Running a dental practice can be stressful, and at times it can be difficult to remember the reasons you went into medicine. Good dental practice management keeps your patients smiling, which is good for both your wallet and mind. Happy patients will keep coming back, recommending you to family and friends. Cheerful patients can make your day and the atmosphere of your office more pleasant. It is vital to respect your patients by knowing their names, schedules and concerns. Here are some small but mighty ways you can make your patients happy through your practice:
1. Hire an Impressive and Polite Dental Staff
Hire an impressive and polite dental team that smile and greet patients when they arrive, as well as are polite and patient over the phone. Encourage a culture of smiling at your clinic and even your patients will return with a smile. Hiring staff that shares the same belief should be your priority. Also, make sure your staff is trained. Your staff’s attitude, communication skills and professionalism will leave a lasting impression on your patients.
2. Provide 5 Star Customer Service to Your Patients
- Enhance Comfort
Going to a dental office isn’t exactly where people feel most comfortable. A bad experience as a child may linger as a fear into adulthood. Enhancing comfort and a warm, familiar atmosphere goes a long way in keeping your patients happy.
- Increase Your Services
Dentists do more than just fill cavities and repair fractured teeth. Patients also look for services like root canal treatments, cosmetic dentistry and veneer applications. They want to find these services all at one place.
- Reward Loyal Patients
We all like to be recognized for our contributions and your customers would like to expect the same from you. Recognize your customer of the week by featuring them on your website, email or social media, will help your business grow.
- Control Your Reputation Online
Google yourself using every possible search, including on social media and forums, to find out everything good and bad said about you on the Internet. Comb through any damaging posts or photos that you may have forgotten about. Build your brand by focusing on the future and keep adding new content to your social media, blogs and forums to beef up your professional identity.
3. Give Your Workspace a Makeover
Give your workspace a makeover as your office reception will be the first point of contact that visitors will have with your clinic. In order to foster maximum productivity, have a reception area that is well equipped with storage and spacious to accommodate staff and other equipment.
4. Host Events for Your Patients
Host events for your patients to let them know that you’re not all about business. Your patients would have a delightful time attending events like Patient Appreciation days or Open House events. Besides, events like Open House events or Patient Appreciation days will help you create an amazing experience for your patients.
5. Create an Honest and Positive Work Culture
Creating an honest and positive work culture boosts employee morale, sustains a skilled workforce and leads to increased productivity.
6. Provide Flexible Financing Options
Providing flexible financing options will make patients more inclined to accept treatment recommendations and continuous dental care. Payment options such as debit, credit, check and cash assure personal financial circumstances won’t interfere with dental care decisions.
Incorporating these six simple, yet powerful tips into your dental practice management will build better relationships with your patients and take your dental practice to the next level.
About the Author
Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Dental Clinic in Goodyear, AZ. While working for the dental clinic, he’s gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.
