How much space does a CBCT Scanner need?
You would never believe you can fit a CBCT in there...
Most practices have one…
The pokey, awkward space that no one knows what to do with. They’re too small to turn into a surgery, too big to be the broom cupboard, and they’re an incredible opportunity hiding in plain sight.
If you’ve been thinking about expanding your in-house imaging capability, it might surprise you to know that you can fit a Carestream 3D CBCT or OPG into a space that is as small as 1.2M by 1.4M.
If you’re struggling to picture how big that is, consider that a standard bathroom shower unit is just under 1M by 1M.
How’s that pokey corner of the practice looking now?
If you have some usable dead space, the case for in-house CBCT is strong, whether you look at it from a patient care or practice profitability perspective.
CBCT & The Patient Care Perspective
Every dentist wants to do the best for their patient, and the diagnostic depth that CBCT affords can mean the difference between a rapid resolution (and a happy patient), and a drawn-out series of swings and misses (and a distinctly unhappy patient).
CBCT models like the Carestream CS8200 3D NEO offer general dentists and specialists alike, with wide ranging fields of view and low-dose modalities that minimise exposure. Flexibility like this within the footprint of your current practice, can make a marked increase on the treatment plans and care you are able to provide your patients.
Of course, you could refer patients for imaging, but as our lives become busier and time more scarce, in-house CBCT means less time between initial presentation, diagnosis and treatment.
CBCT & The Practice Profitability Perspective
Imaging scans are often seen as a paid service, and that’s all well and good. You’ll make a few extra dollars per patient, but if you’re running an ROI calculation on scanning revenue alone, you’ll find the equation wanting.
But one of our clients, who we won’t name here, does the exact opposite.
His approach looks at the bigger picture. This dentist does not charge for CBCT scans but presents them as a tool that he relies on to prepare and present treatment plans.
The benefit of this approach is three-fold;
- Firstly, it breaks the patient’s perceptual cycle that “dentists charge extra for everything” and works to rapidly build trust
- Secondly, it brings diagnostic accuracy, allowing for more robust treatment planning
- And thirdly, by building trust and a path forward that the patient can see and relate to, it drastically increases case acceptance and value
The flow-on effect of taking this approach, also helps to nurture a highly satisfied patient referral base, which keeps new patients flowing.
That is not to say that not charging for imaging is right for every practice. Dentists can absolutely build trust, higher value patients and referral while still charging for scans, but it does present a fresh perspective; both on fee structures, and on the unused space that could be growing your practice.
Our top pick for a CBCT with a small footprint:
For CBCT on a small footprint, the Carestream CS 8200 3D Neo is my pick. Even with the optional CEPH arm, the CS 8200 can fit in a room just 1.4m by 2M. Head to www.aluroequipment.co.nz/8200 to find out more.
And If you need more advice on what can go where, practice preparation and compliance, this quick link will point you to the Ministry of Health compliance guide for Dental Radiology: www.aluroequipment.co.nz/radiology-compliance