How to Fight Back Against Inflationary Changes in Dentistry (Post-Covid)
We have all experienced unfortunate financial changes in dentistry since the pandemic began. Holes in our schedules, insurance companies decreasing payments, and inflationary increases in supply costs have all affected our bottom line. How do we counter them productively and move our practices forward?
Sadly, supply companies have not always been our friends during the pandemic. We were coerced into buying external suctions and other supplies of questionable value and found ourselves paying over $50.00 for boxes of gloves and $80.00 for twenty masks. Surprisingly, these very same supply companies manufactured those gloves and face-masks in some cases.
It’s time to fight back! We must discover ways to make our dentistry more efficient, economical, and faster. Thankfully, there are better and easier products out there that are available from our supply companies or directly from the manufacturers themselves.
A not-so-hidden secret is that some more prominent manufacturers have deals with dental schools only to dispense their products. Upon graduation, students tend to flock to the products they are familiar with, and many of them are the most marketed and expensive products available.
Through the Catapult group, the author has been able to sample hundreds of products and found that many small companies have fabulous products that are better, more accessible, and much less expensive than the products many of us use. For example:
1) Dental cement has become MUCH easier:
A new generation of self-etch and RMGI dental cement born during the pandemic are stronger, simpler to apply, and even easier to remove excess. Some are less expensive than the big names too!
2) Single Shade Composites:
One of the best inflation busters to hit dentistry. They can save you a BUNDLE of money and create better restorations than ever before. Which brands work well, which not-so-much?
3) Polishing discs:
There are discs out there that work as well as the most popular brands but are MUCH more economical and have less risk of scratching a restoration.
4) Desensitizers:
You are probably paying ridiculously high prices for a thimble full of liquid when better, AND less expensive options are available.
5) Etchants:
2022 etchants do not seep onto dentin when you don’t want them to-they stay where you put them with far less waste and less expense.
6) Temporary Crowns:
Imagine a provisional that is made to last 2-5 years instead of 2-5 weeks! It feels and works like the others and can be cemented with permanent cement- great for seniors and patients in long-term medical or dental treatment.
7) Impression Materials:
Small companies out there make great products and do not require “middleman” supply companies to bring prices up, which works as well or better than the expensive top sellers
8) Injection Molding:
Hear my words: DO NOT buy the most expensive brands. Two smaller companies rock this great new trend in dentistry, and the results are amazing.
9) NEW Better Zirconias:
What is a 4Y/5Y zirconia, and how does it compare to 3Y/5Y? Is there such a strong thing as zirconia but has good translucency? YES, there is now!
10) Faster Curing Lights:
Is there a 3-second curing light? Yes, BUT it can cure many composites in ONE second! Stay tuned on May 12th.
11) Restoration Cleaners:
Are they necessary? There are two brand new ones you probably haven’t heard of. Are they worth purchasing?
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Learn how to “post-Covid” your practice with the best, most accessible, most efficient, and most economical products you have ever used. Tune in to Tackling a Changed Dental World (Post-Covid Edition) on Thursday night, May 12th, at 7:00 EST.
About the author
Dr. Peter Auster strives for his seminars to be “uplifting, inspiring, and educational” – as a recent testimonial summarized. He continues thirty-five years of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry in his private practice in Pomona, NY. Dr. Auster has written dozens of articles for major dental publications. His article, “Groundbreaking Composite Dentistry” was the cover story of Dentistry Today Magazine in February 2019. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists.
Dr. Auster is proud to be a speaker and product reviewer for Catapult Education. He completed two terms on the board of directors of the AACD, was chair of their leadership committee and is currently, the 2022 chairman of their Professional Education Committee. He is a “Dawson Scholar” and received a “Concept of Complete Dentistry Award” from the Dawson Academy.
Dr. Auster is very proud of his selection as an AACD Humanitarian of the Year and his Certificate of International Voluntary Service from the ADA. He is founder and past president of the New York Affiliate of the AACD, the Greater New York Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Auster’s volunteer work includes 11 years of volunteer dentistry in Jamaica. He has been voted a “Top Dentist in the Hudson Valley” by his peers for the last 15 years. Dr. Auster is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
