Top Concerns for Dental Practices in Canada and Globally – Challenges & Solutions

Introduction

Dentists around the world – including Canada – face a dynamic set of operational challenges in running their practices. Key concerns include controlling overhead costs, managing supply chain and procurement efficiently, integrating new technologies, and leveraging social media for marketing. In fact, surveys highlight issues like rising costs and supply chain disruptions among the top challenges dentists anticipate . Below, we break down these concern areas, discuss common pain points and industry trends, and outline practical solutions. Finally, we explore how EBIKO can help address these challenges in supply chain management, cost efficiency, and digital marketing support for dental offices.

Cost Reduction Strategies and Overhead Management

Pain Points: Running a dental office is expensive, and many dentists struggle with high overhead. Typical practice overhead averages around 60–65% of revenue , with major expenses being staff payroll, lab fees, and clinical supplies. Post-pandemic inflation has driven these costs even higher – one practice owner noted their overhead ballooned from ~60% to 70% primarily due to staff wage inflation and pricier supplies. In fact, hygienist salaries and wages have “as much as doubled” in recent years amid labor shortages . Such rising expenses squeeze profit margins and make cost control a pressing concern .

Industry Trends: Dentists are increasingly scrutinizing their expense budgets and looking for ways to trim the fat. Experts recommend first benchmarking your overhead: fixed costs (rent, insurance, utilities, etc.) should total roughly 4–7% of production, while variable costs (staff, labs, supplies, office expenses) ideally run about 45–55% . Many practice owners realize they need to be proactive in managing these variable expenses. For example, they might reconsider staffing levels (since payroll is often the single largest expense) and evaluate if every expense truly adds value. There’s also a growing understanding that boosting productivity can improve overhead percentage – as one dentist quipped, dental overhead “scales well – the more you produce, the lower the overhead percent goes” . In other words, investing in efficiency or additional services can spread fixed costs over more revenue.

Practical Solutions: Reducing overhead requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Expense Audit & Benchmarking: Start by tracking all expenses and comparing them to industry benchmarks. Identifying any line items that are out of line is the first step . For instance, if supply costs or lab fees are above average, those are ripe for cost-cutting efforts. Every 1% saved on overhead directly adds 1% to profit .

• Optimize Staffing: Ensure the practice isn’t overstaffed for its patient volume. While excellent patient care is paramount, having more personnel than necessary will drive up payroll costs. Cross-training staff to be flexible can help you do more with a leaner team without sacrificing service.

• Negotiating & Group Purchasing: Evaluate your suppliers and service contracts. “Make sure your distributors are staying competitive on pricing” – don’t hesitate to renegotiate contracts for supplies, labs, or other services. Many dentists join buying groups or purchasing networks to gain bulk discounts similar to large dental chains . Group purchasing can significantly lower the cost of dental materials and lab services by leveraging collective buying power.

• Cut Waste and Unused Services: Look for any unnecessary expenditures. This could mean canceling unused magazine subscriptions, software licenses, or adjusting utility use. Also, track the effectiveness of marketing spends and drop what isn’t yielding returns (e.g. costly mailers or ads that aren’t bringing in patients). Every dollar not spent on a non-essential is a dollar saved.

• Increase In-House Capabilities: Some practices reduce outside costs by investing in technology that brings work in-house. For example, having a chairside CAD/CAM system (like CEREC) can eliminate most outside lab fees for crowns, thereby lowering lab expenses long-term. While this requires upfront investment, it can pay off by reducing variable costs down the road.

• Team Involvement: Engage your team in expense management. When staff understand the importance of controlling costs, they can help by avoiding waste (e.g. not over-ordering supplies) and suggesting efficiencies. “Share your new budget with your team” so they can contribute ideas and be mindful of cost-saving measures . Building a culture of cost-consciousness (without compromising patient care) turns overhead reduction into a team effort.

By implementing these strategies, many dental offices have successfully trimmed their overhead and improved profitability. Industry consultants suggest that a well-run general practice can target an overhead as low as ~59% – a goal attainable through vigilant expense control and smart practice management.

Supply Chain Efficiency and Procurement Challenges

Pain Points: The dental supply chain has experienced turbulence in recent years, which directly impacts dental offices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE shortages and shipping delays put practices in a bind . Even as those acute shortages eased, dentists have had to contend with higher prices for critical supplies. Supply costs that traditionally ran ~5–6% of a practice’s revenue have jumped to around 8–9% post-2020 . This means dental materials are eating a bigger slice of the income pie than before. Additionally, dealing with procurement can be inefficient – many practices fall into a habit of placing frequent small orders (even daily) whenever something runs out . This reactive ordering not only burdens staff with constant purchasing tasks, but also often incurs extra shipping fees and rush charges, further driving up costs . Small offices may lack bargaining power with big distributors, and they risk being reliant on single suppliers for key items. If your go-to vendor is backordered on anesthetic or gloves, for example, your clinic could be left scrambling – a vulnerability of an inflexible supply chain.

Industry Trends: To tackle these challenges, dental practices are rethinking their procurement processes and embracing more efficient, tech-driven approaches. One major trend is the rise of online procurement platforms and marketplaces. Traditionally, dentists ordered from a handful of large distributors or sales reps. Now, new digital platforms are “changing the game, making it easier to compare pricing and stock availability across various vendors” . In the U.S., for instance, tens of thousands of dentists use online marketplaces like Net32 to shop for supplies, often saving significantly by comparing offers from multiple sellers (Net32 claims its 80,000+ users save on average over 50% on products via the marketplace) . Canadian dentists likewise have begun seeking alternative suppliers beyond the legacy distributors, looking for competitive pricing and reliable stock. The bullwhip effect highlighted in supply chain management – where small shifts in demand cause huge upstream disruptions – has taught clinics to build more resilience. Practices are diversifying their supplier base and keeping “Plan B” options for critical items (e.g. having a secondary source for gloves or crowns) to avoid being caught off-guard . Another trend is better inventory management: using software or simple tracking systems to monitor supply levels and usage rates so you can order proactively and less often. Dental support organizations (DSOs) and larger group practices are particularly savvy in this area, leveraging centralized procurement systems to control spending and predict needs with data.

Practical Solutions: Any dental office – large or small – can adopt strategies to improve supply chain efficiency and cut procurement costs:

• Consolidate and Streamline Orders: Rather than ordering piecemeal every time something runs low, practices can batch their purchases. By managing inventory carefully and ordering in larger, less frequent bundles, you reduce the number of shipments (saving on shipping/handling fees) and often qualify for volume discounts. Streamlining ordering not only cuts costs but also “makes life easier for your employees” and helps unclog vendors’ pipelines . Aim to maintain a comfortable buffer stock of essentials so that you’re not overnighting a package of impression material at great expense because you ran out.

• Use Online Marketplaces or Procurement Software: Take advantage of modern procurement tools. Online dental supply marketplaces allow you to comparison-shop easily – you can see prices from multiple vendors side by side and pick the best deal or the fastest ship time. This transparency encourages competition and can significantly lower the prices you pay for items like composites, burs, or PPE. Some platforms also offer features like spend tracking and automated re-order reminders. For multi-location practices or DSOs, dedicated procurement software can centralize purchasing and enforce formulary (preferred products) to avoid wasteful spending.

• Negotiate with Suppliers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your current suppliers for better terms, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer. Many sales reps have some flexibility to offer discounts or price-match competitors – but you have to ask. Also, consider joining a buying group or cooperative which pools the purchasing volume of many independent practices. These groups negotiate bulk contracts with suppliers, yielding price cuts that individual offices could not obtain alone .

• Diversify Supply Sources: Build some redundancy into your supply chain. Identify secondary suppliers or keep accounts with a couple of dental product companies so that if one source has a stock outage or delay, you can quickly order from another. For example, have an alternate supplier for critical consumables like anesthetics, gloves, or implant components. This reduces the risk of disruptions to your clinic if a vendor has issues.

• Leverage Supplier Promotions and Terms: Keep an eye out for specials, promotions, and early-pay discounts. Many dental suppliers offer periodic deals (e.g. buy 3 get 1 free on composites) or will give a small discount if you pay invoices early. Taking advantage of these can shave costs. Additionally, avoid late fees or rush charges by staying on top of ordering before you hit a crisis.

• Reduce Waste and Hidden Costs: Efficient procurement isn’t just about unit price – it’s also about minimizing waste. Be mindful of overstocking (which ties up cash and may lead to expired materials) and avoid ordering products that end up unused. Consider the “true cost” of supplies: defective product returns, restocking fees, and lost bulk discount opportunities can quietly drain money . By tightening your inventory management (perhaps using the classic FIFO – first in, first out – system to ensure old stock is used first), you can prevent waste-related losses.

By implementing these steps, dental practices can build a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain. The end results are lower supply expenses (helping overall profitability) and a steadier flow of the materials needed to keep patient care running smoothly – with fewer last-minute scrambles. Modernizing procurement is truly a way to “do more with less,” which is increasingly the mantra of today’s successful dental offices.

Technology Integration in Dental Practices (Software & Equipment)

Pain Points: Dentistry is evolving with amazing new technologies – from digital scanners and 3D printers to AI-powered software – but integrating these into a practice isn’t always easy. One major hurdle is cost: advanced dental equipment or software can carry a hefty price tag, which is intimidating when practice budgets are already strained by overhead . Many dentists worry about the return on investment (ROI) – will buying this $100,000 CAD/CAM machine truly pay off, or will it just add to their debt? This concern is amplified by the reality that insurance reimbursements haven’t kept up with rising costs, squeezing margins . Beyond cost, there is the learning curve and disruption factor. Introducing new software or devices means training the dentist and team, and potentially slowing down workflows during the transition. Dental teams can be apprehensive about changing “how it’s always been done,” and there’s a fear that if a new digital system crashes or has issues, it could halt operations . Compatibility is another issue – what if your new imaging software doesn’t play nicely with your practice management system, or the lab you work with can’t accept digital impression files ? All these unknowns make some practitioners hesitant. In fact, surveys show a sizeable chunk of dentists still resist certain technologies; for example, about 25% of U.S. dentists have no plans to adopt intraoral scanners yet , citing reasons like cost, technical barriers, and simply not feeling confident with new tech. In short, the culture change required to go digital can be as challenging as the technology itself.

Industry Trends: Despite the hurdles, the overall trend is that dentistry is steadily going digital. New generations of dentists are often tech-savvy and even expect modern tools in their workplaces. Dental schools now train students on digital workflows (like CAD/CAM and digital charting), so younger staff and assistants may actually be ahead of some veteran dentists in tech adoption . There’s a clear recognition that many tech investments – if implemented wisely – can improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient experience. For instance, digital radiography and electronic records are now standard in most clinics because they speed up diagnosis and information sharing. Cone-beam CT and digital scanners are rapidly gaining ground for their diagnostic and workflow benefits in specialties like endodontics, implantology and orthodontics. Software integration is improving too: practice management suites are adding modules for online booking, automated patient reminders, and analytics dashboards, which help streamline front-office tasks. Additionally, teledentistry and virtual consultation platforms saw a boost, particularly during the pandemic, and remain an area of interest for expanding access and convenience. Another trend is the availability of flexible financing and subscription models for dental tech – e.g. companies offering equipment leases, or software on a monthly SaaS plan – which can lower the upfront barrier to adoption. Lastly, dentists are turning to online communities and CE courses to educate themselves on new tech. Peer discussions (on forums or study clubs) about what works and what doesn’t help demystify the process. The bottom line is that while integration challenges exist, the profession is gradually overcoming them as technologies become more user-friendly and support networks grow.

Practical Solutions: To successfully integrate new software or equipment into a dental practice, consider these strategies:

• Thorough Research and ROI Analysis: Before jumping into buying the latest gadget, do your homework. As one expert put it, avoid being “tech-happy” and purchasing every new device without a plan . Evaluate the pros and cons and ask: How will this technology improve my patient care or efficiency? How many procedures or patients would I need to justify its cost? By calculating a realistic ROI, you can prioritize investments that make financial sense . For example, if a digital scanner will save on impression material and lab remakes and potentially attract more Invisalign cases, estimate those savings and new revenues versus the monthly cost of the scanner. Buy when the value aligns with your practice needs and budget.

• Start Small & Phase Implementation: You don’t have to digitize everything overnight. Consider piloting one technology at a time. If you’re going paperless, maybe implement digital forms and charting in phases rather than all at once. If you acquire a new imaging system, integrate it into one operatory first, work out the kinks, then expand. This phased approach prevents overwhelming the team and allows you to troubleshoot on a small scale.

• Training and Team Buy-In: One of the best ways to overcome the fear of new tech is comprehensive training. Ensure that you and your staff get hands-on training from the vendor or through workshops. When everyone knows how to use the new software/equipment, confidence rises and the learning curve shortens. Identify a “champion” in the office – perhaps a tech-savvy assistant or hygienist – who can become the go-to person for that technology and help train others . Involving the whole team and explaining the benefits to them (for instance, how an automated reminder system will reduce frantic phone call tasks, or how digital impressions mean no more messy impressions) can turn skepticism into excitement.

• Mind the Integration: When selecting software or equipment, consider compatibility with your existing systems. It’s ideal to choose open-architecture solutions that export data in standard formats, or to work with vendors that have integration modules for popular practice management systems. For example, if you’re adding an intraoral scanner, check what file formats it outputs and if your lab of choice can work with those (many labs now accept STL files from any scanner). If not, you may need to find a lab that does or use a conversion service. Avoid siloed tech that doesn’t “talk” to your other systems, as it can create more work.

• Plan for Support and Downtime: Technology is fantastic – when it works. But inevitable glitches will occur (a network might go down, a sensor might malfunction). The key is to have support in place . Choose vendors or products that offer solid customer support and warranties. Know who to call if your practice management software crashes or if the milling unit stops mid-crown. It’s wise to keep backup workflows for critical tasks; for instance, maintain a way to do manual charting or impressions temporarily if needed, so patient care isn’t paralyzed by a tech hiccup. Having an IT support provider or a tech-savvy person on call is invaluable. As one dentist advised, even highly digital offices should “make a plan for who you will call if you get stuck or need advice” with technology .

• Stay Current but Strategic: Technology in dentistry will keep evolving – AI diagnostics, robotics, you name it. You can’t adopt everything, so align tech upgrades with your practice’s goals. If you focus on implant dentistry, investing in 3D imaging and surgical planning software might give you a real boost. If your goal is to cut chair-time and lab costs for general dentistry, maybe a CAD/CAM system is worthwhile. Keep an eye on emerging tech via journals, conferences, or Reddit discussions to see what peers find useful. But remember, there’s often no need to be an early adopter unless it clearly benefits your practice. Let the hype settle, and implement proven technologies at the right time for you.

By approaching tech integration with a balanced, informed strategy, dental practices can overcome the initial challenges. Many who were once tech-cautious now report that going digital – whether with charting, x-rays, or impressions – ultimately simplified their operations and enhanced patient care. The key is to mitigate the short-term discomforts (cost, learning curve) with planning and support, in order to reap the long-term gains of efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness that modern dental technology offers.

Social Media Marketing for Credibility and Patient Acquisition

Pain Points: In today’s digital age, marketing a dental practice has expanded beyond traditional word-of-mouth and print ads – it now heavily features social media and online presence. However, many dentists feel uncertain about how to tackle social media marketing effectively. A common concern is credibility – how to engage in platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok in a professional way that builds trust rather than coming off as gimmicky. Some dentists are skeptical about the ROI of social media altogether. In online discussions, you’ll find opinions that making “silly TikTok videos” isn’t the best way to get patients for a general dentist (unless perhaps you’re an orthodontist targeting teens) . The sentiment is that a dental practice’s time might be better spent on other marketing avenues if social media doesn’t directly fill the schedule. Additionally, many practitioners simply lack time and expertise in digital marketing – running a busy office is a full-time job, so keeping up with posting content, responding to comments, and analyzing analytics can be overwhelming. There’s also the challenge of content: What should a dentist post? Striking the right balance between educational content, office updates, and promotional offers is not straightforward. Dentists worry about privacy (can we post patient photos or before/afters?), professionalism (no one wants to see their healthcare provider doing cringey trends), and consistency (an inactive page can look worse than none at all). Finally, measuring the impact can be tricky – unlike an advertisement with a clear response rate, social media often influences patients in subtle ways, so it might be hard to tell if those efforts are paying off in new appointments.

Industry Trends: Despite the challenges, social media has become an important credibility and marketing tool for many dental practices. Patients today do check online when choosing a dentist – they look at Google reviews, but also at the dentist’s website and Facebook/Instagram pages to get a feel for the practice. In fact, nearly everyone is on social media these days, and many people use it to research services (yes, even for finding their next doctor or dentist) . Because of this shift in consumer behavior, having some social media presence is increasingly seen as vital for visibility. The trends in dental social media use include: sharing educational content (short videos or infographics about dental health tips), posting before-and-after cases (especially for cosmetic dentistry, where visuals are powerful), introducing the dental team and office culture, and showcasing patient testimonials or reviews. Such content can make a practice seem more approachable and trustworthy. Dentists who do it well often humanize themselves – for example, a fun post of the staff in Halloween costumes or celebrating a work anniversary, mixed in with useful info on teeth whitening or braces. Community engagement is another trend: practices will highlight their involvement in local events or charity drives, which boosts their reputation locally. Furthermore, some dentists have found success targeting specific audiences through paid social media ads (for instance, a Facebook ad campaign aimed at young families in a certain city offering a new patient special). While social media may not instantly flood the schedule, it contributes to brand awareness – when people repeatedly see a practice’s content, it stays top-of-mind. Importantly, it also helps with patient retention and referrals; existing patients who follow their dentist online feel more connected and are more likely to refer friends. Overall, social media is being leveraged as a cost-effective way to enhance credibility, educate patients, and ultimately attract and retain patients . Many dental offices now even outsource this task or use specialized dental marketing agencies to maintain a consistent, polished presence.

Practical Solutions: To use social media effectively for your dental practice’s credibility and growth, consider these approaches:

• Build an Engaging, Authentic Presence: You don’t need to dance on TikTok (unless you want to!) – authenticity and helpfulness go a long way. Focus on content that showcases your expertise and friendliness. This could be short educational videos answering common questions (“How often should you floss?”), profiles of your team members (so patients can “meet” the hygienist or receptionist online), and photos of your office environment (to reduce new patient anxiety by making it familiar). Such content builds trust and rapport before the patient even walks in.

• Consistency Over Virality: It’s better to post consistently (say a few times a week) with useful or positive content than to chase viral trends that don’t fit your brand. A social media page that’s regularly updated signals that the practice is active and attentive. Use a content calendar or scheduling tools to plan posts ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling each day. Over time, consistency will grow your following and engagement.

• Leverage Reviews and Testimonials: Social proof is gold. Encourage happy patients to leave a review on Google or Facebook – and with their permission, share testimonials or smile transformation photos on your social channels. Prospective patients trust other patients’ experiences more than any ad. For example, a short patient testimonial video talking about how you eased their fear of the dentist can be incredibly compelling. Always get proper consent for any patient-related content, of course.

• Engage with Your Audience: Remember, social media is a two-way street. If someone comments or messages your page – whether it’s a question about services or just thanking you for a post – respond in a timely manner. Engagement boosts your visibility (platform algorithms like active pages) and also shows viewers that you care. Even handling the occasional negative comment or complaint professionally and promptly can turn a situation around and impress onlookers.

• Educate and Provide Value: One way to bolster credibility is to make your page a mini resource for dental health. Share tips, debunk myths (e.g. “No, Coke Zero is not actually good for your teeth just because it has no sugar – here’s why…”), and celebrate dental health observances (like National Smile Week). By providing value without always selling something, you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and caring expert. Patients who learn something from your page are more likely to trust you with their care.

• Consider Professional Help: If marketing isn’t your forte or you simply don’t have the time, it’s worth considering hiring a social media manager or agency with dental experience. They can handle the content creation and posting for you. There are even programs where dental suppliers or partners assist with marketing – for example, some companies will create branded posts or videos for your practice as part of a service package. The investment in professional marketing can pay off by ensuring you have a polished presence that attracts new patients consistently. (If budget is a concern, even a short-term engagement to set up a strategy that you or your staff can then follow is beneficial.)

In essence, social media should be viewed as a modern word-of-mouth. It may not always directly and immediately bring a rush of new patients, but it strongly influences how people perceive your practice. A clinic with an informative, responsive Facebook/Instagram page and good online reviews will appear credible and patient-friendly – which often tips the scales when someone is choosing a new dentist. By embracing these platforms with a clear strategy, dentists can enhance their reputation and connect with their community, ultimately driving patient growth in the long run.

How EBIKO Can Help Dental Practices

EBIKO is poised to be a valuable partner for dental practices, particularly in Canada, by addressing several of the challenges outlined above – notably in supply chain management, cost efficiency, and digital marketing support.

• Streamlined, Cost-Effective Supply Procurement: EBIKO Inc. is a Canadian dental supply company focused on delivering high-quality products at affordable prices . By offering a wide range of disposable dental materials through one platform, EBIKO helps practices simplify their procurement. Instead of juggling multiple vendors, a dentist can source many essentials in one place – from gloves and masks to sterilization pouches – often at lower costs. EBIKO’s business model emphasizes cost savings for clinics (for example, they offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which encourages the kind of bulk ordering that reduces per-item costs and shipping fees). This aligns perfectly with the cost-reduction strategies dentists seek. Practices partnering with EBIKO can potentially lower their supply overhead by taking advantage of the company’s competitive pricing and promotions. In an environment where supply costs have been rising, having a supplier dedicated to keeping prices in check is a big advantage. Moreover, EBIKO is committed to reliable service and quality – meaning dentists can count on consistent stock and product standards. This reliability mitigates the supply chain headaches of backorders or quality issues. Essentially, EBIKO serves as a one-stop procurement solution tailored to Canadian dental offices, making supply chain management more efficient and less costly.

• Enhanced Practice Efficiency and Support: Beyond just selling products, EBIKO aims to “enhance dental practice efficiency…providing support in any form necessary” . This philosophy means they aren’t just a vendor, but a partner invested in their clients’ success. For example, by curating a broad inventory, they save dental teams time – clinicians don’t need to comparison-shop across dozens of suppliers because EBIKO has done a lot of that work, focusing on quality and value. If a practice needs a particular product or has an issue, EBIKO’s support is there to help “fix it up faster than a cavity gets filled,” as they cheekily note, highlighting their top-notch support approach . In practical terms, this could include responsive customer service for orders, flexible return and refund policies if something isn’t satisfactory, and keeping dentists informed of new cost-saving products or alternatives. By outsourcing much of the procurement hassle to a trusted partner like EBIKO, dentists and their staff can free up time to focus on patients and clinical work, thereby improving overall efficiency. This directly addresses the pain point of juggling the administrative burden of ordering and inventory management.

• Digital Marketing and Social Media Support: A particularly unique aspect of EBIKO’s offering is their support for digital marketing, an area not typically covered by supply companies. EBIKO recognizes that many dentists struggle with maintaining a strong online presence, so they created the EBIKO VIP Program to assist with social media and marketing needs. The company invites clinics to “focus on your expertise in dentistry while we handle your social media, marketing, and website needs” . In this program (free to join), EBIKO provides valuable marketing content and services – examples include short, professional procedure videos that a clinic can post, ready-made holiday or event posts, team photography, and more, all branded for the practice. This is a huge boon for a busy dentist who wants to stay active on platforms like Instagram or Facebook but doesn’t have time to create content from scratch. By essentially outsourcing content creation to EBIKO’s team, the practice gets a stream of high-quality, credibility-building posts without the typical hassle. This helps drive patient engagement and presents a polished image online, addressing the pain point of social media marketing we discussed. EBIKO’s support may also extend to website assistance or other digital marketing advice, ensuring the practice’s online presence is as smooth and professional as their in-office patient experience. In an era where online impression is key, EBIKO’s marketing support can help clinics attract new patients and strengthen trust with their community, all while the dentist focuses on dentistry.

In summary, EBIKO acts as a multifaceted partner for dental practices. By cutting supply costs and simplifying procurement, they tackle the financial and logistical headaches of running a clinic. By offering digital marketing support, they fill a critical gap that many clinicians have in promoting their practice. For Canadian dentists facing the dual pressures of rising overhead and the need to stay competitive in a digital world, EBIKO’s services provide practical relief. With EBIKO’s help in supply chain management, a practice can save money and time – improving the bottom line. And with EBIKO’s help in marketing, a practice can enhance its top line by attracting and retaining patients. This combination of cost efficiency and growth support makes EBIKO an ally in navigating the modern challenges of dental practice management.

Conclusion

Managing a dental office today requires balancing clinical excellence with savvy business practices. Dentists in Canada and globally are seeking ways to trim costs without compromising quality, to shore up their supply chains against disruption, to adopt new technologies wisely, and to connect with patients through modern marketing channels. By staying informed on industry trends and learning from peers (even those sharing tips on Reddit or in study clubs), practitioners can implement solutions that alleviate these pain points. Whether it’s renegotiating supply contracts, investing in a digital scanner after careful ROI analysis, or launching an Instagram page to showcase smile makeovers, each incremental improvement strengthens a practice’s sustainability and success.

Crucially, dentists don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. Partners like EBIKO have emerged to offer targeted support – lowering procurement costs and even helping with marketing – so that dental professionals can focus on what they do best: caring for patients. With a strategic approach and the right support systems in place, dental offices can thrive even amid economic pressures and fast-evolving industry dynamics. The result is a win-win: a more efficient, modern practice and healthier, happier patients filling the appointment book.

Sources:

1. Becker’s Dental Review – “Top challenges facing independent dentists in 2023”

2. ADA News – “Ask the Expert: Practical strategies to reduce dental practice expenses”

3. Dandy (meetdandy.com) – “Benchmarking dental office overhead percentages”

4. Method USA – “Navigating the Dental Procurement Cycle in 2023”

5. Method USA – “Rise of Online Procurement” (digital procurement platforms)

6. Dandy – “Challenges holding back digital dentistry”

7. Dental Products Report – “6 Challenges in Adopting Dental Technology”

8. DoctorLogic – “Why Do Dentists Need Social Media Marketing?”

9. Reddit (r/Dentistry) discussion – dentists debating social media’s value

10. EBIKO Dental (ebiko.ca) – Company About page

11. EBIKO Dental Instagram – VIP Program description (social media support)