We spend a lot of time on here talking about how to improve the internal aspects of dental practices, but today, I’d like to touch one one of the most important external aspects: the patient. According to Jordon Comstock, writer of the DentistryIQ article “7 simple ways to make your dental patients happy with you,” making your patients happy should be your top priority because without patients, you wouldn’t have a practice. “Happy patients are loyal and they are more likely to refer your office to their family and friends,” Comstock writes. “You should spend time giving your patients quality dental care and making their office experience unforgettable.” Comstock has offered these seven tips to help you make your patient interactions positive and memorable.
- Remember who they are. Comstock writes that a lot of dental practices get in the habit of herding their patients through their appointments like cattle, and eventually, that is what the patients feel like. “We’re made to connect with each other. Take the time to write notes about your conversations and follow up with your patients next time they visit,” Comstock writes. “Ask them how their family vacation was, if they survived finals week, or how they’re doing at their new job.”
- Make it easier for patients to pay their bill. These days, Comstock writes, convenience can make or break something. “Most patients who are part of the younger generation hate, like really, really dislike, calling or mailing in a check or credit card information,” Comstock writes. “It takes too much time and is quickly becoming an outdated way of accepting payments. It’s easy and convenient to pay right from our smartphones.” Comstock suggests making it easy for patients by allowing them to pay their bills online via your website. Not only will this make patients happy, it will also improve your cash flow with them paying more quickly.
- Create membership plans for patients. “What is a membership plan, you ask?” Comstock writes. “Basically, your practice offers patients who don’t have dental insurance a monthly or yearly membership plan. Each member pays to receive discounts and benefits from your practice.” Membership plans will not only show your patients you care about them, they will also make them extremely loyal, bringing stability and revenue to your practice.
- Hold a Patient Appreciation Week. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and having a week dedicated to appreciating your patients will make them feel special. Comstock recommends timing it with a holiday like Valentines Day. “Hang up a sign that says ‘We LOVE our patients!’ and then put a smile on each of their faces by giving them a flower, chocolate, or balloon,” Comstock writes. “Some doctors even rent out a movie theater or a water park and then provide tickets to their patients. This is a great way for patients and their families to get out and enjoy a fun day with your staff.”
- Hold a contest on social media. Everyone is on social media these days, and having a contest with your patients is a great way to make them happy and excited about your office. It will also get patients talking about your office in a positive way, and word-of-mouth marketing is always great. ” Your patients can be entered into a raffle to win a prize (iPad mini, movie passes, gift cards, etc.) if they ‘like’ and provide a positive review on your practice Facebook page,” Comstock suggests. “You will get noticed by everyone on your patients’ networks, and this will get you referrals. Make sure to take pictures of the winner and post the photos on your Facebook page so all your patients can see how awesome you are.”
- Follow-up call from the dentist. “Getting a call from the front office or an assistant is a nice gesture, but it can sometimes make patients feel like they’re just a name on a long list of routine calls,” Comstock writes. “Calling your patients personally will make them feel like you, the doctor, actually care about them and that you’re there when they need you. Your patients will know that you go above and beyond for them.”
- Offer free WiFi. Comstock writes that free WiFi is the new magazine for dental offices these days. “Let’s face it, for lots of people sitting in the dental chair can be nerve-wracking,” Comstock writes. “You can make people feel more comfortable by allowing them to hop on your WiFi so they can browse through Facebook or look at Instagram while they wait.” Who knows, they might even Check In at your practice on their Facebook page!
As a dental patient myself, I have to say that I love all of these ideas, and I especially love No. 2 and No. 7, as I am a big internet user. Try some of these out, and see if they make a difference!
Resume Coach and Blogger at Dental Temps Professional Services
Katie Devereaux is a writer and editor, who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. She has written for several publications in Florida, Alaska and Illinois.
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