The latest advancements in technology and commoditization of digital and cone beam X-ray technology have allowed for dental and dental specialty practices to upgrade from film to digital dental X-ray machines at faster rates than ever before. In recent years, we’ve even seen a huge push from 2D panoramic X-ray machines) to dental cone beam systems that provide 3D imaging options. This is great news for dental practitioners who are able to more effectively and efficiently treat their patients as well as add more procedures to their list of available services. This all can lead to healthier patients and a healthier bottom line for the dental practice, as well.
However, this also means that more dental panoramic and cephalometric X-ray machines as well as first and second generation cone beam systems need to be disposed of than ever before. So, what do you do with your old dental X-ray machine or CBCT system? How do you keep them out of landfills? Here are a few suggestions.
MAKE IT EASY AND CALL RENEW DIGITAL!
We understand that removing an unwanted extraoral X-ray machine can be time-consuming and confusing. If you are looking to make a change and currently have a newer direct-digital panoramic X-ray, cephalometric X-ray or dental cone beam system, that is in perfect working order, and is a model that we purchase*, contact Renew Digital for a quote today. If you’re looking to upgrade, we may also offer a generous trade-in value for your current model* towards our in-stock used dental X-ray and dental CBCT equipment.
Renew Digital makes it easy to get a quote to buy or trade in your used dental equipment. Just visit the following link to get a quote for your X-ray system. You can see under “Direct Digital” which products we may accept. Enter the required information and we will contact you within 24 hours!
*Select models only
If selling or trading in your panoramic X-ray, cephalometric X-ray or dental CBCT system to Renew Digital is not for you, there are several other options to consider if you have an aging dental X-ray machine.
TOP 5 CHOICES
1) Try to repurpose the unit. Can you sell it to a colleague or someone who is just getting started in their own dental practice? This can be more difficult and costly than it sounds when you consider the logistics such as removing the unit from your office, packing it, installing it in the new office, software licensing, ongoing support, etc., but it’s definitely an eco-friendly option.
2) Sell to a used dental equipment vendor. If you can’t find anyone to purchase your old unit, try selling it to a used dental equipment vendor that purchases your X-ray model. Check the vendors’ websites. If they sell the model that you have, they may very well buy yours.
Don’t forget, however, that not all used dental equipment dealers are the same. You’ll want to make sure the company is reputable before engaging in a sale, otherwise, it may be more trouble than it’s worth. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do they provide payment at the time of purchase or is there a waiting period?
- Do they send their own technicians or use third parties?
- Are they willing to work with your installation vendor to coordinate removal with the new installation?
- Do they have dental X-ray expertise?
- Do they have dedicated project managers or are you going to have to do all of the work and coordination?
3) Donate the unit. Reach out to your local or state dental association or other charities for a list of organizations in need. Be sure to ask about tax incentives for used dental equipment donations.
4) Dispose of the unit. If a waste disposal company will accept it, you can recycle the entire imaging system at once. Of course, you will need to first have it uninstalled by a professional dental service company so that they can properly remove any hazardous components, such as tube heads containing lead.
5) Sell the unit for parts or scrap. Again, you will most likely need to enlist the help of a professional dental service company to uninstall and then remove sensitive and hazardous machine components for re-sale.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DISPOSING OF A DENTAL X-RAY MACHINE
Inoperable or unwanted X-ray equipment should be removed by trained and experienced professionals. In some states, these people are required to have certain state-approved qualifications. You’ll also need to report the removal to your state using state-approved forms and/or protocols, typically within 30 days of removal.
Since dental X-ray machines sometimes contain lead, beryllium, and PCB-contaminated oil, special care must be taken to safely dispose of them. The vendor you work with must permanently disable the X-ray machine before transferring it to a recycler.
There are also environmental and regulatory concerns to manage when disposing of an X-ray unit. If your dental X-ray machine was built before July 1979, it may contain a toxic substance called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the transformer oil. If so, you will need to contact a waste removal specialist. Also, consider that most dental X-ray machines contain hazardous metals, such as lead. If you find that this is the case, you will have 90-180 days from decommissioning the unit to dispose of the hazardous waste.
You must consider safety issues when removing or disposing of an X-ray. For example, to disable a dental X-ray machine, you’ll need to remove the attached or adjacent components without breaking the X-ray tube. This tube is under a vacuum and if it breaks, it could splinter and cause injury. In addition, the tube often contains leaded glass.
You should also take caution to check with your state for details on approved vendors and recycling facilities to make sure they will accept the dental X-ray machine. Your state’s regulatory agency will also have specific laws regarding disposal due to radiological and toxic waste legislation. For example, some states require a certificate of destruction when an X-ray is disposed of.
To learn more about our services, or to find out more about whether or not Renew Digital will currently accept your used panoramic, cephalometric or cone beam system, please contact us at 888-246-5611 or via our online contact form today.
