What does "lead time" refer to in dental management?

Lead time in dental management specifically refers to the duration between placing an order for supplies or equipment and the moment those items are actually received. This is a critical concept in ensuring that a dental practice operates smoothly and efficiently. By understanding lead time, dental practices can manage their inventory more effectively, ensuring that they have necessary materials on hand when needed, thus minimizing disruptions to patient care.

This timing impacts the ability to keep the practice running efficiently, as delays in receiving supplies can lead to delays in patient treatment, potentially affecting overall patient satisfaction and the financial health of the practice. Therefore, managing lead time is essential for effective operational planning and ensuring that dental procedures can be performed without delay.