Take Stock of Your Stock

When was the last time you really looked at what’s on your shelves?

Inventory management doesn’t have to be complex, but it does need to be intentional. Start by identifying:

• What’s used daily, occasionally, or not at all.
• What’s expired or close to expiry.
• Where you’re overstocked or understocked.

A quick monthly audit can prevent a lot of last-minute scrambles and wasted product.

Simplify Where You Can

Many practices carry multiple versions of the same product, often out of habit, not necessity. Consolidating your materials can dramatically reduce clutter, confusion, and costs.

Here are some easy considerations to streamline your materials:

• Standardise brands across categories where possible.
• Choose products with broader indications.
• Look for all-in-one kits to reduce excess inventory.

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if one product is offering a 3-in-1 solution; you can’t get the excellent results you do with three separate steps, and that’s fine. But when keeping these products, make sure they are kept together as part of the same workflow, with a clear view of how much of each product you have.

It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about making smarter choices that serve both patient care and workflow.

Delegate and Document

Inventory works best when someone owns it. Assign a team member to lead ordering, stock checks, and expiry management. Then give them the tools and training they need to do it well.

Create simple SOPs:

• Minimum/maximum levels of products.
• Who to notify when stock runs low.
• Reorder schedules tied in to usage trends.

Rotate and Refresh

Materials should move through your practice in a predictable, efficient cycle. That means:

• Utilising a FIFO system (first in, first out).
• Labelling expiry dates clearly and always making sure the oldest product is the easiest to pick up.
• Removing old or unused stock from circulation.

It also means cleaning out your cupboards regularly. If it isn’t being used, it doesn’t need to be there.

Use Products That Work Harder

One of the biggest opportunities to streamline inventory is by switching to smarter solutions.

Digital workflows reduce physical supply needs – for example, an intraoral scanner can replace the need for trays and impression materials. Multifunctional materials also reduce the number of SKUs you need to carry, never compromise on results, but the right products won’t just simplify your inventory, they’ll elevate your practice.

Reduce Waste, Increase Control

Expired items are wasted money. Overstock is money tied up in shelves. Poor visibility leads to reactive – and expensive – ordering.

Take control by monitoring the usage of high-cost items, keeping track of your inventory volumes, and ensuring the FIFO system is followed. Waste is silent, but the costs can be loud.

Effective inventory management doesn’t require a full-time coordinator or a complicated system. Just a few consistent habits and a willingness to streamline.

And if you need help? Henry Schein can offer insights, digital solutions, and product recommendations to help you take control of your inventor, without adding to your workload, contact details below.