New vs Certified Pre-Owned vs Used: How to Evaluate Equipment Options
Buying dental equipment isn’t just about price. Warranty, service, reliability, and long-term value all play a role in finding what makes sense for your practice.
When cost is a major consideration, it’s natural to explore pre-owned or used options. But buying dental equipment is far more complex and impactful than buying a thrifted pair of jeans. Understanding the benefits and tradeoffs between new, certified pre-owned, and used equipment can help you avoid costly mistakes.
New Equipment
Pros
Full Warranty Coverage: With new equipment, you know you’re getting the full manufacturer’s warranty. For items that are installed, you’ll also get a service warranty. You’ll often have the option to purchase extended coverage.
Latest Technology: New equipment comes with the most recent technology and software updates.
Financing Options: Banks and equipment lenders love to work with dentists, and you’ll have the broadest financing options for new equipment.
Tradeoffs
Highest Upfront Cost: You’ll pay more upfront than you would for used or certified pre-owned equipment.
Tip: GroupUps’ AI helps identify options that match your specific needs, so you’re not paying for functionality you won’t use.
Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned
Pros
Financial Savings: Certified pre-owned (CPO) equipment will have a lower upfront cost compared to new equipment, with potential savings of 20-30% (or more).
Reliable Standards: With manufacturer CPO equipment, you know the manufacturer has refurbished and tested the equipment to their standards.
Warranty Protection: Most certified pre-owned options come with a limited warranty and may be eligible for service contracts or warranty.
Tradeoffs
Availability & Customization: Not every model or configuration is available for certified pre-owned equipment, so you may need to compromise on color or specific setup options.
Warranty: The warranty will often be shorter than on a new unit.
Service Expectations: Even with certification and warranty coverage, pre-owned equipment may require more maintenance over time. Expect occasional downtime or repairs compared to a brand-new unit.
Third-Party Certified Pre-Owned
Pros
Financial Savings: Certified pre-owned equipment will have a lower upfront cost compared to new equipment, with potential savings of 20-30% (or more).
Warranty Protection: Most certified pre-owned options come with a limited warranty and may be eligible for service contracts or warranty.
Tradeoffs
Inconsistent Standards: Refurbishing processes and standards will vary for each third party. If buying a CPO unit from a third party, be sure you understand their certification process and standards, and whether manufacturer software updates are included.
Availability & Customization: Not every model or configuration is available for certified pre-owned equipment, so you may need to compromise on color or specific setup options.
Warranty: The warranty will often be shorter than on a new unit.
Service Expectations: Even with certification and warranty coverage, pre-owned equipment may require more maintenance over time. Expect occasional downtime or repairs compared to a brand-new unit.
Used Equipment
Pros
Lowest Cost: Used equipment often offers 30-50% savings compared to new equipment.
Good Backup Option: Used equipment can be a smart choice for backup purposes, helping your practice stay operational if your main unit needs repair. It can also be a practical option for equipment you use infrequently.
Tradeoffs
Warranty & Reliability: Most used equipment has no warranty, and refurbishing standards can vary widely. If still under the original manufacturer warranty, confirm that warranty is transferable.
Installation & Delivery: Buying directly from another practice means you’ll need to coordinate packing, shipping, and installation yourself.
Unknown Service History: When you buy used equipment, you may not be able to assess if it was serviced according to manufacturer specifications. Ask for and review maintenance or service logs before purchasing.
Financing: Financing for used equipment is more challenging. Expect to face higher rates, shorter terms, or appraisal requirements.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how new, manufacturer certified pre-owned, third-party certified pre-owned, and used equipment compare across key factors like price, warranty, reliability, and financing.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Once you’ve reviewed the options, ask yourself these questions before making a final decision:
What are the goals you have for this equipment? Are you adding new capabilities or replacing a core piece of equipment?
What tradeoffs are you willing to make to fit your budget?
Will this purchase still meet your practice needs 5-10 years from now?
New, certified pre-owned, and used equipment offer different types of value. Weighing these benefits and tradeoffs with your clinical and financial goals will help you evaluate the options that make sense to you.
GroupUps helps you narrow down the equipment you should be considering by brand and model, in a brand neutral way, without salespeople influencing the decision. If you’re exploring new or manufacturer certified pre-owned equipment, submit your equipment shopping list to ensure you’re getting the most suitable options while also getting the best value for what you spend. We get beneficial pricing on equipment because our data-backed process leverages the power of the hundreds of practices across the country we’ve helped buy equipment.
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