Saving money on dentist supplies isn’t as easy as simply finding the lowest price. That’s because the quality of dental hygiene products, X-ray film, and other supplies can affect both the success of your treatments and your patients’ health – meaning that the quality of your supplies is just as important as the price. Read on for tips to help you save money on dental supplies common to most offices without lowering your standards.
Sterilization Pouches
As you might expect, big-brand dental hygiene products are more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts, and sterilization pouches are no exception. These dentist supplies are particularly important; if not properly sterilized, dental instruments can spread infection, thus putting you patients’ health in jeopardy.
Not all of the cheap brands of sterilization pouches 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 pouches featuring sturdy seals and medical grade paper so that no punctures can occur. It’s also helpful to find dentist supplies with both external and internal indicator strips so that you do not have to purchase and install the strips separately.
IntraOral and ExtraOral Film
Dental X-rays are crucial in properly diagnosing and evaluating patients. KODAK is the most well-known brand of X-ray film, but you can save money by selecting a dental supply company with IntraOral and ExtraOral film by cheaper brands like Flow and Fuji. These products are often equal in quality to their KODAK equivalents – ask your dental supplier or look online for corresponding product numbers between brands.
Also, be sure to keep track of the amount of film sheets per pack to ensure that you’re saving as much money as you think you are. When shopping for X-ray film, speed is an extremely important factor. This decreases radiation exposure for both the patients and employees of your office. Contrast and resolution are likewise critical – without a film that excels in these areas, you might not be able to accurately assess your patients’ needs.
Curing Lights
Most dentists use curing lights every day, so finding a good model is a significant concern. When shopping dental supplies wholesale, restrict your search to curing lights offering several different power settings (for example, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-second modes), so that you can increase or decrease your power level to execute cures in all locations and thicknesses. Additionally, LED curing lights are also desirable, as these tools are both lightweight and energy-efficient.
Unlike some dentist supplies, your ideal curing light should be determined not just by quality and price, but also 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 the lightest curing lights, which often have cords. Now that we’ve covered some of the most common dentist supplies, you probably have a better idea of how to take both quality and price into account when purchasing these important items. Happy shopping!
