The Benefits Of Repairs vs. Purchasing through Authorized Providers
Practices always have to adapt to the unexpected. Running a smooth practice involves keeping an eye on all aspects, including appointments, equipment, and staff conflicts, but unfortunately, these things happen more often than not. When it comes to dental handpieces, dentists have more fluid control over these events, and most often not, dentists will choose repair shops to help save money and time in their investments. This can present unprecedented situations that can ultimately lead to more unnecessary costs.
The “Buyer Beware” of Repair Shops
Handpieces are designed for power, silence, and size to accommodate the most heavy-duty tasks for restorations. Many companies have been advancing their design schematics by changing the head size from the original standard of 1mm to .075 mm, changing the geometry of their turbine impellers, adding air dams, and even updating the bearing designs to reduce sound from the airflow. But as more developments are made, the components of that design won’t be sold to anyone else. Meaning that a dentist’s choice in repairs is left with the manufacturers because other companies won’t have access to those components, making the costs greater.
Most often not, this is why dentists revisit their repair shops repeatedly; unauthorized repair shops don’t have the necessary tools and components to repair those handpieces. Some dentists will even notice counterfeit parts in their tools after the damage was already done. Some of the top repair shops will use after-market parts to repair newer handpieces because of price and thus creates a dilemma for dentists wishing to save money. Handpieces are the most essential parts of a practice. They go through rigorous FDA regulations to be approved, and that process all on its own is a lengthy predicament. With every model companies introduce, they have to incorporate that expense.
Top 5 Handpieces in Dentistry. High-Speed and Slow-Speed
Another issue within the market is the sale of cheap counterfeit handpieces online. The FDA doesn’t approve these handpieces, and while they can closely resemble a manufacturer’s handpiece, they can become difficult to distinguish. These products will typically last six months and cost dentists more money in repairs and replacement parts. Counterfeit parts and handpieces risk damaging both the genuine parts and raising patient safety concerns. These are also void of warranties and don’t have any authorized protections that come with company-manufactured parts.
So, what do you do if you want to repair but don’t want to risk getting counterfeit parts? You can take some steps to prevent these issues by doing the following:
- Ask the manufacturer first – Now, finding a qualified repair shop presents even more obstacles than solutions because out of the top Google searches for repair shops, those that show up among the first 10 results all state that their repair shops will be able to provide quality repairs for the most affordable prices. When searching for these repair shops, contact your product’s company representative and ask them about any authorized repair shops. You can get a more comprehensive, assured list through them and even compare prices.
- Look for a guarantee – Guarantees assure you as the customer that your repairs will last. Ensure that your technician offers a guarantee, especially when the repairs fail under pressure.
- Only ask for OEM parts – Handpieces are meant to be returned back to their original performance when repaired. OEM parts come from the original manufacturer, and any authorized repair shop will have those parts available, thus will reduce the risks of counterfeiting.
- Ask for a report – Any authorized facility can give you a report on your handpiece, and those reports should outline technical notes, test outcomes, and the technician’s ID after repairs.
- Consider purchasing instead – If all your options for repairing come up short, then it’s time to replace it. Sometimes purchasing a new handpiece will give you more profit from your investments than repairs, especially if the repairs beforehand are insufficient for your needs.
Among our searches, here is the top list of authorized repair companies you can contact:
Top 5 Dental Equipment Repair Services
1. ProRepair by Henry Schein
Henry Schein’s ProRepair shop comprises of manufacturer-trained technicians and customer service representatives to provide authorized repairs on dental equipment such as handpieces, small equipment, and sterilizers. ProRepair has an online portal for dentists to apply, submit, and keep track of their handpiece equipment as technicians repair their products through emails. The portal also keeps track of old handpieces, repair history, and immediate pricing estimates. For dentists with a more technical hand, Henry Schein also offers ProScore, which allows dentists to repair their equipment by purchasing manufacturer-approved parts. Henry Schein allows dentists to send their handpieces through UPS and keep track of their progress online for assured quality and customer service, making Henry Schein a valuable alternative to typical repair shops.
Top 5 Dental Instrument Distributors
2. Hayes Repairs
Hayes Handpiece Repair has been a dentist’s secret for over 30 years in providing authorized handpiece repair services at the lowest prices. Since 1989, Hayes Handpiece Repair has over 80 locations across the United States and multiple locations worldwide, including the UK and Canada. Hayes Handpiece has its technicians undergo rigorous maintenance procedures to provide their 10-step service process, building handpieces through OEM standards and giving updated status reports each time. The company also provides dentists with CE courses for topics such as handpiece maintenance and infection control. The company also offers handpieces for sale as part of its initiative to give back to the dental community.
Top 5 Handpieces in Dentistry. High-Speed and Slow-Speed
3. Dental Fix Service & Equipment
Dental Fix Rx has served over 28,000 dentists with their on-site handpiece repair services, making them one of the largest service repair companies in the United States and Canada. Dental Fix Rx certifies their technicians for any job in dental equipment repair, and their mobile transportation allows for their technicians to reach out anywhere with a fast response time. Dental Fix Rx offers dedicated representatives that track and manage your repair history; each technician only uses manufacturer-approved parts for their repairs.
4. Brasseler USA Repair Services
Brasseler USA, besides making its own line of handpieces, also offers handpiece repair for all popular brands of handpieces, including A-Dec, KaVo, and Midwest. The company has been repairing handpieces since 1997, and for quick, easy maintenance, the company offers a simple form for shipping, repairing, and returning. Once the item is shipped to their facilities, their manufacturer-approved technicians can repair the handpiece and send it back within 24-48 hours, giving the company one of the fastest turnaround times. Its success value model gives the company a balanced form of assessment and pricing and allows the dentist to work with the technician to gain updates about their repairs.
5. Midwest Air Repair by Dentsply Sirona
Dentsply Sirona’s Midwest Air Repair allows dentists and customers within the US to repair their Midwest handpieces right back to factory specifications, along with disassembly, testing, and cleaning services. The company produces its OEM parts to ensure that each repair is back to manufacturer specifications, and its technicians also provide overhauls and turbine replacements with a factory warranty attached. For dentists within the US, dentists get free shipping included with payment. The company offers its services through an online service form for application, tracking, return, and pickup for smooth customer satisfaction.
Among this list of top repair shops, companies such as Arpino Dental, KaVo Dental, and A-Dec offer manufacturer-approved handpiece repair services with an excellent reputation for professionalism and technical expertise.
