22 September, 2025
Every dental practice faces the same dilemma: you need the latest equipment to provide excellent patient care, but the upfront costs can wipe out your cash reserves.
Digital imaging systems from leading manufacturers like Carestream cost $30,000-$80,000. Intraoral cameras run $3,000-$8,000. Add patient management software and sterilization equipment, and you're looking at a significant investment that could drain your practice's working capital.
The old way was simple but painful: save up the cash and buy everything outright. But there's now a smarter approach that lets you upgrade equipment while keeping your cash flow healthy.
The Government's new Investment Boost gives practices an immediate 20% tax deduction on qualifying equipment purchases. This isn't just another depreciation schedule—it's real money back in your first year, and it works perfectly with modern equipment financing.
How Investment Boost Works for Dental Practices
Here's a real example: Your practice buys a $50,000 digital imaging system.
Without Investment Boost: You pay $50,000 upfront and claim depreciation over several years.
With Investment Boost: You get a $10,000 immediate tax deduction (20%), plus normal depreciation on the remaining $40,000.
The smart move? Finance the equipment instead of paying cash. You still get the full $10,000 tax deduction, but now you're paying monthly amounts that preserve your cash flow. Many practices find they're cash-flow positive in year one.
Why Financing Makes Sense Now
Modern dental equipment financing offers benefits beyond just spreading payments:
Technology Protection: Dental technology evolves quickly. When better digital
imaging or patient management systems emerge, financed equipment can be
upgraded more easily than equipment you own outright.
Cash Flow Balance: Instead of emptying your bank account for one major purchase,
you can invest in multiple areas—staff training, marketing, facility
improvements—that directly improve patient experience.
Predictable Budgeting: Fixed monthly payments make financial planning straightforward, unlike the feast-or-famine cycle of saving for major purchases.
Finding the Right Financing Partner
Not all equipment financing is created equal—and that’s where Speirs Finance Healthcare makes the difference. We understand the unique requirements of dental practices, from the importance of sterilization protocols to how patient scheduling impacts cash flow.
As a New Zealand-based asset funding specialist, we offer flexible solutions that fit your practice, whether you’re investing in major imaging equipment or upgrading smaller tools.
With fast approvals and an understanding of healthcare operations, we help you avoid delays and keep your practice moving forward. At Speirs Finance, we align repayments with your clinical priorities so funding supports growth.
What This Means for Your Practice
If you've been putting off equipment upgrades due to cash flow concerns, the Investment Boost creates a genuine opportunity. The combination of immediate tax savings and
sensible financing often results in positive cash flow from day one.
The calculation is straightforward: a 20% immediate tax deduction plus monthly payments that don't strain your budget equals better equipment without financial stress.
For New Zealand dental practices, this isn't just about buying equipment—it's about building a more efficient, modern practice that can invest in patient care, staff development, and growth simultaneously.
The window for Investment Boost benefits started in May 2025, so practices have time to plan upgrades strategically. Whether it's finally getting that digital imaging system or
upgrading your entire technology suite, now might be the perfect time to make moves you've been postponing.
Sean Coutts leads Healthcare Financing at Speirs Finance, working with dental, veterinary, and medical practices across New Zealand to find financing solutions that support practice growth.
FAQS
Q: Does Investment Boost work with equipment finance?
Yes. You get the 20% tax deduction whether you finance equipment or buy it outright. The tax benefit is the same either way.
Q: What dental equipment qualifies for Investment Boost?
Most new dental equipment qualifies - digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, sterilizers, and practice management software. It needs to be new equipment that you use to earn income.
Q: Can I use Investment Boost on used dental equipment?
No, Investment Boost only applies to new equipment purchases. But financing new equipment with the tax benefit often costs less than buying used equipment with cash.
Q: When do I get the Investment Boost tax savings?
You get the 20% deduction in your current tax year. If you make provisional tax payments, you could see the benefit within a few months.
Q: Can I claim Investment Boost on multiple pieces of equipment?
Yes, there's no limit. You can use Investment Boost for every piece of qualifying equipment you buy - whether it's one item or a full practice upgrade.
• Learn more about our Healthcare Finance solutions here
• Explore how Equipment Leasing works for your organisation here