Possible to save $$$ on dental school equipment?

[sniper86]

I realized a while ago that purchasing dental instruments from most schools is expensive. I've seen them range from $5000-$12,000 in any particular year. Is there a way to purchase the necessary equipment for dental school at cheaper prices? Sort of like how buying college textbooks on Amazon tends to be a lot cheaper than buying the books from a college bookstore. Is there something like this for dental instruments? Or are they specific for each school?


Thanks.

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[yellowjeeep79]

Sorry, most schools require you to buy their kit. At our school, hours and hours are spent every year going over the kits to make sure your money isn't being wasted, but it is sooo much easier if everyone has the exact same instruments and materials.

 

[sniper86]

Right, but wouldn't a dental school give you a list of what make and models of equipment you have to buy? Then you could find it from a former dental student or ebay maybe?

 

[gryffindor]

The dental companies supplying your school kits are most likely not charging you retail. Often their student pricing is like 50% off compared to what practicing doctors pay. It's not easy to find dental things on eBay.

I would stick with buying the kit from the school. Those instruments are vital to your education. Look to save money elsewhere like rent or car expenses or restaurants.

 

[dantemac]

The dental companies supplying your school kits are most likely not charging you retail. Often their student pricing is like 50% off compared to what practicing doctors pay. It's not easy to find dental things on eBay.

I would stick with buying the kit from the school. Those instruments are vital to your education. Look to save money elsewhere like rent or car expenses or restaurants.

I agree, dental school is no time to be cheap, except with your own personal expenses.

 

[KittySquared]

Sell some stuff you don't use and know you'd never use, like Aquasil and such.

 

[Epictetus21]

At most schools you don't have a choice. They don't give you a list and make you search out your instruments and materials. They pre-purchase them for you, package them up in kits and bags, give them to you during your first few weeks, and add the cost to your tuition and fees.

 

[budentite]

Just like everyone else has said, you can't get out of purchasing the school's instrument kit. Hopefully your school responsibly chooses what to include in the kit, what to omit, and at a reasonable price.

People in my school were really pissed that the school made them purchase a crappy (non-SLR) point-and-shoot digital camera for $800, when the exact same model was on sale at Costco for $200. (if you're interested, the model was an Olympus SP-350).

 

[sniper86]

People in my school were really pissed that the school made them purchase a crappy (non-SLR) point-and-shoot digital camera for $800, when the exact same model was on sale at Costco for $200. (if you're interested, the model was an Olympus SP-350).

Right, thanks I appreciate it. I know some people here have been saying that dental schools try to get students the best deals, but I don't really believe that. They are making good money on the equipment, and this is a great example.