3 ways to improve your dental practice's ROI using CBCT

Practicing dentists are faced with daunting choices when it comes to incorporating advanced technologies – CAD/CAM, lasers, digital radiography, implant surgical devices, 3D computed cone beam radiographic imaging and computer-based management, as well as educational, promotional, and diagnostic technologies lead the list in 2014.

The purchasing decision-making process is difficult in and of itself; dentists have to balance perceived needs and benefits with the pull of strong, focused marketing information and hopefully a high level of business ROI analysis.

But once you make your new purchase, what then?

Here is some advice I have learned from working with other dentists and incorporating my Planmeca ProMax into my practice.

1.  Invest in education for the dentist and staff to develop a working knowledge of CBCT for the entire team, which includes image acquisition, fluency with the imaging software, and a basic understanding of CBCT image interpretation. This will allow a practice to acquire images consistently and interpret the data quickly and accurately on command for optimal benefit.

2.  Develop a clearly defined practice protocol for when images are taken. CBCT is not designed to replace 2D panoramic images, but a CBCT study will provide information that 2D images cannot provide. A practice protocol or flow sheet will standardize the use of CBCT for maximum benefit.

3.  Every practice needs to have a concise understanding of the procedures for which that particular practice will utilize CBCT. Each practice will differ according to the procedures they perform. With this knowledge, the practice can analyze past need historically and use this information to develop ROI figures.

For devices such as the ProMax 3D by Planmeca, this would include the number of 2D Panorex images that would be taken. For example, three pans a week at $125 per image ($1,625/month), eight implant CBCT studies per month at $375 each ($3,000/month), five CBCT studies of impacted third molars at $200 each ($1,000), and five CBCT studies of endodontic cases at $200 each ($1,000).

This minimal use would generate $6,625 in revenues monthly, providing an excess of $4,000 in direct profits monthly or $48,000 annually, without consideration for production from procedures generated by the diagnostic information from the imaging.

Knowledge of the type and frequency of procedures performed on a monthly basis removes the guesswork from calculating and planning ROI.
 

Dr. Eugene Antenucci’s expertise in the clinical integration and utilization of advanced dental technologies has assisted many dentists in making sound decisions in working with and profiting from technology in practice. As an international lecturer, his programs have provided hundreds of attendees with concrete and usable information on the practical applications of technologies such as digital impressioning, intra- and extraoral imaging, digital radiography, dental lasers, CBCT imaging and office automation, as well as the incorporation of social media and the internet in dental marketing in order to increase a practice’s visibility and flow of new patients.

Dr. Antenucci currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU College of Dentistry teaching implant surgical and prosthetic dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Eugene has served in numerous leadership roles with the Academy of General Dentistry at both the State and National levels. He has many years of experience with chairside CAD/CAM and Cone Beam Imaging, and incorporated the Planmeca ProMax 3D in his practice in 2008.