Dentist Learns Dream Dental Equipment Could Be a Nightmare

Dental Equipment Does Not Make the Dental Practice

Remember Dr. James Sparaga, a dentist who’s building a spacious new facility for his practice? Well, we’re back with another installment of the “Sparaga Saga.”

Even in the snow, work continues! [click to enlarge]

Catch up on what the Sparagas have been doing…

• Developing plans for a new dental facility.
• Undertaking a financial analysis.
• Laying the foundation.
• Putting up some walls.
• Constructing the skeleton.
• Raising the roof.
• Watching the design firm go out of business.
• Finding new design contractors.

Like most dentists, Dr. Sparaga was looking forward to purchasing new dental equipment. He was building the practice of his dreams, and he was going to stock it with his dream equipment.

The dentist was particularly excited about Cerec in-chair system. This would provide amazing computer-integration of the Cerec crown design and milling system with the patient dental chair. Dr. Sparaga couldn’t wait.

The interior takes shape… [click to enlarge]

But he heard reports from the field and from his dental supplier that the equipment was not functioning. He spoke with another dentist who’d purchased two units. This doctor tried for a year straight to get them operational for a year. At one stage, the dental repairman was in his office 80 hours straight! He finally shipped the equipment back to Germany for service. Though his units are now working, he advised Dr. Sparaga to dodge that bullet and not make the purchase.

To fill up their new facility, the Sparagas headed to Yankee Dental Congress in Boston. In 72 crazed hours, they selected all aspects of the dental operatories right down to the handpieces. “The sales reps were grinning from ear to ear every time Jim and I approached,” Kathy Sparaga commented. “It’s amazing how decisive you can be with a gun to your head!”

At long last, the Sparagas are in the final stages of completing their new dental facility. Stay tuned to see how it turns out!