There are more options than ever for dental professionals to purchase dental equipment for their practice. Buying brand-new from the manufacturer is the standard for most, but buying used and refurbished equipment is continuing to gain popularity and credibility in the marketplace.

Each option provides its own benefits, but some purchasing decisions come with more risks than others. With proper research into your needs, resources, and budget, you can find the right option for you and your dental practice.

New

The latest model, straight from the factory. You know exactly what to expect as the equipment typically comes with all the accessories and manufacture warranty. However, it will fetch the highest price point and may take the longest to receive based on manufacturing/shipping delays. This could be your best option if you are in the market for the newest equipment, but don’t need it immediately, and have a flexible budget.

Used

You’re receiving an item “as-is” from a previous user with varying levels of wear and tear. This is usually the cheapest option, so great for those on a tight budget, but it holds little guarantees and no warranty. This could suit any dentist who needs a quick replacement or has access to a trusted seller.

Refurbished

To label a device “refurbished,”  FDA guidance states it must be “like new,” and any restoration repairs or replacement components must not change the device’s performance, safety, or intended function. This might be a great option if you are a new dentist on a budget, want an discontinued item, or want to try new tech at a lower entry cost.

However, the quality of this “like new” status can depend on the process of how the equipment is fixed. The correct process should include complete inspection, replacement of worn parts, cosmetic maintenance, and equipment testing.

So, even if the refurbishing option sounds like the best of both worlds, not every refurbishing process is the same. If buying refurbished sounds like the option for you, then make sure you work with a trusted refurbisher like Atlas Resell Management.

What to Know When Buying Refurbished

         What Makes a Trusted Refurbisher?

Buying refurbished equipment can offer you high value at a lower cost than buying new. But part of that refurbished value comes from the process and steps that trusted sellers like Atlas put into getting you a “like new” piece of equipment. As a quick guide, here’s what the refurbishing process should look like from a trusted seller.

           Atlas’ Refurbishing Process

1. Sourcing

We’ve established a wide network of dental offices and industry partners that allows us to communicate directly with our providers so we can review previous use and equipment history before we acquire the piece.

2. Inspection

We only resell equipment with the potential to provide the value and benefits that dentists require. To ensure this level of quality, we check for accessory completeness, quality cosmetic condition, and functionality.

3. Repair

It’s not enough to wipe down the equipment and call it refurbished. At Atlas, we have specialized technicians that clean every crevice, replace or repair critical wearable parts, and restore the entire unit back to manufactured specifications. Some refurbished units can be nearly indistinguishable from their new counterparts. Before listing we do a final quality control check for calibration and full functionality.

4. Warranty

With our refurbished equipment, your satisfaction is guaranteed with our one-year warranty. You’ll have access to our support team, who can discuss routine maintenance that will optimize the lifespan of your equipment and the total cost of ownership.

Conclusion

Take some time to investigate your equipment purchasing options to make the best buying decision based on your practice’s needs and circumstances. And when the time comes to make your purchase, visit Atlas’ online store for our selection of refurbished and used dental equipment and consult our expert customer service team who can guide you through every option.