A refurbished dental chair can cost considerably less than buying the same type of equipment new, which can make it an attractive option when you are setting up or upgrading an operatory. But the lower price also raises an important question: what are you giving up in exchange for those savings?
The answer is not always obvious, as two refurbished chairs can have very different histories, and the work done to prepare them for resale can vary as well. At the same time, buying new comes with a higher upfront cost that may not make sense for every practice.
When comparing new and refurbished dental chairs, the decision comes down to more than the purchase price. There are several practical factors worth looking at before deciding which option makes sense for your practice.
Start by Understanding What “Refurbished” Means
A refurbished dental chair has been previously used and then prepared for resale, but the amount of work done can vary considerably. One chair may have been thoroughly inspected, repaired and fitted with replacement components, while another may have received little more than cleaning and cosmetic work.
Before comparing the price of a refurbished chair with a new one, find out exactly what was done during the refurbishment. Ask which components were inspected or replaced, whether the upholstery was renewed and whether the chair was tested before being offered for sale.
The condition of the chair matters, but so does the quality of the work done to refurbish it.
Compare More Than the Upfront Cost
Price is one of the main reasons to consider a refurbished dental chair. Depending on the model and condition, buying refurbished can reduce the amount you need to spend when equipping an operatory.
But the purchase price should not be considered on its own. An older chair may need repairs or replacement parts sooner, while age-related problems are generally less of an immediate concern with a new chair.
When comparing your options, look at what is included in the price and what you may need to spend after the chair is installed. A lower upfront cost is most useful when the equipment is reliable enough to provide good value over the years you plan to use it.
Look Closely at the Warranty and Service Support
New dental chairs typically come with manufacturer warranty coverage, while the warranty on refurbished equipment can vary depending on the seller and the work that was done to the chair.
Before buying refurbished, ask what the warranty covers, how long it lasts and who is responsible for repairs if something goes wrong. You should also find out whether there is a qualified technician in your area who can service that particular chair.
Good service support matters with either option. A chair may seem like a good deal when you buy it, but that advantage can quickly disappear if getting it repaired becomes difficult or causes unnecessary downtime.
Check the Age of the Chair and Parts Availability
A refurbished chair may still have many years of useful life left, but its age and model can affect how easy it is to maintain. As equipment gets older, certain replacement parts may become harder to find, particularly if the manufacturer has discontinued the model.
Ask how old the chair is and whether commonly needed replacement parts are still readily available. It is also worth checking whether local technicians are familiar with servicing that model.
An older chair is not necessarily a poor choice, but you should know whether you will be able to repair and maintain it before making the investment.
Think About How Long You Plan to Use the Chair
How long you expect to keep the chair can help determine whether the higher cost of new equipment makes sense for your practice.
If you are building a new operatory and expect to use the equipment for many years, the higher upfront cost of buying new may be easier to justify because you are starting with equipment that has not been previously used.
A refurbished chair may make more sense when keeping the initial investment lower is a priority, particularly if you can find a well-maintained model from a reputable seller with parts and service still readily available.
Neither option is automatically the better purchase. The important question is whether the chair’s condition, support and expected years of use justify what you are paying for it.
Ask the Right Questions Before Buying Refurbished
Before buying a refurbished dental chair, make sure the seller can give you clear answers about its history, condition and the work that has been done to it. Some useful questions include:
- How old is the chair, and what do you know about its previous use?
- What was inspected, repaired or replaced during refurbishment?
- Has the chair been fully tested?
- What warranty is included?
- Are replacement parts still readily available?
- Who can service the chair in my area?
If possible, inspect and operate the chair before making a decision. The goal is to know exactly what you are buying rather than choosing based on the lower price alone.
Choose Based on Value, Not Just Price
The choice between a new and a refurbished dental chair depends on what your practice needs and what you are getting for your money. With a new chair, you are starting with equipment that has not been previously used and is typically covered by a manufacturer warranty, while a properly refurbished chair can help reduce the upfront cost of equipping an operatory.
Whichever option you consider, look beyond the purchase price. The condition of the chair, quality of the refurbishment, warranty, parts availability and access to service can all affect what the equipment ultimately costs you over time.
The better choice is the one that gives your practice the right balance of cost, equipment condition, warranty coverage and long-term service support. Whether that means buying new or refurbished, you should know exactly what you are getting and what the chair is likely to require after it is installed.
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