Are you a dental office owner struggling to attract new patients to your practice? Do you find yourself constantly worrying about how to get more patients in a dental office? If so, you’re not alone. Running a successful dental office can be challenging, especially when trying to stand out in a crowded market.
But don’t panic; you can use several tactics to grow your patient base and improve your clinic’s performance. In this post, we’ll look at some of the best strategies on how to get more patients in a dental office. We’ll review everything you need to know to advance your training, from adding new services to modernizing your waiting area. So, whether you’re just starting or seeking new methods to expand your practice, read on to find out how to get more patients in a dental office and grow your business.
Offer Other Additional Services
A fantastic strategy for how to get more patients in a dental office is to provide additional services like medical-grade skincare and in house testing service. In a poll by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, more than 50% of participants stated they would consider getting cosmetic dental work done to whiten their teeth. This covers cosmetic bonding, veneers, and teeth whitening.
By providing medical-grade skincare services, you can enhance these procedures and draw clients seeking more comprehensive care. According to MarketWatch, the market for medical-grade skincare is expanding and is projected to reach USD million by 2028. Giving your clients access to skincare services like chemical peels or microdermabrasion can help them maintain a glowing, youthful complexion. This may result in more patient loyalty, pleasure, and word referrals.
Also, providing in-house testing services can increase customer convenience and increase the appeal of your business. Patients may need to go to several locations to undergo testing services, such as oral cancer screenings or sleep apnea testing. You can reduce the time and hassle for patients by providing these services in-house, increasing the likelihood that they will pick your clinic over competitors. The global market for sleep apnea devices is predicted to reach $9.9 billion by 2026, indicating a rising demand for services connected to sleep, according to Markets and Markets. Sleep apnea testing in-house draws clients looking for therapy for sleep-related illnesses.
Providing various services sets you apart from other dental offices in your neighborhood, which can help you draw in new clients and cultivate a steady clientele. It’s also possible to boost your practice’s earnings by providing more services.
Make Your Facility Accessible
For all patients to feel at ease and welcome, regardless of their ability, your dentist’s office must be accessible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults in the United States has a handicap, emphasizing the significance of accessibility. You may draw in a larger spectrum of patients and give your current ones more excellent service by making your practice accessible. This includes putting accessible ramps in place and ensuring each special client can access a wheelchair.
You should think about getting more patients in a dental office via social channels and in person. According to Digital Commerce 360, 77% of patients look at online reviews before selecting a healthcare professional, and 60% of consumers believe online reviews are the most crucial consideration. This means that having a good internet presence is essential to draw in new patients. This includes offering online scheduling alternatives and having a website that is simple to use.
By providing telehealth services, you can increase accessibility to your clinic in another way. A lot of patients would be open to trying a telemedicine dental consultation. You can treat patients who might not be able to come into the clinic, such as those who reside in rural places or have mobility problems, by providing telehealth services. This can assist you in growing your patient base and giving your current patients better treatment.
Update Your Waiting Room
Another incredible idea on how to get more patients in a dental office is updating your waiting room. It makes a good first impression on patients and attracts more people to your dental office. Investing in new furniture is one way to modernize your waiting room. You can make your waiting area more appealing by purchasing cozy sofas and chairs.
The patients would appreciate the ability to unwind and wait comfortably. Refresh your decor with new paintings or artwork to create a more contemporary and inviting atmosphere. Patients may have a more satisfying experience and be more likely to recommend the practice.
Making the waiting experience more pleasant for patients also involves offering facilities like free Wi-Fi, coffee, water, or snacks. Patients will feel more at ease if you provide modest amenities, enhancing their overall experience. In exchange, loyal clients are more likely to recommend your dental practice to friends and family and make repeat visits.
Also, remember to brand the waiting area. You can incorporate your dentist’s office’s logo, colors, and messaging into the decor to strengthen your brand and leave a lasting impression on clients. You may develop a connection with patients and earn their trust by providing a unified and friendly environment, which will motivate them to revisit your office.
Keep Things Clean
If you are wondering how to get more patients in a dental office, ensure you keep things clean. Any dental office must maintain a tidy and clean environment. While visiting a dental clinic, clients expect a spotless and hygienic setting. In a Facilities Executive poll, 90% of respondents agreed that unclean public places (such as lounges, restrooms, or lobbies) increase the likelihood that they will have a generally wrong opinion of a business. An excellent approach to making sure your dentist’s office stays neat and clean is to hire experienced commercial cleaners. Frequent cleaning keeps bacteria and germs at bay and leaves your patients with a favorable impression of your dental clinic.
You can take some simple steps to keep your dentist’s office clean, in addition to employing expert cleaners. Encourage your workers to wipe off surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and counters frequently. Ensure there are hand-washing stations all across the office and that you consistently supply them. Vacuuming and cleaning the floors and carpets will also keep them clean. Maintaining a clean dentist’s office will help you stop the transmission of germs and bacteria, giving your patients a sense of safety.
Update Your Bathrooms
Another strategy to get more patients in a dental office and draw new clients to your dental clinic is to upgrade the restroom. According to a recent poll commissioned by Cintas Company, over three-quarters of Americans (74%) feel that unclean restrooms would make them think less favorably of a business. Modernizing your bathroom’s fixtures, including the sink, faucet, and toilet, can significantly improve the room’s aesthetics and usability. For instance, installing automated faucets improves bathroom hygiene while also using less water.
You can enhance the practicality of your bathroom by installing paper towel dispensers or hands-free dryers in addition to changing your fixtures. These seemingly insignificant aspects can greatly impact the whole patient’s experience. Also, it’s crucial to confirm that your restroom complies with ADA regulations and is accessible to patients with disabilities. For patients with mobility challenges, installing grab bars and ensuring enough clearance for wheelchairs can have a significant impact.
You can substantially improve patient experience, and your dental practice can attract new customers by investing in plumbing services and modernizing your restroom fixtures. The cleanliness, use, and accessibility of your restroom can enhance patient happiness and foster a favorable impression on your clients.
Keep the Temperature Comfortable
Another crucial element of how to get more patients in a dental office is maintaining a comfortable temperature at the clinic. Patients may feel uncomfortable and anxious if your dental office is too hot or cold, which can negatively impact their experience. You must invest in air conditioning repair service and central air units to keep your dentist’s office at a pleasant temperature. According to the US Department of Energy, maintaining HVAC systems in good working order can help households save up to 15% on their energy bills. With routine maintenance and repairs, your HVAC system can help keep a pleasant temperature and healthy air quality in your dental office.
In addition to investing in air conditioning, there are other ways to keep the temperature comfortable in your dental office. For instance, installing ceiling fans will help to move the air and provide a light breeze. This is particularly useful in waiting or examination rooms where patients might spend a lot of time sitting. Window coverings are another option to reduce warmth and filter out direct sunshine.
Maintain Your Parking Lot
Maintaining your parking lot is essential for making an excellent first impression on patients and luring in new ones. Patients may be turned away and think your dental practice is not well-maintained if you don’t maintain your parking lot. In fact, around one out of every five motor vehicle accidents takes place in a parking lot, according to CBS News. This figure shows accidents are commonplace.
Each year, these mishaps cause more than 500 fatalities and 60,000 injuries. Pedestrians often die in motor vehicle collisions. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that approximately 6,000 pedestrians died.
Customers can safely navigate your parking lot with clear lines and crosswalks, lowering the likelihood of accidents. Drivers and pedestrians can spend more time enjoying your establishment and less time stuck in your parking lot if it’s easy for them to navigate. In addition to maintaining the parking lot’s outward appearance, you should ensure that patients with disabilities can access it easily. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires medical facilities to have 10% of parking to be accessible parking spaces. You can hire paving contractors to add wheelchair ramps, dedicated accessible parking spaces, and other accessibility improvements to make your dental office welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Keep Your Facility Free of Asbestos
The final strategy on how to get more patients in a dental office is to keep your facility free of asbestos. A natural mineral known as asbestos was frequently utilized in building materials up until the 1970s when its detrimental effects on health became evident. Before the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in making dental offices. If disturbed, asbestos can pose significant health risks. Around 255 000 deaths per year are attributed to asbestos, according to the National Institute of Health. By spending money on a qualified asbestos inspection, you can ensure that your dental office is clear of this dangerous substance and that your patients and employees are safe.
Educating your staff and clients on the dangers of asbestos exposure and keeping your dental office asbestos-free is essential. It is possible to reduce the danger of exposure and emphasize that the health and safety of individuals who enter and leave your dental office are necessary to you by training your staff in proper safety measures and giving patients informational materials.
Schedule routine inspections by a professional asbestos inspection company to guarantee your dental office is asbestos-free. Due to its health risks, asbestos was widely utilized in building materials until it was outlawed, and it may still be present in older structures (ACMs). When disturbed, these materials can emit airborne toxic fibers, leading to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other severe health issues.
An asbestos inspection company can identify ACMs in your dental office and recommend safe removal or containment. You will safeguard the health and safety of your patients, staff, and visitors by making proactive efforts to keep your facility asbestos-free. It shows your dedication to maintaining a secure and healthy environment.
Are you still wondering how to get more patients in a dental office? There are many steps you can take to attract and retain more patients. You can create a warm and secure environment for patients by providing extra services like medical grade skin care and in-house testing, and making your facility accessible. Also, update your waiting room, keep things clean, maintain a comfortable temperature, and make sure that your parking lot and facility are free of hazards like asbestos. These strategies can help your dental office stand out from competitors and develop a solid reputation in the community, increasing patient satisfaction and fostering the expansion of your business.
