DTS 2021: HOW TO MAKE DIGITAL WORK FOR YOU Leave a comment
The advantages of a digital workflow are now widely acknowledged among the dental lab profession. Efficiency, accuracy and predictability are optimised – all of which will be especially important for businesses now and in the months to come. However, there are various potential barriers that lab owners may need to overcome before they are able to utilise the latest technologies.
FINANCES
The first objection will likely be the financial impact of purchasing what can be expensive pieces of equipment. There are several potential options to research. First, it is crucial to have a handle on your finances and to understand exactly what position your lab is in. There may be some areas where you have increased efficiencies lately, so as business picks up, you might be surprised to find a little more disposable revenue than you initially expected. When you know what you can and cannot afford, consider researching the finance options available from technology manufacturers and suppliers. Many are offering payment plans to increase viability of investments. Some also allow you to defer repayments for a few months so that you can get started with the product and generate revenue before having to pay for it. In addition, there are various schemes currently available from the Government designed to financially support businesses of all sizes. Finding a solution that will allow you to balance the books will make investing in digital far more effective for you.
LEARNING CURVE
As is true when introducing any new technique, material or technology, implementing or expanding a digital workflow will require training and education for the team. While this does take some time and technicians need to become familiar with the product before maximising on all its benefits, solutions today are designed to minimise this learning curve. Suppliers routinely deliver product training and offer on-going technical support to help individuals make the most of the new workflow as quickly as possible. As many labs employ at least some aspect of digital, it can be fairly straight forward for technicians to get to grips with certain new technologies.
INTEGRATION
The next potential problem might be how to integrate a new digital solution within your existing workflow. The dental profession – much like many other industries – has recently been transformed, with several new processes introduced and protocols adjusted. The last thing anyone wants is another upheaval that creates yet more hassle for the technical team. To minimise the risk of this happening and encourage a smooth transition, product selection is key. Choosing the right type of product and the right brand will have a huge impact on how seamlessly the technology is integrated within your workflow, as well as how much it ultimately benefits your business. Have a look online, request brochures, contact your local representatives, speak to colleagues who have experience with different digital solutions and seek recommendations. You need quality products with continuous support available to optimise your return on investment with any new digital solutions.
AN ALTERNATIVE
For some dental labs, you may consider all of the above and still struggle to establish the benefits of digital for your business. Alternatively, perhaps you have done the maths and you’re concerned about whether you will receive enough orders from clients to make investing in technology sensible. If this is the case, you may instead consider partnering with another laboratory to outsource cases that would benefit from a fully digital workflow. In doing so, you and your clients can enjoy all the advantages that a digital workflow affords, without a significant investment from you. This may be a short-term solution until the demand for digital services increases, or you might maintain the relationships you form longer-term as you develop your lab in specific areas. Either way, this may be how you make digital work for you.
INSPIRATION
If you’re looking for information on the latest digital solutions or inspiration on how to advance your lab, the Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) 2021 is the place to be. Two days of lab-dedicated education will be on offer, with an array of world-class speakers sharing their own experiences, expertise and insights on all manner of digital workflows. An extensive trade show will also host hundreds of dental manufacturers and suppliers, so you can browse the latest innovations and watch demonstrations. The event will also be a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and to meet new colleagues, expanding your professional network and enabling you to connect with other labs you may be able to collaborate with in the future.
TAILORED TO YOU
The most important factor when developing your digital workflow is to make it work for you. Your clients, their patients, your team and your existing set-up will all influence what you need, when you need it and how it will elevate your services. Doing your research and tailoring your approach will deliver the best results.
The next DTS will be held on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May 2021. Hall 5, Birmingham NEC, co-located with the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show.
For the latest information, please visit www.the-dts.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dts@closerstillmedia.com
