How You Can Make Your Dental Practice the Talk of the Town

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Medical practices of any kind are businesses. As with any business, word of mouth is key to your success and profitability. The following contributed post is entitled, How You Can Make Your Dental Practice the Talk of the Town.

* * *

Image credit

Sure, everyone starting up their own medical private practice can agree that it’s exciting. Maybe even more so if it’s a dental practice, for the most part, the dentist really gets to know their patients on a pretty close level. Plus, you might actually see your patients more than other medical professionals.

But even with all of that in mind, well, there are probably already so many options out there already for potential patients, right? So, that alone just begs the question, how does a new practice rise above the crowd? Well, believe it or not, it’s not just about having great skills or the latest equipment.

Granted, those do help a lot, however. People want an experience that feels modern, personal, and memorable. So, it’s more about the details that you can give. But where do you start?

Start By Making the Patient Experience Unforgettable

Going to the dentist isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite outing. But that’s precisely why a practice that creates a stellar patient experience will stick in people’s minds.

Just think about adding thoughtful touches that make a visit feel more like a spa trip than a dental appointment. For example, this includes warm towels after cleanings, playlists for nervous patients, or even noise-canceling headphones that can take the edge off for visitors. No really, these little perks can make such an amazing difference. Plus, just throw in some comfortable chairs and friendly, upbeat staff, and yeah, you’re making a world of difference.

Just think of it this way; people remember how they felt during their visit, and the practice that makes them feel valued will always stand out.

Invest in the “Wow” Factor

While sure, it’s true that patients may not know the technical side of dentistry, but they’ll notice when a practice looks and feels modern. So, it really can help (if you can afford it) to try and offer some cutting-edge tools and techniques, since this not only makes treatments smoother but also leaves a lasting impression.

For example, something like 3D imaging and laser dentistry shows patients that this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill office. It also builds trust, and yeah, people feel confident in a dentist who invests in the best care.

And it’s not just about the gadgets either (although it does help). Overall, you need to provide what you can that’s high quality, so high-quality materials like dental adhesives & primers can set a practice apart by ensuring precision and durability for every patient. Now, just go ahead and think of it this way; when you combine expertise with the best tools, patients leave knowing they got top-tier care.

Build a Brand That Turns Heads

Sure, it’s definitely true that first impressions matter and a brand that stands out will stick in patients’ minds. Most dental practices don’t even bother, so doing this will immediately make you stick out (and yes, that includes getting a professional-looking website as well).

A lot of dental practices nowadays will even use social media to show off before-and-after transformations, educational tips, and even something a bit more quirky like behind-the-scenes moments to feel more relatable.

Re-Opening Your Dental Practice After COVID-19

Three key focuses of my blog are Current Events, Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Much of the healthcare sector has stayed open during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis/Pandemic. Dental practices in most instances closed down unless absolutely necessary. As the lockdown eases, dental practices will look to re-open and if you’re an owner of one, there are some aspects you want to consider. The following contributed post is entitled, Re-Opening Your Dental Practice After COVID-19.

* * *

Image Credit (CC0 License)

As the coronavirus lockdown rules start to relax even further it opens up opportunities for businesses and services to start back up. One of the first things that will open up is the healthcare system. Obviously, doctors surgeries, hospitals, and pharmacies have remained open through the pandemic. However, the wider healthcare world had to shut down – including dental practices in some areas. If you’re a dentist that’s struggled for business over the last few months, you’re probably eager to get started once more. So, here are some tips to open your dental practice when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted:

Stock up on PPE

First and foremost, be sure you have a good supply of PPE. This includes both masks and gloves, seeing as all of your work involves playing around with people’s mouths. Masks are absolutely vital, but gloves are just as important when you consider what you’ll be touching. A dental supply store will stock everything you need, so don’t hesitate to buy as much as possible. As of right now, PPE supplies are a lot better than they were when the virus initially broke out. But, who knows how long that will last? It’s better to stock up now so you can keep providing treatment for as long as possible.

Enforce new appointment rules

It’s so tempting to jump right back into the swing of things when you open your doors after lockdown. However, you have to take things slow. Don’t open your practice up for a full day of appointments, restrict how many people you see each day. Yes, this means you miss out on lots of money, but safety must come first. You need to plan it so there’s a small number of people in the waiting room at all times. This will probably mean you have to extend the time between appointments to avoid lots of people coming in at the same time. Instead of having 10 minutes between appointments, extend it to 20 or 30. As time goes on you can gradually move things back to normal as per the government guidelines.

Reduce your staff

A lot of businesses are doing this as it reduces the number of people all within one area. Obviously, a dental practice can be pretty small, so you can’t afford to have lots of dentists, nurses, and admin staff all running around. Furthermore, it would be pretty pointless if you’re operating on a reduced schedule. Instead, reduce your staff and come in with a smaller crew. Again, this limits the risk of infections and keeps things safe for everyone. You may only need yourself and a secretary for the time being. Once more, you can increase your staff as the appointments get back to normal.

It has been an incredibly difficult time for all dentists during coronavirus. If you’ve not been allowed to work throughout this period, then you probably can’t wait to get started again. Keep an eye out for any news in your country that lets you get back to work. Then, follow these three tips when you re-open.