Cash for chompers

By Sabrina Y. Hinkle, EFDA

The current administration recently offered a wildly popular rebate program, called Cash for Clunkers, to help stimulate the economy. The premise of this rebate was to turn in your rundown, outdated, no longer efficient car for a new model that is friendly for your wallet and the environment. The program ran until August 24.

With this in mind, I thought, “How can my business benefit from this marketing idea? I’ve promoted CEREC integration, so why not a Cash for Chompers program?”

I encourage other dentists to customize this program any way they see fit. They can offer it every day, or just one day a week. A marketing phrase could look like this: “Trade in your used, broken down, no longer efficient, old restoration for a qualified onlay or crown. Take advantage of the Cash for Chompers rebate program, offered in our office every Wednesday!”

Here’s how it works. Let’s say your crown fee is $900. If sent out, your lab bill would be $180. In-house, your CEREC/E4D office supply fee would be under $30. The price of making the Chompers program rebate is $750. Your profit margin remains unchanged because you don’t send restorations out for fabrication. Proportionately, this is about the same financial dental value as the “Clunker” auto deal.

If you don’t currently own a CEREC or E4D, then talk to your local lab. They’re feeling the crunch of the economy as much as we are. They may be willing to negotiate a deal with your office to be involved in your rebate program, with the promise of increased caseloads.

So be proactive in your marketing and make Cash for Chompers as wildly popular in your town as Cash for Clunkers was at your local car dealership!

Author bio
Sabrina Hinkle, EFDA, began assisting in 1983. She completed the Indiana University Expanded Functions Program in 1986. Through the years, she has gained experience in management and chairside, working with solo practitioners, group practices, and associateships, as well as large multi-location practices with commissioned dentists. Having completed advanced CEREC training, she is excited about dental technology and passionate about service. Contact her at Sabrina Hinkle.