Calculating the ROI of Modern Dental Technology

Advances in digital marketing keep RAMP on its toes in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date tools in online communication and patient acquisition. Analytics and metrics allow us to see what’s working and adjust accordingly.

But what about the physical tools you use every day in your practice? Or the latest equipment you’ve been considering for a much-needed upgrade? Investments in dental technology should pay for themselves through two primary mechanisms: operational efficiency (cost savings + time recovered) and revenue generation (higher case acceptance + premium services).

Two of the most popular advances in dentistry tech are digital scanners and 3D imaging. You may already use one or both of these game-changing tools to add benefits to your practice and patients. Let’s look at how each category delivers returns on your investment.

Intraoral Scanners

The development of digital scanners has turned dental imaging on its head. Not only can these tools diagnose common dental issues, but they have vastly improved restoration processes by replacing traditional impressions. Recent guidelines from the ADA to reduce the use of X-rays make them even more valuable to modern practices. Notable savings and benefits include:

• By eliminating impression materials such as alginate, PVS, or trays, dentists can save $15-40 per case. That adds up fast across hundreds of impressions annually.
• Traditional impressions have remake rates of 10-20%, while digital scans reduce this to under 2% – saving lab fees and chair time.
• Same-day restorations (with in-office milling) collapse a two-appointment crown into one, freeing a slot worth $300-600 in additional production.
• Scanning typically takes 3-5 minutes vs. 10-15 minutes for traditional impressions, which reduces valuable chair time in restorative cases.
• When patients can see their own teeth in 3D in real time, it dramatically improves case acceptance – as much as 20-40%.
• Practices with scanners report higher patient retention and referrals, particularly among younger demographics.
• Open doors to aligner therapy – a high-margin, growing revenue stream that requires digital scanning.

Typical ROI for Intraoral Scanners

A scanner can cost between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the model, accessories, and software. If a practice does 50+ impression cases/month, a digital scanner often pays for itself in 12-24 months, factoring in the aforementioned considerations.

3D Imaging (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is advanced dental technology that is used when regular X-rays or intraoral imaging isn’t sufficient. It provides detailed 3D views, allowing more comprehensive diagnostics and precise treatment planning such as implant placement. The ADA encourages conservative use of CBCT under the new X-ray guidelines. Some of the benefits of utilizing this technology in your practice include:

• In-house imaging eliminates referrals to radiology centers, keeping the patient (and the fee) in the practice.
• Prevents surgical surprises – better pre-op planning means fewer complications resulting in emergency follow-up visits.
• Enables more predictable implant placement, reducing the risk of costly failed implants.
• Implant revenue is significant, with a single implant case generating thousands of dollars.
• CBCT enables airway assessment, opening a growing revenue category with oral appliance therapy used in sleep apnea cases.
• Patients shown a 3D scan of their oral anatomy are more confident saying yes to complex, higher-fee treatment.

Average ROI for CBCT Technology

A new CBCT unit can cost anywhere from $50,000–$150,000, depending on brand, field of view (FOV), software, and other features. Be sure to factor in installation, training, and support costs as well. Refurbished units may be considerably less. CBCT can pay for itself for implant dentists and those performing other surgical cases. By retaining even 2-3 implant cases per month, practices can recover costs in 1-2 years.

Is Dental Tech Worth the Investment?

Breaking down the ROI of digital scanners and 3D imaging means evaluating their impact on efficiency and case acceptance. Practices that integrate digital technology consistently report production increases within two years – not from seeing more patients, but from doing more complete dentistry for the ones already in the chair.

The question isn’t so much if technology pays for itself, but whether the practice has the systems and training to activate its full potential. It’s also vital to promote these new services to both existing and prospective patient bases. RAMP can help you identify and target those who will receive the most benefit from digital tools and advances in care. After all, we’ve been the leader in dental marketing for over 20 years. Schedule a free strategy session today to discuss what we can do for you!