The impact of technology on a dental practice

Dental and medical finance company, Mediplus, is embarking on a study to investigate the impact of technology on a dental practice. The purpose of the "Mediplus Benchmark Study", according to principal Peter Badenhorst, is to determine what benefits, if any, have come about as a result of technological change.

"I have been involved with the dental industry since 1993," he said. "Over the course of the last decade, the traditional benchmarks used by all dentists to monitor practices have changed significantly.

"As a financier, Mediplus is in a unique position to get a comprehensive view of each practice. It has long been my personal view that many of the changes that have occurred are not necessarily in the best interests of practitioners, both from a time and financial point of view.

"Dentistry today requires a significant investment in capital and expertise. Proportionate to members of the medical profession, dentistry is the most expensive discipline of all.

"There are a plethora of consultants available to 'improve' the management and profitability of a dental practice. I believe there is a better way in which I can share some of my experiences with practitioners and the dental community at large."

Mr Badenhorst is looking for dentists to participate in the Study, which involves a personal interview of 1 to 2 hours covering the following areas:

• Practice structure including staffing, management and associates;
• Practice management systems;
• Equipment, particularly intraoral cameras, laser and CEREC or the equivalent thereof;
• Financial analysis - 3-year financial history of established practitioners; and
• Issues you believe are relevant.

"There is no cost to be part of the study and a convenient time can be arranged for the interview. It also doesn't matter if you are based in a regional area as arrangements will be made to visit," Mr Badenhorst said.

"As this is a Group Study, the identity of individual participants will remain confidential."