There are a lot of purchases you can make for your practice. Some like dental software are a needed asset and require very little thought. With digital sensors, however, you have to be ready for more...
The Five “Hidden” Costs of Digital Sensors
By Jim Ramey
- The sensor itself is just one component of your total digital imaging system’s cost.
When shopping for a new digital sensor, become familiar with the various costs associated with the sensor, other than simply the cost of the sensor itself. Some of these costs are fairly obvious, such as the extended warranty cost, and others are not so obvious, such as monthly recurring fees and opportunity costs. Applying my five cost factors will help you determine a sensor’s true cost and provide you the information you need to make accurate cost comparisons between today’s sensor market offerings.
#1 – Monthly Fees
Monthly fees can add up fast and are something that you may pay as long as you own your sensors. Find out what these fees are before you make your purchase decision. Monthly fees can show up as software support agreements, warranty fees, or maintenance fees. These fees can run as much as several hundred dollars each month. I have heard many practices make the complaint, “we can’t even talk to a real person until they make sure our support fees are current.” Make sure that you know what these total monthly fees are, and multiply that figure by how many years you plan to keep your practice. You may be surprised how much monthly fees can add to the true cost of the sensor.
#2 – Warranties
Most companies automatically include a limited manufacturer’s warranty with their sensors and offer an extended warranty for an additional fee. Extended warranties vary greatly as to what they cover, how long they last, and how much they cost. It usually is a good idea to get an extended warranty on your sensor – especially if you only purchase one sensor. But the terms and costs, as well as the conditions of these warranties, vary widely. Not only do you need to include the total warranty cost in your total price of the sensor (some warranties are paid monthly for the life of your practice), but you need to be aware of the terms and conditions so you know how and when you can get a replacement sensor or a loaner sensor while your sensor is being repaired.
#3 – Updates
Many companies charge fees to get updates and bug fixes for their imaging software. Make sure that you ask about software update fees, the frequency of these updates, and then add these amounts to the cost of your imaging system. Better to ask now than to be surprised later.
Digital Sensors and Smart Buying
As you probably see, purchasing digital sensors may be more complicated than you might think.
