Practice Ownership

The Pre-Purchase Equipment Checklist Every Buyer Should Use

Ten things to check before buying used dental equipment — whether it's one chair or an entire operatory.

1. Ask for the equipment's service history. A seller who can't produce any maintenance records isn't necessarily hiding something, but it should lower your offer.
2. Check the hydraulics or electrical lift function in person. Cycle the chair up and down multiple times, not once.
3. Inspect upholstery for tears, not just stains. Stains are cosmetic; tears mean replacement cost.
4. Confirm the delivery unit and chair are actually matched. Mismatched units can complicate installation and voids some warranty coverage.
5. Ask when it was last disconnected and by whom. Equipment disconnected by a licensed technician is generally safer to buy than something pulled out informally.
6. Check for rust or corrosion on the base and plumbing lines, especially on equipment that sat in storage.
7. Verify the compressor and vacuum system separately if they're included — these are often the most expensive components to replace.
8. Get a straight answer on why it's being sold. Retirement and downsizing are common and fine; equipment being replaced due to chronic failure is a red flag.
9. Factor in delivery and reinstallation cost up front, not as an afterthought — this can be 15–30% of the total project cost.
10. Never buy sight unseen for major equipment. Photos hide a lot; a short visit or a trusted technician's inspection is worth the time.

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