. Check for TGA approval before you buy.
3. After Sales Support and Warranty
Look for suppliers who offer full after-sales support and long warranty. This is especially important for complex equipment like imaging systems or CAD/CAM machines.
4. Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs in Australia look at the energy efficiency of your equipment. Energy efficient models may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run.
5. Future Proof Your Practice
Buy equipment that can grow with your practice. For example a dental chair with the ability to add features like an integrated scaler or electric motor can be upgraded as your practice grows.
Budgeting
The cost of setting up a dental practice in Australia can vary greatly but you can expect to invest between $500,000 to $750,000 for a basic setup. Of this equipment costs will account for 30-40% of the total investment.
Here’s a rough estimate of costs for some must haves (in AUD):
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Dental Chair and Unit: $25,000 – $60,000
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X-ray Equipment: $8,000 – $50,000 (depending on type)
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Autoclave: $5,000 – $15,000
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Handpieces (set): $3,000 – $8,000
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Compressor: $5,000 – $15,000
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Practice Management Software: $5,000 – $20,000 (plus ongoing fees)
Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like maintenance, consumables and replacement when budgeting for your equipment.
Financing Options
There are several financing options for Australian dentists buying equipment:
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Equipment Finance: Many banks and financial institutions offer equipment finance packages for healthcare professionals.
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Chattel Mortgage: You own the equipment immediately and pay it off over time.
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Leasing: Good for expensive equipment that needs to be upgraded frequently.
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Vendor Finance: Some dental equipment suppliers offer their own finance options.
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Professional Package Loans: These are loan packages designed for professionals like dentists.
The team here at Smart Business Plans can help you navigate business financing for your dental practice, making sure you get access to the best rates and terms.
Digital Dentistry is on the Rise
Digital dentistry is growing fast in Australia. According to the Australian Dental Association 37% of dentists used an intraoral scanner in 2021 up from 28% in 2020. This trend will continue with technologies like CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing and AI assisted diagnostics becoming more mainstream.
When buying equipment think about how it fits into the digital workflow. For example an intraoral scanner can integrate with CAD/CAM systems for same day crowns, improving your practice’s efficiency and patient experience.
Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming more important in the dental industry. When buying equipment consider the environmental impact. Look for energy efficient models and those made from recyclable materials. Some manufacturers now offer take back programs for old equipment so you can ensure proper recycling and disposal.
Summary
Buying equipment for your new practice in Australia is a big investment and needs careful consideration. By understanding the market, focusing on quality and compliance and planning for the future you can make informed decisions to set your practice up for success.
It’s not always the cheapest option that’s the most cost effective in the long run. Invest in quality equipment that will serve your practice for years to come. As you start this journey don’t hesitate to talk to colleagues, dental associations and financial advisors to make the right decisions for your new practice.
With the right equipment and a patient centric approach you’ll be on your way to a successful dental practice in the growing Australian healthcare market.
