Dental Hygiene Recare | Dental Practice Solutions

Reactivating Hygiene Patients for Dental Practice Growth

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

July 16, 2024

Every dental practice has patients who leave without scheduling a next appointment or haven’t booked an appointment in over 3 plus months. Despite your busy schedule, patient retention remains crucial for sustained success. With a targeted strategy for reactivating hygiene patients, you will bring patients back to your office, keep them on the schedule, and experience consistent dental practice growth.

There is an easier way to do hygiene patient reactivation than ever before. Hygiene patient reactivation does not need to be boring, time consuming or tedious. There are simple ways to automate this patient activation process. Every member of your team should be cross-trained to participate in this simple process.

Below, we’ll discuss essential steps and provide advice on managing this critical task with a simplified, proven way to keep patients on your schedule.

Active vs. Inactive Patients

Active patients are those who have received dental treatment within the last 18 months and are marked as active in your practice management software. Inactive patients, on the other hand, either haven’t had an appointment in the last 18 months and should be marked as inactive in your practice management software.

Tips and Advice on Dental Reactivation Campaigns

Patient reactivation is the process of bringing back unscheduled patients for treatment. Each successful reactivation not only boosts your practice’s production and profits but it’s an opportunity to build patient loyalty and keep your backdoor closed.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s imperative that you have this hygiene patient reactivation system automated. The Smile Club is one system created many years ago proven to keep patients on your schedule.

The Importance of a System to Reactivate Overdue Hygiene Patients

It’s important to note that retaining existing patients is far more cost-effective than acquiring new patients. Marketing research shows that it can cost up to five times more to attract a new patient than to retain an existing one.

Initial Reactivation Efforts

Use practice management software to research inactive hygiene patients and patients with unscheduled restorative treatment
Begin by compiling a comprehensive list of patients who haven’t visited in the last 30 days to 24 months.
Dental Practice Solutions clients use a robust reactivation system to easily find unscheduled hygiene patients. Some hygiene patients also have unscheduled restorative treatment.
Triage the order in which you will contact these various patients.

Include details such as patient names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, insurance coverage, preferred contact methods, and the date of their last appointment.

*Register for our Hygiene Patient Reactivation Power hour and watch how we do this! During the power hour (Webinar) we will show you how to turbocharge your patient reactivation system.

5. Utilize Text Messages and Email

Rarely do people answer a phone call when they don’t recognize the phone number calling them. 90% of all text messages are responded to very quickly vs. a phone call or email.

Utilize text (SMS) messaging. Ensure that SMS messages are only sent to patients who have opted in for texting. Be sure that your SMS messaging system is HIPAA compliant and two-way communication is enabled.

6. Personalize Your Messaging

Tailor your communications based on factors like the length of inactivity, insurance coverage, and specific dental needs. Personalized messages with clear calls to action (CTAs) improve engagement rates.

Use no more than two sentences in a text message to patients. Make it a short sweet messaging and be sure it includes your office name and a phone number for a call back. Make it easy for patients to schedule their next hygiene appointment by offering a scheduling link.

7. Enhance Engagement with Interactive Content

Incorporate links to your online scheduling portal, website, and social media in your emails. Visuals like animations, infographics, and QR codes offering incentives can further increase patient response.

Check with your stateBOD legal marketing guidelines when sending SMS because many states have stiff penalties for various types of marketing SMS, they consider unethical.

8. Offer Unscheduled Patients an Incentive for Scheduling

Unfortunately, many patients thinks they have something better to do than sit in a dental chair.

Offer a special incentive, a carrot, and reward patients who keep their scheduled and pre-scheduled dental appointments.

One system that has proven to keep patients returning to their dental appointments and works well as an incentive to get patients back on the schedule is The Smile Club.

Keep Your Practice Thriving

At Dental Practice Solutions, we understand the importance of patient reactivation in maintaining dental practice growth. Alongside patient retention, are important factors such, as case acceptance and enhanced patient care services. Explore how our robust solutions will support your dental practice’s growth—book an opportunity call today!

One area of our expertise includes hygiene patient reactivation. Dental Practice Solutions ensures that your dental practice continues to grow and thrive with the creation of The Smile Club. This is an innovative way to support practice growth while keeping patients on your schedule.

Don’t overlook your dental practice growth potential by creating a system to reactive overdue hygiene patients. Reconnecting with them can significantly impact your dental practice’s success.

Be sure you register for our Hygiene Patient Reactivation Power Hour happening on Tuesday July 23rd at 5 PM Pacific. Twice, each month, we share important systems and steps you can take to boost profitability in your dental practice. Check back each month for our latest topics to grow your dental practice and without working so hard!

Enhancing Dental Practice Productivity: The Key to Reactivating Patients

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

July 9, 2024

One of the most direct methods to enhance productivity within a dental practice is through the reactivation of overdue or inactive hygiene patients, effectively bringing them back into the fold of routine dental hygiene appointments.

At Dental Practice Solutions, we understand the immense value of reconnecting with patients who have previously engaged with your dental practice. These patients already have a rapport with your team and perceive your practice as their trusted dental provider. Moreover, many of them likely have pending treatment needs.

Reactivating these patients not only helps keep a productive schedule but also strengthens patient retention and improves overall practice efficiency.

Continue reading and learn how to enhance your dental practice productivity with the keys to reactivating patients.

Dental Practice Solutions encourages dental offices to have specific ways to bring overdue-unscheduled hygiene patients back to your office. Your reactivation system must be automated so it works behind the scenes while employees complete other productivity tasks.

Only when automated systems do not motivate patients to schedule should you begin making phone calls. And of course, if you have patients that insist you only contact them by a phone call, do use the phone to communicate with these patients. Today’s population uses millions of text messages to communicate, and 90% of text messages are seen quickly, and respond much faster than a phone call or voice message.

Dental Practice Solutions has a Practice Growth System that includes Patient Retention. This is a white glove system that provides dental practices around the world to not only attract more new patients but it can be used to reactivate overdue hygiene patients, plus it will help schedule more cosmetic cases.

Phone Calls to Overdue Hygiene Patients

Most phone calls in our world today never reach the patient. Seldom do people answer a phone call when they don’t recognize the phone number calling. Even when do leave a voice message, that message many times, goes without the patient returning your call……not always but most of them time; isn’t that correct?

A few tips when you do make a phone call to schedule overdue/inactive patients:

Note: Most of our clients use a customized dashboard and we train them how to very easily generate a list of overdue hygiene patients and we can categorize by the type of unscheduled treatment needed (ex: Implants or Restorative $500 or greater), as well as specific insurance types.

Step 1. Generate a list and save this list of overdue hygiene patients who have unscheduled Perio therapy.

Step 2. Generate a list of patients who have been in the office within the last 6-9 months and do not have a next hygiene appointment.

Step 3. Generate a list of patients who haven’t been in the office for a hygiene appointment for 9-18 months.

Step 4. Next, is a list of patients who have unscheduled restorative and already have a next hygiene appointment.

We are now half way through 2024 and it’s important for these patients with insurance benefits to use it or lose it! Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and get these patients back on the schedule.

Step 5. Have one team member lead your hygiene patient reactivation system. This team member will support cross-training of the other employees so they can also participate in reactivating overdue hygiene patients and patients with outstanding treatment.

If you have this process automated, it makes this system less time-consuming and simple for the other team members to initiate a text message or email if needed. Make sure you have a specific process which includes your text and email message content as well as when and how often you will text or email your patients before a phone call is initiated or a letter mailed. Mailing a letter is another topic for another day but some we train our clients to do and it has yielded great results!

Use “Engagement” which is connected to the KPI dashboard to set up the various categories of the patients mentioned above. This allows you to easily automate text messages to your patients.

Step 6. When sending text messages make them short, sweet, and to the point. No more than 2 sentences. Make sure your office name and phone number are included in the text message. If you have a scheduling link, include this and make it super simple for patients to get back on the schedule with a click of a button.

If you would like to learn more about this, plan to join our Hygiene Reactivation Power Hour where we walk you through this process and provide implementation tools. You will also have access to a free snapshot of your hygiene departments untapped potential. When we look at a dental practice, there is always over 100k that is sitting there waiting for you to tap into.

If you never look, you will never know!

When you register for the Power Hour you have access to try out this dental practice system and check out for yourself how this works. Less work, more productivity!

We recommend you always follow-up with patients within 48 hours if they leave your office without a next appointment. As the patient is rushing out your office door make sure you tell them you will be calling or texting them a scheduling link to get them back on the schedule!

Create urgency around preventive care and saving money. Whatever you know is a possible objection to scheduling care, speak to that potential objection!

Example: “Mrs. Jones, I know money is a concern and it can potentially cost more if you leave the tooth untreated. Is tomorrow at 10 AM a good time to call and get you scheduled?

No? Ok, how about I text you a link and when you click that link? Now you can choose a day and time that works best. Does that work for you if I text that link to you?

Awesome! We will see you soon and get that hole taken care of before it causes more problems and costs you. more money! See you soon.”

We cover all of this information during the dental power hour, plus, a lot more so please be sure you register.

If you miss the date for our Hygiene Reactivation Power Hour plan to book a workshop for your office to learn and implement this important information.

You can contact us here to book a discovery call to find out more about a workshop or more that we offer.

Keep your back door closed and an additional 100k+ to your practices’ bottom line!

Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation Simplified

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 1, 2024

Reactivating patients is essential for building a thriving patient base and maintaining an effective hygiene program. A significant number of patients will inevitably lapse from their regular appointments, making it imperative to reactivate them for preventive care.

Dental Practice Solutions has worked with dental offices for over 20 years to get patients back on their schedule. The *Smile Club strategy has equipped thousands of dental offices with a cost-effective strategy to acquire new patients and re-engage patients who are overdue for their hygiene appointments or inactive.

Reactivating unscheduled hygiene patients is akin to acquiring new patients, and sometimes even better, given their existing trust in your dental practice.

Reactivation efforts often face hurdles:

Only 10% of emails receive attention.
Postcards often end up discarded.
People tend to ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers.

How can you effectively reconnect with unscheduled patients?

How can you prompt patients to respond to your emails, answer your calls, or engage with text messsage you send?

One Tip:

Utilize text messaging (SMS) automation, also known as “digital reactivation,” to reach hundreds or thousands of patients with the push of a button on your computer patient engagement software.

It’s a fact that over 90% of adults keep their mobile phones nearby at all times, and 98% of text messages reach their intended recipients. Moreover, 90% of these messages are read within three minutes of receipt.

Digital reactivation complements your existing reactivation methods. Integrate text messaging into your patient reactivation strategy.

If you don’t have a reactivation program yet, consider joining one of our monthly Power Hours which you can attend virtually by registering and using a ZOOM link. (see below information to get the registration link). By adopting the reactivation program we created many years ago called *The Smile Club and incorporating digital reactivation tips, you will yield positive outcomes. Less patients go MIA.

Many dental practices leveraging digital reactivation and *The Smile Club system have welcomed back up to 90 patients per month through this proven system. Set a goal to reactivate at least 20 overdue hygiene patients each week.

Simple and effective tips for digital reactivation.

Use HIPAA Compliant Software:

For digital reactivation, opt for a HIPAA compliant software separate from your dental and two-way texting platforms.

Craft Offers and Text Messages:

Experiment with different campaigns and messages to gauge effectiveness. Offer incentives and create urgency to prompt action.
*The Smile Club (patient incentive system) has proven for many years to be beneficial in reactivating overdue hygiene patients.
*Read below to find out more about The Smile Club

Personalize Your Message:

Personalize messages with the patient’s name and include your practice name. Choose a sender (A real person’s name): a team member, hygienist, or the doctor- owner, to enhance engagement and track your responses to messages you send.

Implementation:

Designate someone within your dental practice to oversee hygiene patient reactivation. This means your patients are more likely to be scheduled for future hygiene appointments.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your reactivation process and foster patient retention.

Book a call to learn more about *The Smile Club and patient reactivation. *The Smile Club also grows new patient numbers and grows cosmetic case acceptance.

Call us to learn more: 623-252-1941. Or drop us a quick note.

Explore methods for attracting and retaining high-quality patients. Consider attending one of our Power Hours each month.

Grab a free resource and you will be on our list to be notified when we have our next Power Hour.

Click and Grab a Resource Here.

*The Smile Club. Would you like to learn more about our Patient Rewards, Reactivation System using The Smile Club? Book a quick call and we will show you how it works.

Navigating Dental Practice Management in Arizona

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

December 12, 2023

The thriving state of Arizona has become a hub for innovative healthcare practices, and within this landscape, the significance of Dental Practice Management has never been more evident. Efficient management is the bedrock upon which successful dental practices are built, and dental professionals in Arizona are navigating this intricate terrain with the guidance of expert dental consultants. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the nuances of dental practice management in the Grand Canyon State, shedding light on the role of consultants in shaping successful practices.

The Dynamic Landscape of Dental Practice Management

Dental practices in Arizona are not merely clinics; they are dynamic entities navigating the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. The role of dental practice management in Arizona extends beyond administrative tasks; it encompasses strategic planning, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Arizona’s unique demographic mix and evolving healthcare regulations demand a nuanced approach to dental practice management. From optimizing patient flow to ensuring compliance with state regulations, dental practices need to synchronize various elements seamlessly. This is where dental management consultants play a pivotal role.

Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Dental Management Consultants

In the realm of dental practice management, collaboration with dental consultants has emerged as a strategic imperative. These consultants bring a wealth of experience and insights, offering tailored solutions to address the specific challenges faced by dental practices in Arizona.

As dental professionals navigate the complexities of running a successful practice, dental management consultants serve as trusted advisors. They provide strategic guidance on streamlining operations, enhancing patient experiences, and implementing cutting-edge technologies. Through meticulous analysis, consultants identify areas for improvement and help practices unlock their full potential.

Operational Excellence: A Key Tenet of Dental Practice Management in Arizona

Operational excellence is a cornerstone of successful dental practices in Arizona. From appointment scheduling to inventory management, every aspect of operations contributes to the overall patient experience. Dental Practice Management in Arizona revolves around achieving a delicate balance between efficiency and quality of care.

Consultants specializing in dental practice management bring a fresh perspective to operational challenges. They introduce innovative systems and processes that not only enhance efficiency but also elevate the standard of patient care. By optimizing workflows and implementing best practices, these consultants empower dental practices to thrive in a competitive healthcare landscape.

Patient-Centric Approach: A Paradigm Shift in Dental Practice Management

The heart of dental practice management lies in delivering exceptional patient care. Arizona’s dental practices are witnessing a paradigm shift, with a growing emphasis on a patient-centric approach. Beyond clinical expertise, patients seek personalized experiences and a supportive environment.

Dental management consultants play a crucial role in facilitating this shift towards patient-centric care. They assist practices in implementing communication strategies, training staff in empathetic patient interactions, and leveraging technology to enhance the overall patient journey. In a state where healthcare consumerism is on the rise, a patient-focused approach is not just a choice but a necessity.

Technological Integration: A Catalyst for Advancement in Dental Practices

In the digital age, technology has become a catalyst for advancement in dental practices. From digital records management to telehealth solutions, the integration of technology is reshaping the landscape of Dental Practice Management in Arizona. However, the adoption of technology comes with its own set of challenges, including staff training and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Here, dental consultants step in as guides, helping practices navigate the complex terrain of technological integration. They assess the specific needs of each practice, recommend suitable technology solutions, and oversee the implementation process. This ensures that dental practices in Arizona stay at the forefront of innovation while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Future of Dental Practice Management in Arizona: A Roadmap Ahead

As Arizona’s healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the future of dental practice management holds both challenges and opportunities. Dental management consultants will play an increasingly integral role in guiding practices through these changes. The key lies in adaptability, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

In conclusion, Dental Practice Management in Arizona is a multi-faceted journey that demands strategic thinking and operational finesse. The collaboration between dental professionals and dental consultants is not just a partnership; it’s a roadmap to success in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

For those looking for guidance on navigating the complexities of dental practice management in Arizona, Dental Practice Solutions stands as a beacon of expertise. As a trusted ally, we empower dental practices to not only survive but thrive in the dynamic landscape of Arizona’s healthcare industry.

Doctor, are you happy with the dollars in your bank account?
Do you wish your insurance reimbursement was more?
Does this reimbursed amount pay for your hygienist’s hourly wage?
Is your hygiene department production 20% – 30% of your total production?

If you feel any type of stress as you read these questions, please understand that I created a solution JUST for you.

BOOK a quick call so I can tell you more.

Only 10 offices are going to participate in this hygiene department training. It begins Feb 6 and ends May 5, 2024. Attendance is by application only!

When you begin today, December 2023, you receive over 4 months of the same tuition as the 3-month training.

BOOK HERE

Effective Strategies for Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation and Retention

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 31, 2023

Maintaining a steady stream of patients is crucial for any dental practice’s success. One of the most valuable segments of your patient base is those seeking dental hygiene services.

This blog will guide you through effective strategies to reactivate and retain dental hygiene patients, ensuring the growth and profitability of your practice.

1. Segment Your Patient List: Start by segmenting your patient list into different categories, such as active, inactive, and overdue patients. This will help you find the best patients to contact first.
Personalized Communication: First begin with a personal phone call to the patients best contact phone number.

When patients don’t answer your phone call (Which happens often!) do leave a very brief message with your name and office phone number.
- Your message will sound something like this:
  - “Hello (Patient Name), This is Angie calling from ABC Smiles about your dental appointment, please give me a call back at (Your office #). Thank you and have a great day!
- Why this brief message?
  - Your goal is to get patients to return your call and #2 is HIPAA compliance. You don’t want to leave any personal information.
- Next is to text patients who have not answered their phone.
  - People are most likely to see a text message faster than listen to a voicemail message.
- Your text message will appear like this:
  - Hello (Patient Name), please contact our office at your earliest convenience. We miss you and hope to talk to you soon. Then sign your office information and include your office phone number.
When patients don’t respond to your text message do send an email. In your email you should send content that is valuable.
- It works well to send video content. Possibly a video created by the dental hygienist talking about why preventive care is important and then add a message to click a link and call to schedule their hygiene appointment.
- If you have patients who need to schedule for gum treatment find a video message (find this inside your patient engagement software) and add this to your email.
  - In the subject line be sure to add [Video] and a few more words that you believe add value to your patients so they will call and schedule their appointment.
- If you are open to having patients schedule online it will work well for hygiene preventive care appointments to click and schedule.
  - Be sure you have blocked out hygiene appointments that are specific to preventive care on your hygiene schedule.
If all else fails, send a letter to the patient with a place where they can check off why they are not scheduling and enclose a SASE so they can send back a reason why they are not scheduling. Inside your letter have them let you know (add a checklist so they can easily respond) they won’t be returning to your office.
- This has worked well for patients who are overdue by 18 months or more. Some patients will call your office immediately and let you know the exact reason they are not scheduling.
- Many patients will tell you they want their records transferred. This is a great way to eliminate patients in your database that won’t be coming back. Edit these patients and mark them as inactive.

Send Reminders and Offers: Utilize email and SMS reminders for upcoming dental hygiene appointments. Offer special discounts or promotions to incentivize patients to return. Limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency.

This one thing has worked very well to keep patients on your schedule. The entire system helps to add more new patients and will grow your cosmetic cases. To learn more about this, I have added a link at the end of this blog so you can learn more.

Social Media Engagement: Use your practice’s social media platforms to engage with patients. Share oral hygiene tips, success stories, and showcase your team. Share specific incentives here. Encourage patients to follow your accounts for updates and useful information.
Educational Content: Create blog posts or videos about the importance of regular dental hygiene – preventive care visits. Address common concerns and dispel myths. Educated patients are more likely to prioritize their oral health.
Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program where patients earn rewards for consistent hygiene visits. Rewards can range from discounts on future visits to free dental products. Check that link at the end of this blog to learn more about this ONE THING,
Surveys for Feedback: Send out surveys to understand patient preferences and areas for improvement. Use their feedback to enhance the patient experience and show that you value their opinions. Ask patients to give you 5 Star Google Reviews. This will help you with SEO and more new patients will find your office.
Flexible Scheduling: Offer flexible appointment scheduling options, including evenings and weekends. This can accommodate patients with busy schedules, making it easier for them to commit to regular visits. If you’re a new office you will do well if you offer evening and weekend appointments.
Telehealth Consultations: Introduce virtual consultations for dental hygiene advice and quick check-ins. This can foster a sense of care and accessibility, encouraging patients to stay connected.

They say there is a big economic decline ahead of us. We don’t want to run business around fear but there are so many valuable ways to use Telehealth Consultations and in the One Thing (See link below) you can use this via Telehealth appointments.

Showcase Patient Results: With patient consent, share before-and-after photos showcasing the positive outcomes of regular dental hygiene visits. This visual evidence can motivate patients to maintain their oral health. Share these on your social media posts and also have a portfolio on a coffee table in your office to show off case studies and your awesome dentistry!
Stay Updated with Technology: Invest in dental technology that enhances the patient experience, such as digital records, online appointment booking, and chairside education tools. We recommend various apps such as Dental intel to track KPI’s and help the team drive your productivity.

We also recommend patient engagement videos to easily send emails with videos and sms messages. See our list of recommendations at the end of this blog.

Create a Referral Program: Encourage current patients to refer friends and family by offering referral rewards. Word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost patient acquisition.

Conclusion.

Reactivating and retaining dental hygiene patients requires a combination of personalized communication, engaging content, and strategic initiatives. By implementing these strategies, you can strengthen patient relationships, foster loyalty, and ensure the long-term profitability of your dental practice.

Remember, a healthy patient-dental practice relationship is built on trust, excellent care, and consistent communication.

Resources.

1.Dental Intel. #1 ranked KPI System. Please contact us here for a discount and One Free Month. In your message write: Dental Intel Info

2. Patient Engagement. Click here and find out more about this #1 rated system

3. Discover your hygiene departments true potential. Schedule Here

Elevate Dental Practice Success: Unleash the Power of a Smile Evaluation

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 9, 2023

In the fast-evolving world of dentistry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining a successful dental practice. One area that holds immense potential for boosting production and patient satisfaction is smile evaluations. By incorporating a smile evaluation for every dental patient you actively engage patients to understand their desired smile.

This increases the dentist’s opportunity to transform more patient smiles by doing veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, and even replacing old composites. It may be as simple as your patient asking to have whiter brighter teeth.

Today’s blog will share tips about understanding your patient’s desires for their smile and how to more easily move patients from routine services into high-end cosmetic care.

You will also discover how to enhance patient loyalty and increase the overall value of each patient long term.

The Power of a Smile Evaluation

A smile evaluation is more than just a clinical assessment; it’s a personalized journey that allows dentists to understand their patients’ unique desires and goals. The process involves a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s dental structure, facial features, and aesthetic preferences.

Your smile evaluation can be as simple as a brief questionnaire that asks patients to answer simple questions and tell you how they feel about their smile. You can also complete a smile evaluation by asking every patient as you are seating them in the treatment room,

“What is one thing we can do today that will leave you feeling better than ever about your smile?”

Notice this is an open ended question and not a yes or no answer from your patient.

If you have the technology available cutting-edge technology like digital imaging and 3D modeling, allow hygienists to use this and during the doctor-hygiene exam the dentist can visually demonstrate the potential outcomes of various treatments, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.

Engage Patients During The Smile Transformation

One of the keys to increase your value per patients is to engage your patient in their dental experience. Asking patients what they want their smile to look like not only fosters a sense of partnership but also allows dentists to tailor treatment plans to meet their patients’ specific aesthetic preferences. This collaborative approach enhances patient satisfaction, as individuals feel heard and valued throughout their dental journey.

Actively involving patients in the decision-making process leads to greater acceptance of comprehensive treatment plans. Patients who have a clear vision of their desired smile are more likely to commit to multiple procedures, contributing to increased production for the dental office.

Understanding Patient Dynamics

It’s important to acknowledge that the landscape of dental patient loyalty is changing. Current data reveals that patients typically don’t remain with a dental office for more than 10 years. This dynamic highlights the importance of consistently delivering exceptional patient experiences and demonstrating the value of long-term care.

While a patient’s tenure may be limited, the potential value they bring to a dental practice over a decade is substantial. With an average expenditure of $10,000 over 10 years, each patient represents a significant revenue stream. This is why maximizing the value of each patient is crucial for long-term practice success.

Increasing the Value of Production Per Patient

Now, let’s address the pivotal question: How can a dental office increase the value of production for each patient?

- Personalized Treatment Plans: Taylor treatment plans to address patients’ specific needs and desires not only improves patient satisfaction but also encourages them to pursue comprehensive procedures that lead to higher production value.

Communication and Education: Effective communication is the cornerstone of patient engagement. Explaining treatment options, procedures, and potential outcomes in clear, jargon-free language helps patients make informed decisions, fostering trust and loyalty.
Break it down into words your patient easily understands.

Use words and phrases such as: infection, inflammation, bleeding, hole, pus, etc, etc.

- Technology Integration: Embrace technology like digital smile simulations and intraoral cameras empowers patients to visualize their potential transformations. This interactive experience creates excitement and encourages patients to explore a range of treatments.
- Long-Term Relationship Building: While dental patients may not remain in the same dental office for decades, building strong relationships during their time with your dental practice can lead to referrals and positive online reviews. These factors contribute to new patient acquisition and increased production.
- Membership Plans and Preventive Care: Offering membership plans that include preventive care services can incentivize patients to stay committed to their dental health. The Smile Club can be included as an add-on or upgrade to your current patient membership plans.
- These plans can result in consistent revenue streams while reducing the need for reactive, costly dental care.

Patient Education Materials: Providing patients with educational materials, both in-person and digitally, ensures they have the information needed to maintain their oral health between visits. Empowered patients are more likely to invest in their dental well-being.
Continuing Education for the Dental Team: Equip the dental team with the latest knowledge and communication skills to ensure a consistent and exceptional patient experience. Well-informed team members can effectively explain specific dental treatment and the value of ongoing care.

Make sure every team member can speak easily about the benefits of prevention and how this does cost a little money but treating disease is very expensive. Today’s dental profession is all about creating optimal oral health. Optimal oral health leads to a longer, healthier life.

Every team member must be able to share this important message. This message leaves patients with a feeling of kindness and caring about them as a human not pursestrings!

In conclusion, integrating smile evaluations and actively involving patients in their smile transformations can significantly enhance production and patient loyalty.

By adapting to changing patient dynamics, providing personalized experiences, and leveraging technology, dental practices can increase the value of each patient over the long term. Remember, a patient’s smile journey is not just about dental procedures—it’s about creating a positive impact that resonates for years to come.

Dental Practice Solutions has a dental patient reward loyalty system that uses teeth whitening as a “carrot.” Patients are screened with a smile evaluation and given an opportunity to express what they want their smile to look like. 70% of your adult patients, when asked what they want their smile to look like, will respond they want “Whiter teeth!”

You now enroll your patients into The Smile Club which has a nominal fee. Once enrolled, patients understand they must pre-schedule all routine hygiene appointments and call at least 48 hours in advance when they need to change an appointment. When patients are enrolled in the Smile Club and follow the guidelines, at their routine hygiene appointments, they receive one complimentary whitening pen.

At the initial enrollment they leave with a teeth whitening kit. This is an LED blue and red light Cool Light technology mouthpiece with shade guide and a whitening pen. You buy dental grade professional whitening products at wholesale. These products were created by Dental Practice Solutions founder, Debbie Seidel-Bittke. You save an pass along the savings to your patients.

*Teeth whitening is a 6 BILLION Dollar industry but most people are buying their teeth whitening online or in a retail store. Why not ride the wave and tap into this huge profit center in your dental practice?

Ask me how to create a 100k annual net profit center around teeth whitening plust the turn-key system will grow your new patient numbers, increase cosmetic dental services and reduces those last minute cancellations.

Currently, the web portal of information about implementing this patient loyalty-rewards system is no-cost when you click the link here.

Reference.

* Teeth Whitening Market Outlook: https://bit.ly/10BILby2026

Improving Dental Hygiene Patient Compliance: Strategies and Benefits

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 2, 2023

As dental professionals, we understand the significance of maintaining optimal oral health. A well-maintained dental hygiene department not only ensures patient satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success of a dental practice. One crucial aspect that directly impacts patient outcomes is patient compliance with oral hygiene and treatment recommendations.

In this blog, we will delve into effective strategies to improve dental hygiene patient compliance, leading to enhanced productivity and patient loyalty. By implementing these techniques, you can create a thriving dental hygiene department in your practice and, ultimately, ensure the best possible oral health for your patients.

The Importance of Patient Compliance

Patient compliance refers to the extent where patients adhere to prescribed oral care routines and follow recommended dental hygiene practices. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of dental professionals, many patients struggle with maintaining consistent oral hygiene habits. What we say goes in one ear and out the other.

This lack of compliance can lead to various oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and numerous systemic conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimers, etc, etc. As a dental professional, addressing and improving patient compliance is a pivotal step in promoting preventive dentistry and long-term overall health.

Effective Communication

Clear and concise communication with patients plays a crucial role in improving compliance. Dentists and dental hygienists must take the time to educate patients about the importance of good oral hygiene and how it directly affects their total health. Utilizing visual aids such as charts, diagrams, and videos can enhance patient understanding and make oral health recommendations more relatable.

Encourage patients to ask questions and address any concerns they might have regarding their oral care routine. Use motivational interviewing which is an effective way to talk with patients. This is an evidence-based approach to help your patients accept the care they need. *See the reference below in references for more information about Motivational Interviewing.

Personalized Care Plans

Every patient’s dental needs are unique. Tailoring dental hygiene plans to each individual patient can greatly enhance patient compliance. Conduct thorough assessments of their oral health, including systemic risk factors and previous dental history, to create personalized treatment plans. Engaging patients in the process and discussing their specific needs fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their oral health, increasing the likelihood of compliance.

Let patients know what exams and assessments you are completing. Always make them a part of your assessments. Collaboration is key if you want your patients to “own their disease.”

**See above image for time management strategies to help the dental hygienist “Complete it all!”

Establishing Realistic Goals

Setting achievable oral health goals is vital in maintaining patient motivation and compliance. Collaborate with patients to set specific, measurable, and realistic objectives that align with their oral health needs. Understand where they are in their world and help them determine what they will commit to implementing outside your treatment room. Break down the goals into smaller milestones and celebrate their achievements, reinforcing positive behavior and commitment to their dental hygiene routine.

Utilizing Technology

Incorporating technology into your daily schedule can significantly improve patient compliance. Implement reminder systems through emails, text messages, or automated calls to prompt patients about upcoming appointments, follow-ups, and oral care routines. Discover fun ways to track your patients oral hygiene progress, and make this interactive for your patients.

It’s important to monitor your patients oral and total health. Show patients their progress. Congratulate them. Find ways to make oral hygiene changes feel good for your patient and create positive experiences.

Talking about technology, does your dental practice offer patients full-mouth scans, soft-tissue diode lasers and guided biofilm therapy options?

These are leading-edge technologies that will greatly benefit your patients oral health, reducing inflammation and will become great practice builders. Stay on top of the latest technologies that can assist in creating total wellness for your patients.

Emphasize Preventive Dentistry

Promoting preventive dentistry is key to reducing oral inflammation. Oral inflammation triggers numerous systemic diseases.

Encourage routine dental hygiene appointments, as preventive care allows for early detection of disease and timely intervention. Educate patients about the long-term cost-saving benefits of preventive measures compared to extensive treatments for neglected oral health issues.

Enhancing patient compliance offers numerous benefits, not only for the patients but also for your dental practice:

Better Oral Health Outcomes: Improved compliance leads to better oral health, reducing the risk of dental problems and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Optimal oral health supports total health.
Enhanced Patient Loyalty: Patients who feel cared for and supported in their oral health journey are more likely to remain loyal to your practice. They will become your raving fans!
Increased Productivity: A proactive dental hygiene department that prioritizes patient compliance can lead to increased productivity, improved patient flow, and higher revenue.
Positive Word-of-Mouth: Satisfied patients are more likely to refer friends and family to your practice, further boosting your reputation and patient base. Every team member needs to ask for positive patient reviews!
Professional Fulfillment: Witnessing the positive impact of improved patient compliance can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation for the entire dental team. Share the success of patient outcomes and always remember to celebrate your successes.

Conclusion

Improving dental hygiene patient compliance is a pivotal step to enhancing productivity and success within your dental hygiene department. When you adopt effective communication strategies, personalized care plans, and emphasize preventive dentistry, you can foster patient compliance and achieve total health outcomes.

Remember, patient compliance is a collaborative effort, and by supporting your patients in their total health journey, you can cultivate loyal and satisfied patients who are more likely to refer others to your practice. So, let’s work together to build a thriving dental hygiene department and ensure the best possible health for all our patients.

Consider updating and optimizing your hygiene department with a complimentary discovery call.
Schedule here . You can also send us a message here.

Reference.

* Motivational Interviewing. Read More Here

Developing a Comprehensive Dental Recare System for Improved Patient Retention

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

June 7, 2023

Patient retention is a crucial aspect of every successful dental practice. Building long-term relationships with dental patients not only ensures their oral health is well-maintained but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the dental practice. One effective strategy to achieve this is by developing a comprehensive dental Recare system.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of a Recare system, its benefits, and some key steps to establish an efficient and effective Recare system.

Importance of a Dental Recare System:

A dental Recare system refers to a structured process through which dental practices contact (various contact methods outside of phone calls) and schedule routine dental hygiene appointments for their patients. This system is a proactive approach to maintain patient engagement and prevent patients from falling off the radar.

By implementing a Recare system, dental practices can stay connected with their patients, demonstrate their commitment to their oral health, help put a halt to (oral and systemic) diseases, abnormalities and ultimately enhance patient retention rates.

Benefits of a Dental Recare System:

Improved Patient Retention

A well-executed Recare system significantly improves patient retention. By actively reaching out to patients for regular appointments, dental practices can demonstrate their commitment to their patients’ oral health. This personalized approach creates a sense of care and concern, making patients more likely to remain loyal to the practice.

Enhanced Oral Health Outcomes

Routine dental hygiene – preventive care appointments are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. A Recare system ensures that patients are reminded and encouraged to schedule these crucial visits, leading to optimal oral health in the long run this will support living a longer, healthier life.

When identifying any issues before they become a serious problem for the patient’s health, dentists can provide timely care, preventing minor problems from escalating into more significant oral health concerns.

Efficient Practice Management

Implementing a Recare system streamlines the future success of a dental practice. By automating appointment reminders and scheduling, dental practices can minimize no-shows and cancellations, leading to a more efficient and productive practice. It allows dental professionals to allocate their time and resources effectively, ensuring a smooth workflow and improved patient experience.

Developing a Comprehensive Dental Recall System:

Define Recall Intervals

Establishing appropriate preventative care intervals is a crucial first step. This involves assessing factors such as the patient’s oral health status, risk factors, and overall dental and total health history. By tailoring Recare intervals to individual patients’ needs, dental practices can provide personalized care and maintain regular contact.

Utilize Technology

Leveraging technology is key to an effective recall system. Use practice management software or customer relationship management (CRM) tools to automate appointment reminders via email, text messages, or phone calls. This reduces the administrative burden and ensures timely communication with patients.

One patient engagement system our clients have had great success keeping patients on their schedule is called NexHealth. If you are not familiar with NexHealth please contact us and we can set up a no-cost demo.

Team Training

Properly train your team about the importance and implementation of the Recare system. They should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with patients, answer their queries, and assist them in scheduling appointments.

A well-informed and supportive staff enhances patient satisfaction and reinforces the recall system’s effectiveness.

This system goes beyond calling to tell a patient, “You need a cleaning.”

Monitor and Analyze Results

Continuously monitor the effectiveness of your Recare system. Track patient response rates, appointment retention, last minute cancellations and overall patient retention.

Analyze this data regularly to identify any areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to your recall strategy.

WIIFM/Patient Rewards

For many years patients have responded well to keeping pre-scheduled appointments when they know there is something “in it for them.” It’s the WIIFM syndrome. Is this human nature? I don’t know but I do know that it has worked for many years to keep patients on your schedule!

Consider offering free whitening as a reward to patients who do keep their dental appointments, patients who follow your “Change of Appointment” Procedure.

How Does This Work?

All new patients and whenever a patient updates their health history they get a Smile Evaluation to complete.
- This takes no more than 60 seconds for your patient to complete.
- Now you know what your patient “wants” and people are more likely to “Pay” for what “they” want vs. what you tell them they “need.”
The hygienist or doctor (New patients) will review the Smile Evaluation after the patients completes this.
Most patients will respond they want whiter teeth. Others want Invisalign, etc., etc.
This opens the door for a conversation and a chance for you to enroll patients into your “THE CLUB” (Free teeth whitening) and/or maybe Invisalign, Veneers, etc., etc.
Patients pay a nominal fee to enroll in THE CLUB which gives them a Whitening kit and when they complete their enrollment form (now they know what is expected to join THE CLUB and receive a whitening pen at hygiene appts).
When patients keep their appointments or call within your “Change of Appointment” Guidelines, they get a Free Whitening Pen at each hygiene appointment.
You buy the whitening products wholesale from Dental Practice Solutions
Learn more about The Club and all the systems you receive to enroll patients into The Club plus reduce last minute cancellations and grow New Patient numbers!
Click the link below to learn more about THE CLUB.

Conclusion:

Implementing a comprehensive dental Recare system is crucial for improving patient retention rates and optimizing oral health outcomes. By proactively engaging with patients, dental practices can establish stronger relationships, enhance patient satisfaction, and streamline practice management. Investing in technology, staff training, and regular monitoring will ensure the recall system’s effectiveness and contribute to the long-term success of the dental practice.

Remember, maintaining a healthy Recare system is not just about reminders—it’s about showing patients that their oral health matters and that their dental practice is committed to their well-being.

Learn More About THE CLUB Here

If you wish to chat about your dental hygiene department or this blog please schedule a coffee (tea or ____) chat here.