8 Steps to a Successful Dental Practice - Health - Dental Care

Increasing new patient flow is one of the greatest challenges facing any dental practice. Though regular external marketing including radio and magazine advertisements may be effective to bring in new patients, on-going internal marketing is much cheaper and brings in more new patients.

Patient referrals are the goal of a proper internal marketing strategy. A dental practice wants their best patients to refer the practice to their friends and family. What does a dental practice need to do to get more referrals?

Here is our list of 8 dental practice management and marketing tips:

1. Run on Time.If you respect your patients time, they will respect your time. No patient likes to wait too long. If patients see you are too busy, they geta sense that you do not care enough for your patients or their time.

2. CommunicationHave a morning huddle in your office. Increasing communication in your practice will help increase productivity and help stay focused.

3. Answer the PhoneAnswering the phone quickly and with a pleasant voice will impress new callers and patients. Show that you are willing to patiently take time to initiate a relationship with the new patient.

4. On-hold messageA professionally recorded message is the best way to introduce your practice in the case you have to put a patient on hold. Offer free advice, new techniques, and your services in the message. This will help portray your practice as being professional and friendly.

5. Reception roomA comfortable and inviting reception room is a crucial element in dental office design. Make your patients feel at ease with light music, good reading material, interactive videos and animations, and even waterfall fountains. Many patients have a fear of going to a dentist. By creating a relaxing aura, you will ease the tension that some patients may have when arriving in the reception room.

6. TechnologyEquip your practice with the latest dental technology and dental practice management software. Using the right equipment and software can save time, reduce errors, and provide a competitive advantage over other clinics. The latest advances in technology have allowed for an overall better experience for dental patients.

7. GiftsGive a gift to your patient after their appointment. Stickers or a small toy for children is nice. For adults, a scented candle or fragrance oils with your logo or practice name on it is a very nice gesture to your patient. They will remember you.

8. Ask for referralsAt least 75% of new patients come from referrals. A dentists #1 source for referrals is their current patient base. Happy patients will be glad to refer your practice to their friends and family. Make it a team effort by having the staff decide which patients to ask for referrals and make this part of your practices regular routine.

Make your patients happy and they will return the favor!