How Dental Scraps Can Turn Into Cash

How Dental Clinics Can Generate Revenue From Dental Scraps

While dentistry on its own might be able to generate ample revenue, there are a few extra ways to optimize a clinic’s earning potential without purchasing additional equipment or booking more appointments.  This article explores the benefits of dental scrap refineries and how they can boost your bottom line.

What Are Dental Scraps? 

Dental scraps are metallic materials containing a value higher than the costs associated with processing and recycling. These materials are collected from dental extractions and other procedures.

Standard Refining Process of Dental Scraps

Dentists interested in getting the most out of their dental scraps should be familiar with the standard process of how refineries work to convert these scraps into revenue.

1. Sending your scrap to a refinery
   The refining process begins when you ship your dental scrap to a refinery. Upon receipt, the contents are carefully photo-documented under strict security protocols. This information is then emailed back to the sender with a confirmation attached.
2. The melting process
   There are two steps in the melting process of dental scraps. In preparation for the first melt, a disk mill is used to crush the scrap, and proprietary flux is added to extract even the smallest particles of precious metals.After the first melt, the materials are cooled, and slag is removed before the metals are placed back inside an induction furnace for the second melt.
3. Vacuum pin tube method
   After the melting process is completed, a small sample is taken via capillary action through a narrow glass cylinder, called a vacuum pin tube. The sample cools instantly and is then cut into three sections for processing. Using an induction furnace ensures a homogeneous melt and an accurate representative sample.
4. Assaying
   The next process is testing the materials to determine its ingredients and quality. This is called assaying. Different methods are used by refineries in this process. The most common methods are through classical fire assay and state of the art technology known as Inductive Coupled Plasma Machine, or ICP.
5. Analysis
   This process involves testing materials against rigorous controls to identify exactly how much precious metal the sender has and how much it is worth.
6. Settlement report
   The refinery then reports settlement records with a personal call to the sender to discuss results, and offer flexible payment options. 

The Most Common Source for Dental Scraps Are the Following:

• Gold, silver, platinum and palladium crowns
• Bridges
• Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns
• Inlays, on-lays, and caps.

Dentists should be aware that alloy dental scraps (with exception to silver) are presently of high value. Palladium, being the highest, followed by gold and platinum.

Interested parties can check updated pricing by logging on to the refinery websites like www.argen.com.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Refinery Service

Dental clinics familiar with scrap refineries and the potential revenue it generates may feel that the materials they send are more valuable than the amount received. Thus, collecting dental scraps could be seen as more of a liability than an asset.

However, this scenario can easily be avoided if they take into consideration the quality of service a refinery has before entering into any sort of formal agreement..

Qualities of Refinery Services to Look For: 

Trust and Transparency

According to specialists, dental clinics should look for refineries that have an established name in both the dental and the refining industry. These refineries should be able to provide an estimation of materials turned in, as well as a valid reasons behind their findings.

Everything in Print

To further establish trust and transparency, legitimate companies put everything in writing. Procedures and transactions are well-documented for the benefit of both clients and the company.

Material-Back Policy

Clients unsatisfied with the results of a refinery’s assay can request for their dental scrap to be returned free of charge.

Payment Method

Refineries should be able to offer different modes of payment. These are the commonly used modes of payment:

• Check
• Gold coins
• Direct deposits

Larger Value on Dental Scraps

Dental Clinics that want to maximize the value of their dental scraps should opt to acquire the services offered by refineries. Prices of dental scraps offered by refineries amount to twice or even up to five times the amount compared to a walk-in offers.

Conclusion

Refining dental scraps can potentially lead to considerable profits.  Clinics that are able to establish their preferred refining company can benefit from a consistent, secure, and safe transaction.

For more information on refining services, dental clinics can reach out to Benco Dental.