Mike get off the fence. Spend the cash! You don’t need the autohelm.
David

Mike,

I’m in a town of 2200.1 other full time dentist in town , 1 mostly retired. 4 op’s , just added 5th. Use 1 op for restorative, 1 for C&B ,and laser perio, 2 for hyg. 2 hygienists working ~ 30hours /week each. Numbers probably 12% less than yours, working MWTh 8-5:30,Tue 8-4.

Since adding the lasers (diode/er,cr:YSGG)our monthly production has set new records each and every month( we did increase fees since we were below what everybody else was charging, now about average). If things continue as they are, I expect to see a 15-20% increase in net  for the year, while planning more time for each procedure and not running around as much, also taking a 5th week of vacation. I do think, however the soft tissue laser has been as important, or more important for us. You might want to seriously consider both, as its great not having to refer very often to the periodontist who is half an hour away.

You won’t have any problem paying for the lasers!

Once I saw that even figuring ,very conservatively,  I could pay for the laser, the benefits far outweighed the cost. 4 quads perio a month more than cover it. The frenectomies, fibroma removals, desensitizing, cold sore tx, and being able to work in multiple quads is just gravy.

Now the benefits for me-
Starting my 20th year , I’m more excited to go to the office than I’ve ever been.
I believe the fewer times I have to give injections , the decrease in stress will lenghten my career and possibly my life.
The appreciation that patients show(especially the parents) is just unbelievable. I did have to numb my second child patient (since August) , not because it hurt but rather because her gag reflex couldn’t handle the water. I never want to have to treat children again w/o it. For that matter, adults either.
The comraderie with fellow laser dentists is better than anything else I’ve experienced in the dental profession.
An appointment book that is full 7 weeks out and 30+ new patients a month with absolutely no advertising or internal or external marketing efforts. We did put a small laser ad in for a short period and had days when 10-14 new patients would call each day- we couldn’t handle it and quickly pulled the ad (great problem!)
Benefits for the patient-
No shots or numbness after tx (~95% of the time I use the laser)
Patients are more apt to follow thru on perio tx when they don’t have to travel and can avoid scalpel and suture
Restorations that are less destructive to sound tooth structure.

I think your only concern may be space in the operatory. I’m sure you can rearrange things to make it work, though.

Before you buy though, invest some time and do a standard proficiency class. Make sure to consider both the major players (companies).Keep asking questions. Remember the lasers are not a do all magic wand, but rather another great tool you can use to provide better patient care.

If I can be of any help, let me know.  517-265-7625 (home)

Pat,

Thanks for the tip and the reply. I can hardly wait to try it out. I hate to give anesthetics when seating since it screws up the patient’s ability to occlude normally and increases the number of followup adjustments..

Bravo!

Mike,
I am with our other very positive friends.  I am also in a small community of 22000.  I am beginning to see some direct charges from the laser as I develop my skills and add procedures but have not thought much about the cost after the first few weeks when I began to realize all the things Ron outlined.  You won’t even notice the &#361000 a month after the first month.  We even began to speed up repayment toward the end of last year. I am busier than I have been in a long time and like Ron I am wondering about how much to advertize tho I have advertized to get the word out and build a laser reputation.  I say market the heck out of it at the beginning.  New patients alone will pay the bill, gladly.
Pat

Al,
I agree and also feel a little foolish. No one ever suggested any long term issues of maintenance and repair. I bought in at &#361000 per month and now am learning it is more. My first reaction is denial. Can’t we avoid this somehow but Mr. tell it like it is has given me a who new prospective. Sad to say.
Pat