Establishing a new dental practice is a complex endeavor that necessitates the support of various key partners, particularly in dental equipment. This niche is fascinating due to the intricate and enduring partnerships with Equipment Specialists, Dental Equipment Manufacturers, and Service Providers. These relationships are vital not only during the initial setup of a practice but also for its ongoing success. Indeed, a dental practice's functionality and longevity hinge on its equipment's quality and maintenance.
At Curate Studios, we frequently collaborate with industry experts to provide insightful blog content. So, we talked with three experts on Dental Equipment from specific specialties and asked them to share their wisdom and insights for Dental Practitioners wanting to start a new practice.
Industry Enthusiast, Jamie Touchett, Dental Equipment Specialist - Benco Dental
Jamie Touchett, a dental equipment specialist for Benco Dental, brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in helping dental professionals select the right equipment for their practices. Throughout our conversation, Jamie emphasized the importance of balancing financial considerations with the need for quality equipment, particularly in the early stages of building or expanding a practice.
Jamie explained that his involvement often begins through referrals from brokers, bankers, or contractors who trust him based on his previous work. When selecting equipment, Jamie prefers to start by getting to know the dentist, understanding their vision, and guiding them through a hands-on experience at one of Benco’s showroom locations. “We showcase everything from chairs to digital packages,” Jamie says. “Dentists can sit in the chairs, use the delivery units, and even take live X-rays. It’s all about making sure the decision they’re making is the correct one.”
A crucial part of Jamie’s approach is to help dental professionals navigate their budgets wisely. Many dentists, particularly those just starting, face financial constraints due to the high construction cost and student debt. Jamie mentions that dental practitioners often have to compromise on their initial equipment purchases due to budget restrictions, leaving room for future upgrades. “A lot of times, construction eats up the majority of the budget,” Jamie says. “Dentists end up having to back off what they want on the equipment side just to get the practice up and running.”
Jamie’s main advice for new dentists is to build a trustworthy team early. He stresses the importance of working with reliable bankers, brokers, and other professionals who can guide them through an overwhelming process.
"Don’t wait till the last minute. Build your team around people you trust,” Jamie advises. “When I give a referral, it’s someone I know will get the job done and take care of the doctor. Problems cause headaches for everyone involved, so it’s all about minimizing those issues upfront.”
In addition to practical advice on selecting and budgeting for equipment, Jamie is excited about the future of dental technology—particularly 3D printing. He sees 3D printing as a game-changer in the dental industry, especially for same-day crowns. “I can see 3D printing strongly affecting the chairside crown business in the next five to seven years,” Jamie notes. “The technology is getting more affordable, and while labs won’t be replaced, 3D printing is going to make a significant dent in that market.”
Finally, Jamie highlights his role throughout the entire equipment selection and installation process. From ordering the equipment to coordinating with project managers, Jamie remains involved to ensure everything goes smoothly. “I always tell the doctors, we’re going to be joined at the hip for the next six months or so,” he says. Even after the installation, Jamie remains a resource for the practice, though the relationship transitions to the supply rep who takes over the ongoing day-to-day support.
His parting advice for any dentist preparing to start or expand their practice?
“Go with your gut and trust the people you’ve put in place. Let them handle their business so you can focus on yours—building your skillset and financial security.”
Equipment Insights from Shannon Gregson, Territory Manager - A-Dec
Choosing which tools and equipment to invest in can be daunting when equipping a dental practice. To help navigate these choices, I spoke with Shannon Gregson, Territory Manager at A-Dec, a leading manufacturer of dental chairs, cabinetry, delivery systems, and handpieces. Shannon shared his insights on how dentists can choose and maintain the right equipment to enhance their practice and patient care.
Shannon explained that most dental practitioners connect with equipment manufacturers through dental distributors. "We rely heavily on our distributors to connect us with the practitioners," he said. These distributors are often the bridge between dentists and manufacturers like A-Dec, helping them navigate equipment choices through showrooms, dental shows, or expert programs.
Once dentists reach the stage of purchasing equipment, most have already settled on a budget and consulted with contractors, designers, and financial representatives. Shannon noted that dentists commonly ask, “Why should I choose A-Dec?” His response typically focuses on the company’s commitment to quality and ergonomics.
"We talk a lot about the ergonomic benefits of what A-Dec offers," Shannon said.
"Eighty percent of dentists suffer from musculoskeletal issues. It’s a tough industry on the human body, and we design our equipment to help dentists practice pain-free."
A crucial part of the decision-making process involves evaluating the equipment's ergonomic and technological aspects. Shannon highlighted that dentists often only realize how much of a difference ergonomics can make once they begin experiencing pain. A-Dec focuses on ensuring that practitioners can work efficiently without discomfort. "We have to work with distributors and contractors to design treatment rooms that ensure they aren't working in pain and won’t have financial strains based on the setup."
Technology integration is another consideration. A-Dec’s equipment includes options for integrating electric motors, scalers, cameras, and curing lights directly into the delivery units, keeping everything a dentist needs within a 27-inch reach. "At the end of the day, it makes them more efficient and productive," Shannon emphasized.
One piece of advice Shannon shared with dentists is to focus on the long-term cost of ownership rather than just the upfront price.
"Do your due diligence, but don’t get too caught up in the initial cost of the equipment. You need to look at the cost of ownership over the next 20 years," he said.
While A-Dec equipment may have a higher initial price, its longevity and durability make it a cost-effective choice.
Once a practice purchases A-Dec equipment, the relationship doesn't end there. Shannon explained that A-Dec partners with distributors to provide post-installation support, which includes in-service training on how to use the equipment. "Once they invest in A-Dec, they're also investing in me," Shannon said. "I provide long-term, ongoing training and support for as long as they need it."
This commitment to long-term relationships with dental practices ensures that dentists are equipped with high-quality tools and the support needed to use them effectively.
Bryant Hinrichs, Dental Equipment Service Manager-Patterson
When setting up a new dental practice or expanding an existing one, Bryant Hinrichs, a seasoned Dental Equipment Service Manager at Patterson, offered a wealth of essential advice. His years of experience emphasize the importance of early planning and regular maintenance, both crucial for ensuring smooth operations and long-term success.
One of the first pieces of advice Bryant shares is to involve an equipment representative right from the start, even before construction begins.
"The best thing you can do is get in touch with an equipment rep as soon as you plan on opening an office," he advises.
Establishing a kickoff meeting between the dentist, contractors, and equipment specialists is crucial to align on utilities, electrical needs, plumbing, and layout. This meeting ensures that critical equipment specifications are integrated into the building plans, preventing costly delays or mistakes later.
Bryant stresses that specialized equipment installation requires precise planning. “Each piece of equipment…whether it’s a chair, delivery unit, or cabinetry…has specific drawings and dimensions,” he explains. These details must be incorporated into the construction plans. Without precise planning, even small errors—like incorrect utility placement—can throw off the entire office layout and workflow, which is critical for both patient care and staff efficiency.
While often overlooked, the mechanical room is the heart of your practice, housing essential equipment like compressors and vacuums. Bryant explains that mechanical rooms are frequently too small, which can cause significant issues down the road. “Mechanical rooms tend to generate a lot of heat…if that goes down, you’re not operating,” he warns. A cramped space also makes it difficult to perform regular maintenance, which can increase service fees and damage equipment. Bryant’s advice: allocate extra space to your mechanical room to ensure longevity and functionality.
Sterilization areas are another crucial element that requires careful planning. Bryant emphasizes that the workflow in this area must be seamless to avoid downtime and cross-contamination. “You always want to separate your dirty side from your clean side,” he notes. A well-planned sterilization layout improves staff efficiency and ensures compliance with safety standards.
Once the equipment is installed, preventative maintenance becomes vital. Bryant notes that many issues arise from a lack of regular upkeep.
“We’ve come up with a preventative maintenance guide that we offer to offices,” he says. This guide helps staff stay on top of daily tasks like cleaning equipment and conducting basic checks. Consistent maintenance not only prolongs the life of your equipment but also prevents unexpected breakdowns that could interrupt patient care.”
Bryant also highlights the importance of clear communication regarding equipment delivery and installation timelines. This process is closely coordinated with the construction timeline to ensure everything is ready before the practice opens. He explains, “We provide a time frame of how long it will take us to complete the install…so we make sure everything flows smoothly.”
The service team at Patterson is well-versed in both technology and core equipment. According to Bryant, they have specialists for everything from digital X-rays and software systems to installing and maintaining chairs, lights, and vacuums. This comprehensive support ensures that all aspects of the practice are covered. "We have 17 technicians locally that are able to accommodate any of our offices' service needs," he explains, emphasizing that having a reliable team of experts on hand is critical to smooth operations.
Bryant summarizes his insights by reminding us that dental equipment specialists are more than just there for installation and repairs. They offer a full spectrum of support, including consultation on practice design and operations. “We kind of are the Jack of all trades…whether it comes to supplies, equipment, servicing, or support,” he says. Building relationships with your equipment providers early can help streamline the process and keep your practice running smoothly long after opening day.
We at Curate Studios are truly grateful for the valuable insights shared by industry experts Jamie Touchett, Shannon Gregson, and Bryant Himrichs. Their knowledge and advice have shed light on the critical importance of making informed decisions when selecting and maintaining dental equipment for both new and established practices. We strongly encourage you to seek collaboration with industry professionals like these and leverage the expertise of Curate Studios to ensure that you make the best-informed decisions for the success of your dental practice.
Jamie Touchett, Equipment Specialist Benco Dental
Cell: (337) 280-4157
Email: jt9930@benco.com
Web: Benco Dental: Dental Supplies, Equipment & Services
Shannon Gregson, A-dec territory Manager (North Texas/Northern Louisiana)
Cell: (469) 628-3932
Email: shannon.gregson@a-dec.com
Web: A-dec Dental Equipment | Reliable, Ergonomic, Best in Class
Bryant Hinrichs, Service Manager Patterson Dental (DFW Metroplex)
Branch Direct: (817) 305-4200
Email: Bryant.Hinrichs@pattersondental.com
Web: Dental Supplies, Equipment, Service | Patterson Dental