Saving money on dental supplies is not as easy as simply finding the lowest price. This is because the quality of dental hygiene products, X-ray film and other supplies can affect both the success of your treatments and the health of your patients, which means that the quality of your supplies is as important as the price. Read on for tips to help you save money on dental supplies common to most practices without lowering your standards.
Sterilization bags
Unsurprisingly, big brand dental hygiene products are more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts, and sterilization bags are no exception. These dentist supplies are particularly important; If not properly sterilized, dental instruments can spread infections, thus endangering the health of your patients.
Not all cheap sterilization bag brands can be trusted, however it is possible to save money on these dental supplies online when you know the most important attributes. First, look for sterilization bags with sturdy seals and medical grade paper so that no punctures occur. Finding dentist supplies with external and internal indicator strips is also helpful so you don’t have to purchase and install the strips separately.
IntraOral and ExtraOral Film
Dental X-rays are crucial to properly diagnose and evaluate patients. KODAK is the best-known brand for X-ray films, but you can save money by selecting a dental supply company with IntraOral and ExtraOral films from cheaper brands like Flow and Fuji. These products are generally of the same quality as their KODAK equivalents; ask your dental provider or search online for corresponding product numbers between brands.
Also, be sure to keep track of the number of film sheets per pack to make sure you’re saving as much money as you think. When buying X-ray film, speed is an extremely important factor. This reduces radiation exposure for both patients and your office employees. Contrast and resolution are also critical; Without a film that excels in these areas, you may not be able to accurately assess the needs of your patients.
Curing lights
Most dentists use curing lights every day, so finding a good model is a major concern. When shopping for wholesale dental supplies, narrow your search to curing lights that offer several different power settings (for example, 5, 10, 15 and 20 second modes), so that you can increase or decrease their power level to run cures. in all locations and thicknesses. Additionally, LED curing lights are also desirable as these tools are lightweight and energy efficient.
Unlike some dental supplies, your ideal curing light should be determined not only by quality and price, but also by personal preference. Since curing lights are operated by hand, comfort is extremely important; some dentists prefer cordless curing lights, for example, while others opt for lighter curing lights, which often have wires. Now that we’ve covered some of the more common dentist supplies, you probably have a better idea of how to factor in both quality and price when purchasing these important items. Happy shopping!