Using new technology

Our decision to invest in CEREC technology was not one undertaken lightly. As a busy mixed practice with a large NHS contract we support a principal, three associates, a VT and a hygienist, and are not in a position to be able to just invest in a piece of equipment and let it gather dust in the corner.

Before we made the final purchasing decision we calculated our break-even point, and concluded that we needed it to produce four private crowns per month to meet the financial obligation of the lease. However our thinking behind introducing the technology was that it would become an integral part of our treatment offering (for NHS and private patients). In actual fact we now estimate the CEREC is currently used at least four times a day.

Although it’s true to say that financial considerations motivated our purchase to a certain extent, the clinical considerations were also important. The accuracy of CEREC restorations was a factor that the principal was particularly keen to take advantage of. The marginal fit of CEREC is particularly impressive and when a patient is in the chair waiting to have a restoration fitted, our dentists are now completely confident that there will be no need for adjustments. This has resulted in more efficient fitting appointments that ensure increased patient satisfaction and a more relaxed and confident clinical team. Additionally, since we have started to use the technology our refits have been minimised.