Saving money on dental supplies isn’t as easy as simply finding the lowest price. This is because the quality of dental hygiene products, x-ray films and other supplies can affect both the success of your treatments and the health of your patients, which means 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 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 infection, endangering the health of your patients.
Not every cheap brand of sterilization bag can be trusted, however it is possible to save money on these online dental supplies when you know the most important attributes. First, look for sterilization bags that have strong seals and medical-grade paper so punctures don’t occur. It’s also helpful to find dentist supplies with external and internal indicator strips so you don’t have to purchase and install the strips separately.
Intraoral and extraoral film
Dental x-rays are crucial to properly diagnosing and evaluating patients. KODAK is the best-known brand of X-ray film, but you can save money by choosing a dental supply company with intraoral and extraoral films from cheaper brands like Flow and Fuji. These products are often of the same quality as their KODAK counterparts. Check with your dental provider or search online for the 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 decreases radiation exposure for both patients and employees in your practice. Contrast and resolution are also critical – without a film that excels in these areas, you may 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 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 you can turn your power level up or down 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, the 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 the lighter curing lights, which are often corded. Now that we’ve covered some of the most common dentist supplies, you probably have a better idea of how to consider both quality and price when shopping for these important items. Happy shopping!
