Adding new patients to your dental practice is a key component of growth, especially given our current circumstances dealing with a global pandemic. Although effectively marketing to new clients could appeal to their needs, it is how they are treated during their experience with your practice that shapes their initial impression and determines their loyalty. Today on the blog, Bryant Consultants is sharing seven tips to enhance new patient experiences. We recommend implementing these changes when you reopen your doors again. Show your patients how much you appreciate them!
- Understand Patient Expectations
First and foremost, your practice’s utmost concern is your patient’s oral health. However, some potential patients have other priorities that are more important to them. It is important to understand the concerns and goals of your patients so you can create a more positive experience for them. Therefore, speak with your patients about their overall oral health goals and where they would like to focus on their dental health. Armed with this information, you should be able to tailor your services to their needs without having to “sell” them on the service.
- Set the Tone
When you know more about your patients, you can clearly anticipate their needs. For example, if you offer family dentistry services, decorate the office or a special area specifically for children to create a welcoming environment. On the other hand, if you are an adult-only practice that focuses on cosmetic dentistry, creating a spa-like atmosphere with added pampering options that appeal to your new patients. If you are not sure where your practice should begin, develop a survey for your current patients and use the information to design the right atmosphere to keep your patients coming back for years.
- Make a Great First Impression
From the initial phone call to the moment they step into your practice, the first impression of a new patient is critical. How they perceive your practice will form their decision about returning to your office for future dental care as well as referring friends and family. It is critical that your staff are trained to provide the best experience for the new client from the ease of making an appointment, providing short wait times, to a fast and friendly checkout process.
- Provide Tours
When a potential new patient knows you care enough about them to provide a tour of your practice and show them in detail where your services are performed, it could result in them feeling more comfortable with you and your staff. Offering a simple tour could reduce apprehensive barriers and fear of selecting a new dentist while providing a welcoming environment.
- Educate Your New Patients
New technology is continuously developed and used to create equipment that can be fascinating to patients. Sharing the newest technology and how it improves their oral health could be exciting and increase their interest in your practice. If your phone system can record a hold message, you could provide information on your new cutting-edge technology or the latest advancements in the dental industry.
- Unify Your Team
Patients thrive on seeing friendly, familiar faces when they arrive for their appointments as it builds a sense of trust and security that should be a part of your branding process. It is important to ensure your team is unified and prepared to share that same brand image. An easy method to unify your team is through team development or team-building exercises. Unifying your team, rewarding your employees, and creating a positive working environment translates to the positive patient experience.
- Streamline Your Processes
From setting up the appointment to the checkout process, hassle-free experience with quality results is the key to getting new patients that return to your office. As you provide upfront information to your patients and let them know what to expect, it creates a less apprehensive experience.
Dental Practice Consulting in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City
Providing new patients with value and friendliness that far exceeds their expectations should create the desire to return for more dental services. If you feel you need to provide better experiences for your new patients but are not sure where to begin, feel free to contact Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799 or schedule an appointment online.
