One of the most expensive pieces of dental equipment can be a dental x-ray unit. With that in mind, budget accordingly when you're preparing to start your practice so the pricing and costs of dental x-ray equipment don't come as a shock. Spending more now, will save you in the long run, because you'll have dental xray equipment that will last you for years and years.
Whether you opt for mounting dental x-rays, a digital dental xray or a portable unit, or go with an intraoral or panoramic dental x-ray, you don't always have to overspend to get what you need. When it comes to the pricing and costs of dental x-ray equipment, consider the following:
1. Buy dental x-ray equipment from the same supplier you purchase your dental supplies from and take advantage of any money-saving programs.
2. Price different kinds of dental x-ray equipment and choose the type that works for your practice and your budget.
3. Save hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars by buying used dental x-ray equipment.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Stick with your supplier and enjoy savings on dental x-ray equipment
When it comes to x-ray equipment for dentists, you'll find that loyalty pays off in the dental supply business. Most major dental suppliers offer discounts and other perks to dentists who not only come to them for their sundries, but for equipment as well. Save with rebates, discounts of up to 20% and a reduction on maintenance fees.
I recommend: Enroll in the Patterson Plus Program at
Patterson Dental and enjoy perks such as a rebate on new equipment purchased and financed through Patterson, and a generous discount on service labor fees. Join the Privileges Program at
Henry Schein Dental for an extended warranty on new dental x-ray equipment as well as labor discounts.
Avoid overspending by choosing the right dental x-ray for your practice
Depending on your practice, you may opt for a relatively basic intraoral x-ray, such as the kind that takes bite-wings, rather than for a panoramic machine that can take full-mouth x-rays and can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Or, maybe a more reasonably priced portable unit will be easier for you to operate than mounting dental x-rays. The difference between types of dental x-rays can range from a few to several thousand dollars.
I recommend: Choose from intraoral, digital or panoramic dental x-rays at reasonable prices from
Thompson Dental Equipment. Visit
Lion's Dental Supply to find a comprehensive list of intraoral, panoramic and portable dental x-rays, some worth $50,000 and more, for nearly 50% off in some cases. Choose either mobile or mounting dental x-rays available at
Zap Medical, most for between $2,000 and $4,000.
Go for used dental x-ray equipment and soften the hit to your wallet
If you're just starting up a practice and can't purchase new equipment, look into used dental x-rays. You'll find many used x-ray machines from top manufacturers in the business at hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars less than new equipment would cost.
I recommend: Find refurbished x-rays from familiar manufacturers of dental x-ray equipment such as Siemens and Phillips/Sordex for well under $10,000 at
KAB Dental. Select from a huge list of used dental x-rays from Belmont, Gendex, Sordex and more, at a fraction of the price of new equipment, at
BuyDentalEquipment.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Look into a service agreement with whatever dental supplier you buy your dental xray equipment from. You can likely save by avoiding costly repairs down the road when you have regular maintenance on your dental x-ray machine.