Abstract
US demand to grow 3.7% annually through 2011
Demand for dental equipment (excluding supplies) in the US is forecast to rise
3.7 percent per year to $2.8 billion in 2011, aided by favorable economic
conditions and population trends, as well as a strong interest in technology
updates. Solid growth in the 50+ population segment will provide
opportunities; for example, older individuals are more likely to require
dental procedures than other segments of the population. An increase in dental
procedures will expand the need for equipment, particularly those items that
require relatively frequent replacement, such as hand instruments and tools
used with hand pieces.
Advanced technology equipment to see most rapid gains
In general, equipment that features advanced technology, such as lasers,
digital radiography and CAD/CAM systems, will provide the most rapid gains.
Dentists are seeking higher tech equipment to improve office productivity;
expand their procedure capabilities; and attract new patients with a
state-of-the-art office appearance. A dentist investing in lasers, for
example, is able to cash in on fast growing cosmetic dentistry procedures,
such as teeth whitening, which a growing number of individuals undergo in
order to maintain a youthful appearance. Although their initial cost is
significantly higher than conventional radiography machines, digital types can
significantly reduce operating costs, since these items do not require the use
of chemicals or film. The use of CAD/CAM systems allows the dentist to create
customized all-ceramic crowns, bridges or veneers from ceramic blanks in the
same visit. These systems eliminate the dentist’s reliance on an outside
laboratory, reducing the amount of visits per procedure.
Furniture and lighting are expected to achieve moderate growth, basically due
to the lengthy useful lifespan of these items. Nevertheless, this product
category will benefit from dental chair purchases, as dentists attempt to
create comfortable settings for their patients. Lighting will benefit from a
technology shift to higher value-added technologies, such as LED and fiber
optic.
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