Carson feels that the dental device industry is taking a hit because people are putting off having most dental work done (only what's absolutely necessary) because most people don't have dental insurance (or have to supplement what they do have) and don't have the money to spend on major restoration or for aesthetic purposes. "A dentist is not going to spend money on equipment if the business doesn't have the clients to support the cost of that equipment," says Carson. He says that his company deals mostly with dentists who are setting up new practices and need turnkey items like chairs, X-ray machines, etc. "Digital X-ray machines and teeth whitening systems are hot right now," states Carson, "but because of the economy, sales for whitening systems have slowed down quite a bit."




President and CEO of EquipStat Medical Equipment, Inc., Michael Parnell, is very optimistic about business in 2009. He relates that 2008 was great and had many new customers looking for preowned/refurbished dental equipment. "Our plan for 2009 is to increase our dental equipment inventory, as well as all medical equipment, expand our Service Department and keep on growing," Parnell reports. He sees the biggest challenge for 2009 is catching up with the growth of his business and the technology "with equipment software changing yearly if not sooner." Parnell also realizes that one of the biggest challenges in any business is the financial cost of growth, and to help offset these costs, EquipStat offers both new and pre-owned dental equipment, including Power exam chairs, lights, autoclaves and sterilizers, patient monitors, pulse oximeters, stainless steel equipment, stools, X-ray and office equipment.

David Hedlund, President of Hedlund Dental Inc. says the economy is absolutely affecting how dentists purchase equipment. "In the past few years we've worked with dentists who wanted to purchase equipment as their practices grew, yet they were reluctant or unable to get financing as the economy soured," says Hedlund. "We're beginning to see a turn and "on hold" clients are starting to call to talk about equipment purchases."

More Industry Reports