When it comes to indirect return on investment, both tangible and intangible costs are considered
The hidden cost of your time
Our dentists must begin to understand that our time is the most valuable and expensive asset we have. We tend to think that people, stuff and supplies are expensive, but when you screw it up, time is itself the best ROI for our productivity. This concept should also apply to patients; in the end, we have to cherish their time. On average, each patient needs about 3 hours of dental appointments, so the more time they need, the lower their productivity.
Many of the intangible things we receive, as traditional methods of dentistry, are eliminated by chair digital dentistry. For example, in a traditional model, the patient must return to an indirect restoration. From the time costs of assistant to front desk staff, create an appointment and then reschedule if the patient is canceled - add up quickly. These are unrealizable costs. When comparing the direct costs of a one-time visit to dentistry with two visits to repair, the material appears on impression dental supplies, temporary material, temporary cement, all guns and tips. These things add up. Do not forget the cost of ordering and maintaining stock.
Dentsply Sirona CEREC AC
When rehabilitating internally, it's easier to focus on tangible ROI. Using Dentsply Sirona's CEREC system, the average appointment with me was 60 to 90 minutes for a single tooth repair. Often, my assistant takes our initial digital impression, including bites and objections. Depending on the situation, the time to prepare your teeth will vary. After isolation, I will give the final digital impression. Under national law, a dentist can walk away and turn to something else, such as another patient. Well-trained assistants can design and start the milling process, which usually takes 8-14 minutes. Design repair including processing takes 5-8 minutes. The assistant is free to do other things as the crown is milled. After milling, the assistant assures it fits and polishes or puts it in the oven and takes 5-16 minutes. At this point, the dentist will come back to provide, when you paste, it may take 5-10 minutes. Most of the process can be delegated to the assistant, saving the dentist's time.
A good example of understanding time value is when we need to rework or adjust, we do not have to start the process afresh - we can correct it right away in the office. For example, if the color is wrong, I can click on the "mill" again and have a different color ready for recovery, which is a huge advantage.
I like to know that I am saving myself, it involves the time and money of all parties, and I am satisfied that I create an indirect restoration myself.
Indirect population tangible costs
laboratory
$ 90- $ 150
2-3 visits to the chair
$ 25- $ 35
Visit once (60-90 minutes)
Originally published in Dentistry.
About the author: Dr. Agarwal is a full-time general practice of dentistry, he dealt with the same issues we all face - and difficult on the patient's head, the ups and downs in private practice, as well as team management. Despite the contract with insurance, he managed to establish a successful practice that focused on clinical excellence, customer service, and allowing patients to choose the best dental equipment. Dedicated to continuing education, he studied with many leaders in the dental field, but admitted that his best learning came from "stepping stone" schools.
