Early in my practice ownership journey, I was surprisingly resistant to adopting intraoral scanners. Our group grew from one to three locations, and while we invested heavily in systems, processes, marketing, and team-building, we completely neglected this core piece of technology.
Looking back, I’m not sure why—but I’m glad that changed.
Enter Dandy
The turning point came when my business partner saw a Facebook post about Dandy’s free scanner offer. Skeptical, I dismissed it. “Nothing free is really free,” I thought.
But my indecision was holding us back.
Eventually, we agreed to test a scanner at one location. I began comparing major players like TRIOS and Medit, doing demos, reading reviews, and talking to colleagues. When I finally spoke with Dandy and learned they offered TRIOS units, it felt like the stars were aligning. We decided to give it a shot.
I chose to implement it at the location I worked in most, just to keep an eye on things. And—spoiler alert—I ended up loving it. Even better? So did my team.
Overcoming hesitation
As CEO, I balance optimism with caution. My concerns about going digital were:
- Would lab fees offset the savings of a free scanner?
- Were there hidden costs?
- What if the equipment failed?
- Would there be any support?
- Would my team even use it?
Valid questions—but, as it turns out, mostly unfounded.
Dandy shipped the scanner and laptop, trained us, and got us running quickly. No drama, no teeth-pulling. The team was excited and engaged from day one—something every dentist knows is rare with new tech.
What I’ve learned since
- Lab fees: They’re reasonable and competitive. Dandy isn’t bargain-basement pricing, but the value is strong.
- Hidden costs: As long as you meet the monthly lab minimum, there aren’t any.
- Tech reliability: Our first TRIOS unit eventually had a hardware issue. Dandy replaced it immediately. Their support has been consistently responsive for both hardware and software issues.
- Scan support: Dandy’s live review team has bailed us out more than once. That kind of backup builds real confidence.
- Quality: The restorations are solid and consistent. I rarely need remakes, which means better outcomes and fewer headaches.
Expanding our scanner fleet
After our first Dandy unit proved successful, we bought two more TRIOS 3 scanners outright—one for a satellite location and one as backup in our flagship office. We couldn’t use Dandy at one location since, like most scanners, it requires a reliable internet connection (small-town struggles), but we didn’t want to give up digital scanning.
This also gave me the chance to compare Dandy’s full-service model against operating a TRIOS independently.
Comparing costs: DIY digital vs. Dandy
Owning your own scanner can be cheaper on paper, especially if you use low-cost labs and nothing breaks. But in real life? Repairs, updates, subscriptions, and unexpected tech issues add up.
Dandy’s system feels more cost-effective for us because:
- I don’t worry about maintenance or breakdowns.
- My team can rely on quick fixes instead of waiting on third-party tech support.
- The restorations seat better, saving valuable chair time. A crown that fits the first time is worth its weight in gold (or high noble metal, if you’re into dental jokes).
My take on Dandy
It absolutely helped my practice. Dandy didn’t swoop in and transform our entire business—but they did remove a major barrier to progress. Their no-hassle setup, modern software, and reliable lab network helped us update workflows, reduce friction, and stay competitive.
Considerations before jumping in
While my experience with Dandy has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s only fair to share a few limitations or quirks we’ve encountered:
- Lab exclusivity: Dandy requires that you use their lab to keep the scanner. This may limit flexibility if you like to shop around or work with multiple labs.
- Monthly minimums: You do need to meet a monthly lab spend to avoid charges. For smaller or slower offices, this might feel restrictive.
- Software ecosystem: Dandy’s workflow is streamlined, but also fairly “locked in.” If you love customizing your digital workflow, you may find it less open than using a standalone scanner.
These aren’t deal-breakers for us, but they’re worth knowing up front. Every tech solution has trade-offs—what matters is whether those trade-offs fit your practice philosophy and goals.
Conclusion
Adopting intraoral scanners felt like a leap—but Dandy made it feel like a well-supported step forward. Sure, there are some trade-offs in terms of flexibility and ecosystem control, but for us, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re on the fence, I’d encourage you to do what we did: test, compare, and see what works best for your team.
Because sometimes, the right tool isn’t just about features—it’s about whether it helps you move forward with less friction.
