Crunching the Numbers: Choosing the Right Operatory Equipment for an Efficient and Long-Lasting Practice
Posted January 19, 2025 in Insights
The True Cost of Practice Equipment
Equipping your practice with the right operatory equipment is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. Your choice of treatment chairs, cabinetry, and other essential equipment affects everything from daily workflow to patient satisfaction. While upfront costs might dominate your decision-making process, the true cost of operatory equipment is better measured over years of use, factoring in durability, efficiency, and ergonomic design.
This guide will walk you through key considerations when selecting operatory equipment and highlight how making informed choices today can lead to significant savings and operational benefits in the long run.
Prioritizing Longevity in Your Investment
When it comes to dental and medical chairs, longevity should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. It might be tempting to opt for a lower-priced chair that promises savings in the short term, but these options often require replacement or significant repairs within 10-15 years.
Real-Life Example: Consider Dr. Laurence Golden, a seasoned professional who used his Boyd orthodontic chairs every day from 1980 until 2024, with only occasional reupholstering. For Dr. Golden, the original investment in quality equipment paid off significantly, as his chairs performed flawlessly for more than 40 years. Over that time, the total cost of ownership for those chairs was much lower than it would have been for less durable options.
"My first set of Boyd orthodontic chairs (reupholstered a few times) worked everyday from 1980 - 2024 when I replaced them with my new Boyd chairs. ... I love the quality of my Boyd products, and my representative of the past 20+ years, John Foulk, is the best in the business."
By choosing a long-lasting, high-quality chair, such as the Boyd M3000LS, you're making an investment that could last decades, allowing you to avoid costly replacements and repairs. Not to mention, a lasting relationship with a representative that you can trust. This makes a significant difference when you factor in the long-term savings.
The Role of Efficiency in Patient and Practice Satisfaction
Efficiency is critical to the success of any practice. Slow or cumbersome equipment can lead to delays, reduced patient satisfaction, and fewer daily appointments.
Why Efficiency Matters: Operatory equipment designed for speed and ease of use can save precious minutes during procedures, transitions, and setup. For example, Boyd’s M3000LS Treatment Chair reclines and resets 35% faster than comparable models, allowing practices to operate more smoothly.
Crunching the Numbers: Time saved per patient adds up quickly. Over a full workday, efficient equipment can translate into more patients served, better workflow, and increased revenue. Faster transitions also reduce patient wait times, which can have a significant impact on satisfaction and loyalty.
Ergonomics and Staff Health
In a fast-paced practice, ergonomics aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Operatory equipment that supports proper posture and reduces physical strain is essential for long-term practitioner and staff well-being.
Why Ergonomics Matter: Treatment chairs that are ergonomically designed can reduce stress on the body, enhance posture, and prevent repetitive strain injuries. This is especially important when your team is working long hours in a fast-paced environment.
Boyd’s M3000LS is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a winged backrest, contoured seat, and customizable headrests for optimal comfort. This ensures that both patients and practitioners experience less strain, leading to a more productive and comfortable workday. Whether it’s minimizing back pain or ensuring your patients are comfortable throughout procedures, a well-designed chair can have a huge impact on staff health and satisfaction.
Comparison to Other Brands: While many budget-friendly chairs might seem appealing at first, they often lack the thoughtful ergonomic design found in higher-end models. Choosing an ergonomic chair will help keep your team comfortable, healthy, and productive over the long term.
What to Consider When Choosing a Chair
Choosing the right treatment chair isn’t just about cost; it’s about balancing multiple factors to ensure the best possible outcome for your practice. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when making your decision:
- Durability: Opt for chairs with steel frame construction and high-quality materials designed for long-lasting performance.
- Speed and Efficiency: A chair that moves quickly between positions can save you time and reduce patient wait times.
- Customization: Choose chairs that offer customizable options, such as upholstery colors, headrests, and stitch patterns, to match the aesthetic of your practice. Learn about Boyd's endless customization options here.
- Maintenance: How easy is it to repair or maintain the chair over time? High-quality chairs often come with warranties or service options to ensure longevity.
- Patient Comfort: Comfortable patients are happy patients. Consider how the chair will impact their experience during procedures.
Comparing Boyd Industries to the Competition
While there are many options on the market, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of each choice carefully. Here’s how Boyd’s M3000LS compares to other treatment chairs:
- Low-Cost Alternatives: Many budget-friendly options offer lower upfront costs but often lack durability, ergonomic design, or efficiency. These chairs might require replacement or significant repairs within 10–20 years, ultimately costing you more in the long run.
- Mid-Range Competitors: Some mid-range chairs may offer a good balance of features but tend to fall short in terms of longevity and ergonomics. They might require more frequent maintenance or upgrades.
- Boyd Industries: Boyd’s M3000LS is built for longevity, offering an advanced ergonomic design and faster efficiency. Boyd chairs are known for their durability, voted the top choice in orthodontic operatory equipment every year since 2013.
Choose Wisely, Choose for the Long Term
Choosing the right treatment chair is more than just a financial decision; it’s an investment in the future of your practice. By focusing on longevity, efficiency, and ergonomics, you can ensure that your practice operates smoothly for years to come.
While there are plenty of options available, chairs built to last, like Boyd’s M3000LS, offer a significant advantage in terms of long-term savings, staff health, and patient experience. When you crunch the numbers, it’s clear that investing in quality equipment today will pay off in spades down the line.
