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Budgeting For Dental Hygiene Equipment You Need

Jun 16, 2016

Author: Amber Metro-Sanchez

You probably have a wish list of dental hygiene equipment. Products such as loupes or an ultrasonic insert with LED lighting make our jobs easier, but they come with a hefty price tag.

As reported in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, ergonomic interventions may help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. As a dental hygienist, it is important to invest in yourself in order to keep your body functioning at its best. Here are some simple tips to help you design a budget that will bring your dream equipment within your reach.

Total All of Your Expenses

There are multiple expenses that come along with being a dental hygienist. Some of these expenses include your license renewal and paying for continuing education courses. Other expenses include liability insurance and professional membership dues. Beyond essential expenses, make a list of your professional priorities and determine where your dream piece of equipment fits in. Once you have compiled that list, you can begin creating a budget.

Making a Priority List

There is a wide variety of dental equipment available to help make your job easier, such as saddle seats and loupes with headlights. Decide which products you are most interested in by doing a little research. Ask your peers for suggestions and about their personal experiences with certain brands and products.

Get the Most For Your Money

A lot of dental hygiene equipment is expensive, so try to get the best deal possible. Look out for monthly specials from your dental suppliers and talk to your reps so that they can keep an eye out for you. Dental conventions are a great place to get dealer specials that may not normally be available, and offers may also be available on company websites. Dental conventions give you an opportunity to try out the equipment, depending on what it is, and to get answers to any questions you may have, so you can be more confident about your purchase.

Another way to make your money stretch farther is to take advantage of free continuing education courses as much as possible. Colgateoffers a wide variety of webinars at no cost, to help you fulfill your continuing education requirements. With the money you save, you are one step closer to your desired piece of dental equipment.

Set Aside Money on a Regular Basis

One of the best ways to budget is to save money over time by taking a fixed amount out of each paycheck. Begin by noting the price of the item you want. Then set up a specific time frame for when you want to be able to make your purchase. With this information in mind, you will have a set goal to look forward to.

Talk to Your Dentist

One way to obtain new dental hygiene equipment is to ask your employer for that item or for some help. Your dentist may not be aware of a product that is new to the market, such as a cordless dental hygiene handpiece. He or she could also be thinking about replacing older equipment in the office anyway, and this is a good time to have a discussion about dental hygiene equipment. Let your employer know how the new dental hygiene equipment could help you perform your job more effectively and efficiently. In the end, you never know unless you ask.

By taking the time to set up a budget, or if your dentist offers or agrees to purchase an item for you, you will be able to actually purchase the dental equipment that you have had your eye on for weeks or even months. Once you are able to use your desired item on a regular basis, you will thank yourself and may wonder how you managed without it.

Takeaways

  • Budgeting for your dream dental equipment does not have to be difficult.
  • Investing in yourself keeps you happier and healthier as a dental hygienist.
  • Begin by setting aside money from each paycheck.

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