title: A survey of dental practice and equipment characteristics.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine what would be regarded as essential equipment required for setting up a dental practice and the cost thereof. This information could be useful for the newly qualified dentist. Seventy five completed questionnaires returned from a randomly selected group of practising dentists were analysed to obtain this information. Equipment costs were obtained from a dental supply house and are tabulated. Guidelines recommended for setting up a practice include determining the type of service to be rendered, selecting the equipment required for this purpose, seeking expert financial advice and commencing the practice on a conservative basis with only the essential items of equipment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Dentistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, S.A.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hartshorne
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: van Zyl
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Carstens
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lombard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011215:Practice Management, Dental; D011364:Professional Practice; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires