Three Things You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Digital X-Ray System
By Lorne Lavine, DMD
While many practices have made the leap to digital X-rays over the past decade, over 50% are still not using digital systems. With government regulations looming, and many referring offices using digital X-rays, many practices will find that it is prudent to get a digital X-ray system sooner rather than later.
Click here to view the DentistryIQ.com Buyer's Guide on digital X-ray systems.
While dentists tend to focus on hard numbers such as the resolution of the sensor or the thickness, there are three other critical areas that must be evaluated to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Image quality. It is a mistake to assume that just because a sensor has a high resolution (line pairs per mm), that translates into better image quality. There are many factors that can affect image quality. In my experience, the image management software has a far greater effect on image quality than the sensor itself. Other factors would include the X-ray heads, the exposure times, the kvp, USB cables, and a dozen other factors. One way to ensure you're happy with the images is to have a demo done in your office with your equipment. The images that most sales reps have on their laptops are often highly modified and are not indicative of what your images will look like.
2. Hidden costs. While many practices will limit their price comparison to the initial cost, it's important to realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Most companies charge a monthly fee for service and support. While sensors all come with a warranty that typically is one to three years, these warranties don't cover damage, so many sensor vendors will also offer annual insurance plans. Some of these plans allow you to replace a sensor out of warranty at a reduced cost, but since sensors typically last four to five years, you'll need to factor this into the equation as well.
3. Infrastructure. I alluded to this in both of the points above. For offices that are going digital, the costs for items to support the sensors are usually much higher than the sensors themselves! You'll need to make sure that you have a server with enough capacity for the larger image files. You'll need modern computers with powerful video cards and monitors with high contrast ratio. You will need a color printer. You'll need to redesign your backup and disaster recovery systems, and will also need to make sure you are HIPAA compliant in how you store and send images to other offices.
Digital X-rays are a fantastic technology, and almost every office will benefit from them. Offices should consider working with an objective technology consultant to ensure that they are prepared for all of the decisions that need to be made before making the investment in digital radiography.
Click here to view the DentistryIQ.com Buyer's Guide on digital X-ray systems.
Lorne Lavine, DMD, practiced periodontics and implant dentistry for more than 10 years. He is an A+ certified computer technician, as well as Network+ certified. He is the president of Dental Technology Consultants, a company that assists dentists in all phases of technology integration in the dental practice. He can be reached at [email protected], or by phone at (866) 204-2298. Visit his website at www.thedigitaldentist.com.
