Tips for inventory control dental materials

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Inventory control of dental materials is essential for good management and control of their overhead. Successful control of inventory goes far beyond having everything you need. What is the current approach to inventory control in dental offices? In my experience, it is based on two things: do not lose what you need and spend as little as possible. Definitely this approach provides no control and is very inefficient.

So what should be the approach? It should focus on cost control. Look, I do not mean "price control". What should be the cost of inventory? Many authors speak of a 3% to 12% of your gross monthly income, but it really should point to 6% ± 1%; by the way, that includes all the supplies in their practice. (Not including equipment).

After learning these data we can identify a number of steps for effective inventory control:

1. Weekly, the person in charge of the acquisition of dental materials must update the current inventory list. When we have accurate inventory control, which will be useful to stock up product without excesses and without missing, and we will know for sure fluctuations in the stock information.
2. Acquired dental materials are used in reverse order of their acquisition, and avoid the expiration of some items.
3. When purchasing products is important to verify that all items are received in good condition.
4. Once a year is important to do a complete and thorough inventory and be able to determine any deficiencies or excesses that are having.
5. The relationship with your dental deposit is essential: In dental materials DentPro know your clinic often asked and with this information we seek the best offers of interest.

Advantages of an effective inventory control:

• Customer Service: Your customers receive the proper environment and which no shortage of products and consultations will be held with complete fluency. Remember, your customers are not only their patients, clients are also co-workers.
• Inventory Costs: Lower cost of inventory is a definite plus for the practice, as these expenses include the cost of capital, storage and costs (including risks of obsolescence, damage, theft and damage), plus tax bases corresponding.
• Labour cost: Policies of well-defined inventory control can reduce labor costs associated with inventory management, and that its staff will not waste time and can optimize their functions.

It is important to be clear about the concept of "opportunity cost". Very simple, the cost of lost opportunity to spend the money on inventory and not something else. If you buy dental impression material a year, plus expenses listed in the "Inventory Costs", you've tied the money you could ever want or need to spend on something else. Once the money has been spent, just it is gone.

In conclusion, look for a good dental deposit that gives you a good deal, effectiveness and good prices and focus on cost control rather than price controls. Check the cost of your inventory by performing an approximate value of one month of inventory and assess periodically to make sure it is around 6% of their gross income. If you exceed this percentage, find out why and correct it. Maintain proper inventory control becomes more efficient your time, reduce costs and maximize their income.

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Albert Einstein

Eleazar H. Marcano Lazo
CEO
DentPro - Your dental dealer
www.dentpro.es