What are you doing to set your dental practice apart from the dental practice across the street?
What are you doing to set your dental practice apart from the dental practice across the street? Sometimes when you’ve been in practice for many years, it can be intimidating when the new practice moves nearby or down the road. Chances are it’s all new and possibly modern looking. But we all know a good dentist is not determined by their building. This may take patients a time or two to learn if they’re new, not from a word-of-mouth referral. Many “little” things can have a significant impact. As dental professionals, we know you want to provide a fantastic experience at your dental office. You’re well aware that there is a standard to being kind and professional on the phone. We all know the experience starts when the phone is answered. Estimate the insurance correctly and bill it on time. Call the patient by their name. Did you know feel-good hormones are released when people hear their name? It’s essential to call a person by their right name. At check-in and clinically too.
You know when you go to a party, and the attention is in the details? You know, the little things. Well, let’s do that at work.
Here are some ideas: Let us know how they work for you!
- Mouth rinse and disposable toothbrushes in the restroom (you can get them from your dental supplier).
- Blankets are always a big hit. We like it a little cooler because we are wearing PPE.
- Custom Chapstick with your logo
- Vaseline to apply to the lips before the appointment.
- Headphones, many patients dislike the sound of the drill. The patient can choose what they want to listen to. It can be meditation, calming music, or rock and roll. Whatever will make them most comfortable.
- Warm damp towels it’s nice to wipe your mouth or face after your dental appointment
- Neck Massager you can get portable massagers online (Amazon) and relax the patient before their appointment
- Socks, you’ve probably seen some patients remove their shoes for their appointment
- Before and after photos can provide value to the work you’ve completed. It’s unlikely patients see what their teeth look like before and after unless it’s an anterior tooth, and this can be a “show and tell.”
- Xylitol mints or suckers are unique and can promote healthy options for patients they may not have experienced.
- Cavity Free acknowledgments/celebrations. People like to be celebrated for being cavity-free.
- Smoothies or fresh-baked cookies. Smoothies are good after an appointment that involves anesthetic. It’s refreshing. Fresh-baked cookies (toaster oven) can eliminate the “dental” smell.
Please post on our Facebook page and share your success with being a little different and how your patients receive it. We’re confident these will set you apart, and your patients will share the difference in their experience.
