Insights & advice

Our expert team is here to give you a helping hand. Find out how to get started in your own clinic, choose the right equipment, enhance patient experience, and much more!

Now could be the time to consider opening a dental practice
Featured Blog

Why now might be the best time to set-up your own dental practice

The idea of opening your own dental practice may have crossed your mind - and now could be the perfect time to make it a reality. While there are still challenges, such as rising construction material costs (despite a slower rate of increase in 2025) and a nationwide shortage of dentists, several favourable conditions are helping to offset these barriers. Recent government tax changes, falling interest rates, and competitive finance options have created a unique window of opportunity for dentists ready to take the next step toward ownership. For many practitioners working in overbooked practices or seeing unmet demand in their communities, the question isn't whether opportunities exist but whether now is the right time to act on them.

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Does a dental practice fitout expansion makes sense for your practice?

How to identify it's time to expand your dental practice

Most dental practice owners dream of being booked out months in advance. The reality can be more complicated. When demand consistently exceeds what your current space can handle, success starts creating problems you didn't anticipate. The warning signs often develop gradually. A few extra patients here, slightly longer wait times there, and before you know it, you're operating beyond your optimal capacity. Understanding when these signs point toward expansion rather than just busier periods can make the difference between capitalising on growth and losing patients to competitors who can accommodate them.

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Creating calm: expert tips for dental clinic waiting room design

Creating calm: expert tips for dental clinic waiting room design

A first-time patient walks through your clinic doors feeling anxious about their upcoming appointment. Within moments, they're greeted by a space so thoughtfully designed that their shoulders relax, their breathing slows, and they actually start looking forward to their visit. That's the power of exceptional dental clinic waiting room design. Your waiting room isn't just a holding area; it's the opening act of your patient's entire experience, setting the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're planning simple dental clinic designs or creating something more elaborate, getting this space right can completely change how patients perceive your practice.

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Streamlining dental practice design with 3D product files

Designing a dental practice involves unique challenges. Precise equipment placement, specialised workflow considerations, and the need for both clinical functionality and patient comfort make dental spaces particularly complex to design. This complexity is the reason for architects and dental practice owners alike to turn to 3D product files to streamline the design process. The technical drawings that come with dental equipment were once limited to basic dimensions on paper. However, Dentec offers detailed digital design files that can transform how dental practices are planned, designed, and built. Saving time, money, and frustration for professionals involved.

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How much does a dental practice fitout cost in 2025?

How much does a dental practice fitout cost in 2025?

Fitting out a dental practice is a big investment, but exactly how much does it cost? Whether you have a new space to design or are renovating an existing building, you’ll have a range of factors to think about, including the type of site it is, where the building is situated, the desired finish, and the type of equipment you need. This blog outlines all the factors that contribute to the overall cost of a dental fitout.

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Is owning a dental clinic a good investment?

Is owning a dental clinic a good investment?

So you want to own a dental clinic — that is an exciting decision! The question is, will this be a wise investment? In this article, we explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of owning your dental clinic, helping you make an informed decision. While we are not here to give financial advice, we do believe that our experience in the dental fitout industry provides valuable insights to help you with your choice. We also outline the most common costs to consider when planning your clinic fitout, enabling you to calculate the estimated return from patient numbers and operating costs.

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Best dental practice management tools

Best dental practice management tools

Are you looking to upgrade your dental practice management? Are you starting a new practice? Whatever your situation, managing your clinic effectively is critical to success. There are numerous digital tools and platforms to support this, encompassing administrative tasks, patient bookings, invoicing, patient support, appointment reminders, and more. Some tools also provide valuable insights and analytics, helping you make informed decisions. In this article, we outline all the types of management tools you’ll need to provide reliable, high-quality care.

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What your dental practice secretly says about you

What your dental practice secretly says about you

Your dental practice fitout speaks volumes — so what is it saying about your dental practice management? In this article, we highlight how the appearance, atmosphere, and professionalism of your clinic impacts patient perceptions. We also discuss how an updated fitout can enhance your reputation, while a tired and dated one may undermine it. Whether you are opening a dental practice and planning the fitout design or considering upgrading an existing clinic, find everything you need to know below.

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Are you losing patients? Here are 5 ways to stop them leaving

Are You Losing Patients? Here Are 5 Ways to Stop Them Leaving

Running a successful dental practice involves more than just providing excellent patient care. In today’s competitive landscape, patient retention is crucial for maintaining a thriving practice. If you’ve noticed a decline in patient visits or an increase in patients switching to other dental professionals, it’s time to take action. Here are five effective strategies to help you retain your patients and ensure your practice continues to grow.

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How much does a dental practice make?

How much does a dental practice make?

In this article, we outline how much a dental clinic makes on average to help you make an informed decision about your own clinic. We provide rough estimates per patient and also look at some practices currently for sale. This gives a sense of what different practices can bring in, based on location and capacity.

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Best dental sterilization equipment NZ

Best dental sterilisation equipment NZ

Are you looking to invest in reliable sterilisation equipment for your dental practice? Finding the right equipment can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many machines and manufacturers to choose from. This article highlights the best dental equipment we offer, from sterilisers to washer-disinfectors to ultrasonic cleaners. We cover the different types of each product, their features and the benefits to help you make an informed decision.

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Register as a WINZ (Work and Income NZ) approved dental services provider.

Becoming a registered dental provider for Work and Income

In New Zealand, dental practitioners can register with Work and Income (WINZ). When a patient needs dental care but cannot pay for your services, WINZ will reimburse you. In this article, we explain what is involved in being a registered WINZ supplier, how to register, and the various details you need to know.

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Dental Practice Patient acquisition

Dental practice patient acquisition through healthcare design

Are you wanting to increase the number of patients at your dental practice? By using strategic healthcare design, innovative equipment, and clever features, you can attract more people to your surgery. In this article, we explain how to use design to increase community awareness, boost patient retention, and build a positive reputation.

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The best dental chairs - Heka vs A-dec dental chairs

The best dental chairs - Heka vs A-dec dental chairs

Finding the best chair for your dental practice can be a daunting decision. In New Zealand, Heka and A-dec are two of the leading dental chair brands but the question is – which is the best option for you and your patients? Is it the most expensive dental chair? In this article, we explore the two most reputable dental chair brands to help guide you to find the best one for your dental practice. We cover dental chair pricing, recommendations, and more.

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How can I get dental clinic equipment financing NZ?

How can I get dental clinic equipment financing?

If you are looking to upgrade your dental equipment or improve your dental surgery services, you may be looking for financial assistance. Dental equipment can be expensive so it pays to have as much financial backing as you can get. At Dentec, we understand the high costs associated with running and expanding a dental practice. That's why this article explores the various financing options you can use to purchase your new dental equipment.

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10 questions to ask before you buy dental equipment

10 questions to ask before you buy dental equipment

Purchasing new equipment for your dental practice is a significant and vital investment as your practice expands or your equipment ages. Depending on your priorities, there are several considerations when selecting each new tool to make sure it is a suitable solution for your patients, staff, and future growth. To help you determine which dental equipment is best suited to your practice and what attributes to look for, we have put together a list of ten questions to simplify the process.

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Problems with converting a house into a dental practice

Problems with converting a house into a dental practice

If you’re looking for ways to own a dental practice or expand your current services, you may be planning on buying an existing house and converting it into a dental practice. On the surface, this seems like the easiest option because the building already exists, it just needs to be refitted for a finished dental practice. While this can be a strategic choice in certain situations, there are also a multitude of risks to be aware of. When designing and constructing a dental fitout, careful planning and preparation are critical for ongoing success. While there are several benefits to renovating an existing building, it may be wiser to start your new clinic from scratch. Throughout our years of working in the dental fitout industry, we've come across various situations with renovation projects. In this article, we outline the common concerns, risks, pitfalls, and frustrations associated with converting an existing house to help you decide whether this is the right route for your project.

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How to choose the right flooring for your dental practice

How to choose the right flooring for your dental practice

Effective dental clinic design is about combining multiple layers and elements to create a functional and beautiful space. As the foundation for everything else, choosing the right flooring for your dental practice is critical. Traffic flow, durability, aesthetics, and patient comfort are all key considerations when selecting your type and style of flooring. Primarily, flooring needs to be practical, however, it can also add to the ambience of your clinic and create a welcoming environment for patients. The question is, where do you start?

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How to maximise lighting in your dental practice

How to maximise lighting in your dental practice

Have you considered how lighting affects the atmosphere in your clinic? Though it is an afterthought for many dental fitouts, lighting is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your interior design and patient experience. It can help you set the scene with a welcoming tone, influence how patients perceive your practice, and improve your productivity. In this article, we look at lighting techniques you can use to enhance your clinic environment and performance.

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Dealing with patient complaints

Dealing with patient complaints

Healthcare professionals are often faced with unsatisfied patients but how can you deal with them effectively? In this article, we've outlined the core steps you can follow to respond to and resolve your patients’ complaints. For complaints that cannot be resolved, we also outline the various avenues patients can seek further resolution.

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Dental practice renovations to complete before selling

10 dental practice renovations to complete before selling

Are you planning to sell your dental practice? First impressions are critical so it’s well worth investing in the areas that a potential buyer will find most appealing. In this article, we discuss the top ten elements to focus on when renovating your dental clinic so that you attract more buyers and higher offers. From modernising your equipment to revamping your waiting room, these improvements can ensure that your practice stands out in a competitive market.

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How to promote a dental clinic

How to promote a dental clinic

Are you struggling to grow your dental practice and attract new patients? How people choose their service providers is fundamentally changing with more and more people going online to find solutions. A strong marketing strategy is essential to stand out in a crowded market and build a thriving practice. But how can you juggle running a practice with ensuring your patient base is growing or maintained? In this article, we've outlined the core tactics you can use to promote your dental clinic, from delivering consistently high-quality dental services to optimizing your clinic design and leveraging social media and online advertising. With the right marketing plan, you can build a loyal patient base, attract new clients, and establish your clinic as a trusted provider of exceptional dental care.

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Dental fitout companies

7 best dental practice fitout companies in NZ

A good dental surgery fitout is more than new drawers and doors — it tells your customers that they're in good hands. To attract new patients while still retaining your existing ones, you also need a fitout that communicates your unique style, brand, and quality of service.

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Renovating a dental practice

10 reasons to renovate your dental practice

If you’re weighing up the value of a dental practice renovation then before you get started it’s worth taking a look at the potential advantages of such an undertaking. This will enable you to see how upgrades may impact you in the long term. When designing and constructing a customised dental fitout, you need to take the time to plan and prepare for the layout and finish you need for ongoing success. While there are dozens of benefits to renovating and upgrading your dental practice, there are also several that may have gone unnoticed. That's why we have summarised everything you need to consider below. To help you weigh up whether a renovation or upgrade is worthwhile we’ve outlined several key reasons to undertake such a project. This article considers the key benefits that can be achieved in doing so.

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Dental equipment finance

How can I get dental equipment financing?

If you are a dentist looking to upgrade your equipment or diversify your treatment services, financial assistance may be needed. Dental and medical equipment can be costly, especially when a lot of it needs to be updated at once — so what are your financial options?

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The cost of renovating a dental surgery

The cost of renovating a dental practice

If you’re looking to set up a new dental practice, you might be exploring the option of renovating an existing building in an attempt to cut costs. Before you get started, there are a few key considerations to take into account when it comes to designing and constructing dental fitouts. Taking the time to think about these benefits and drawbacks will save you time and money, as well as determine how soon your practice can be open for business. In general, the cost of a basic fitout consisting of the most cost-effective options starts at around $2,500 per square metre. However, when renovating an old building, there are some important pros and cons to take into account.

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Ancar Dental Chairs

Ancar dental chairs

Choosing a dental chair unit comes with several considerations, especially when each chair offers a unique set of features and benefits. In this article, we delve into the range of chairs available from leading manufacturer Ancar including the basic functions, configuration options, and distinct features of each chair.

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How much does a dental practice cost?

How much does a dental practice fitout cost?

Fitting out a dental practice is a big investment, but exactly how much does it cost? Whether you have a new space to design or are renovating an existing building, you’ll have a range of factors to think about. These include the type of site it is, where the building is situated, the desired finish, and the type of equipment you need. This blog will give you all the information you need to understand what factors into the overall cost of a dental fitout.

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Dental practice ownership

When is the right time to own a dental practice?

For many dental professionals the goal is practice ownership, but when is the right time to start? Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all, there are some things you can assess before taking the next step. To make an informed decision, you need to consider your career stage, financial capabilities, and business skills - and the following tips can be a great place to start.

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Orthodontic practice design

Tips for an effective orthodontic office design

Every healthcare space is designed to uniquely suit the services it provides. And while the design of an orthodontic practice does very closely align with that of a dental practice, there are some fundamental differences and similarities that are important to consider.

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Opening a new dental practice

6 things every dental practice owner should know

Being a dental practice owner, especially if you’re just starting out, is challenging both financially and emotionally, but it’s also highly rewarding. It can provide great flexibility of lifestyle, and the autonomy to direct and influence how your practice is run. You can see the patients you want to see, and use the methods and equipment you want to use. And, of course, practice ownership can come with great financial rewards too.

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Must-see features on our new website

As New Zealand's leading design and build providers to the dental and healthcare industries, with over 12 years of experience, innovation is at the forefront of everything we do. Since taking over ownership in 2019, executive consultant and director of Dentec, Jono Stewart has strived to revolutionise the dental experience not only for patients, practitioners, and staff, but for you, the practice owner.

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Dental Practice Fitout

Dental practice designs that make a good impression

It's common for patients to approach appointments with trepidation. For them, a dental practice can be a nerve-racking environment where worries of discomfort and unforeseen costs often manifest. Creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and at ease will have a huge impact on their overall experience and satisfaction with your practice. Choosing the right design elements throughout can help with this.

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Dental practice fitout

Buyer beware: Dangers when purchasing an existing dental practice

When purchasing an existing dental practice, it's important to be aware of the unexpected 'blind spots' that may appear during the process. In this blog, we cover some of the issues that new owners can face when purchasing a practice, including common contractual and handover assumptions or misrepresentations, and how these can be overcome to ensure a smooth ownership transition and sound, long-term business investment.

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Dental practice Covid-19

Effective ventilation for mitigating risk in a dental treatment room

Covid-19 restrictions have changed the way many businesses operate throughout New Zealand, and dental practices are no exception to this. While oral health is deemed an essential service and practitioners have a duty of care to support their patients during this time, it is important that steps are taken to protect both staff and patients from the virus. In this article, we discuss how the risk of transmitting Covid-19 within a dental practice can be mitigated by ensuring there is effective ventilation in the treatment rooms to limit exposure during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and isolate high-risk patients.

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Dental practice fitout

Consents for a new dental practice

There are many considerations when it comes to setting up a new dental practice. From design and layout, to finance and equipment, it can be a lot to tackle on top of day-to-day activities. While it's exciting looking into the design and functionality of a new practice, it's crucial to at least have a basic understanding of the consenting process. While not as exciting as planning and design it's the part of the process that could hold up the final build, and increase costs further down the track.

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Accessible dental fitout

How to make your dental practice accessible to everyone

While it seems like an ordinary task to many, visiting the dentist can pose a very real challenge for those with disabilities. With an ageing population and an increased awareness around improving accessibility, dental practice designs should no longer just focus on the aesthetics and efficiency of the space, but also be optimised for enhancing the experience for all. In this article, we'll explore methods of improving the accessibility of your dental practice to ensure that your fitout is not only compliant with regulations, but setting the standard for universal design and inclusivity.

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Starting a dental practice

Navigating lease negotiations for your new dental practice

One of the first steps an owner-practitioner will take in their journey to opening a new dental practice is to sign a new lease agreement. A deed of lease is a document that sets out both a landlord's and a tenant's rights and obligations. As they are often long and packed with legal jargon, the process can get a bit daunting. In this article, we provide tips to help you navigate these lease negotiations which will help you avoid any expensive headaches later on.

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Growing your dental practice

Options for expanding your dental practice

So your current dental practice is thriving and you're ready to grow - what's next? Expansion provides the opportunity to capture a wider group of patients, increase your revenue and establish your practice more firmly within the community. There are many different ways that this can be achieved, including expanding your existing clinic, relocating to a larger premise or setting up a secondary practice. In this article, we explore these options further to help those who are already running a successful dental practice decide on the next best step.

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Starting a dental practice

How to finance a new dental practice

If you're thinking about opening a new dental practice, one of the first steps to consider is how your venture will be financed. Capital is essential for any start-up business and if you're an aspiring owner-practitioner, you'll no doubt have big plans for your clinic that will require some backing.

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Building a dental practice

Should you buy an existing dental practice?

If you're at the stage in your dental career where you are ready to take the next step and run your own practice, it's likely you'll find yourself wondering if it is better to acquire an existing practice or set a new one up from scratch. This is a critical crossroad as each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we have compared both options based on the most important considerations so that you can decide which will work best for you.

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Dental fitout

How to choose the best location for your dental practice

The details of your dental practice may be something you have been envisioning for years - the treatment room, the layout, the chair. However, before you design and set up your new practice it's important to take a step back and consider the location. Where you choose to set up is critical to your business's success, so a thorough analysis of the area needs to be completed before you jump in and sign the property contract! In this article, we'll explore what to consider when choosing the best location for your new dental practice. Taking these factors into consideration at the initial planning stage can save you both significant time and money, as once your fitout is complete and the new practice is operational, changing location is a costly process.

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Dental fitout

How to design and set up a dental treatment room

Whether you are upgrading your existing dental practice, expanding or building new, the treatment room is a space that requires careful consideration. As the heart of the dental practice, the treatment room is where patient experience blends with practitioner requirements in the ultimate marriage of form meeting function. It needs to house critical large equipment in an ergonomic and efficient layout, while also keeping patient satisfaction front of mind. Lean too far either way and the design has failed in a critical way. How can it be possible to effectively blend these two conflicting elements seamlessly?

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Cattani suction equipment

Cattani compressor and suction units explained

Suction units and compressors are two of the key things every dental practice needs to have, and it's important to consider a reliable brand so you have peace of mind that the plant equipment will work when needed. In addition to investing in reliable plant to begin with, it's also imperative that a busy dental practice considers back-up support as without either a dentist cannot operate.

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How to set up a dental practice in New Zealand

Setting up a dental surgery in NZ: What you need to know

As the world reacts to the spread and management of COVID-19 New Zealand's response has seen it weather the storm in a very different way to many other countries. This isolation from the main pandemic has not gone unnoticed and people are becoming increasingly interested in relocating to this hidden gem.

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Dentec fit-out

The benefits that come with keeping your patients happy

The popular saying goes, customers remember the service a lot longer than they remember the price and as the dental industry continues to grow increasingly popular and competitive, more and more dental practices are establishing different strategies to stand out from the rest, from price wars to marketing initiatives. However, getting patients through the front door is only the first step of the ongoing success of your practice. The most important step to get right is to make sure your patients return! The normal attrition rate for dental practices is one of the highest in health care, and while some attrition is natural, another cause of patients leaving is due to unsatisfactory experience with a practitioner or practitioner's team. Patient retention is a critical component of your practice success. In today's dental climate it's vital for practitioners to put all effort into the value of their current patients by delivering positive care experiences. It's important to set your dental practice apart from the rest and happy patients can help you achieve that, after all, where would you be without your patients? In this article we'll delve into the simple ways you can keep your patients smiling.

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Dental practice by Dentec NZ

Setting up a new dental practice - what you need to know

Establishing a new dental practice is exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming experience, with many considerations to explore which require careful planning. A range of factors will determine the success of your practice, with key considerations in planning and implementation to create a solid foundation. The number of dentists graduating each year has increased, combined with a growing number of Australian dental graduates eligible to work in New Zealand means the selection of providers nationally is expanding. Combine this with high expectations from patients, and pressure, on both existing and new practitioners, to produce and execute a successful practice from the get-go is greater than ever. Looking to set up your own dental practice? Our free guide includes some fundamental marketing, sales, and service principles so you can focus on the things that will make a big difference to your new practice. Having helped many dental practitioners start new practices we thought we'd share our insights to help you get ahead. Here are some important points to consider when starting a new dental practice:

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Dental practice

How to grow your dental practice

As the number of oral health practitioners grows in New Zealand the need for existing practitioners to raise the bar on their practice's service increases. And while the increase in practitioners doesn't automatically equate to increased competition for patients, the 309 person growth in newly registered practitioners indicates that the oral health fields are attracting more and more professionals within the country.

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Dental equipment suppliers nz

Dental equipment checklist for dental practice startups

The decision to start your practice or purchase an existing one is a major career move. Everything, from the location to marketing, should be on your list of things to accomplish. This article will serve as a guide to planning and designing your dental practice interiors, which include a checklist of the necessary dental equipment..

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WE OPERATE NATIONWIDE!

The team at Dentec operate across New Zealand. We are always happy to come to you and ensure we have a full understanding of your requirements and establish a strong foundation.

Schedule a call to make an appointment