Dentistry is a competitive field, and the goal of any dental office is to get new patients and keep the ones they already have. This blog will share practical tips to keep your patients coming back for more, even during a dental emergency.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Improving customer service is crucial to making patients feel valued and appreciated. It can be the difference between a patient feeling like just a number and a patient feeling like a valued member of your healthcare community. One method is giving them individualized attention and paying close attention to their needs and concerns.
Another way is to teach patients about their health and treatment options so they can make decisions that are best for them. Also, going above and beyond to make things go smoothly and without stress can make all the difference.
Remember, exceptional customer service builds trust and leads to long-lasting patient relationships. Show your patients that they matter and that their health is your top priority, and you’ll have satisfied and loyal patients for years to come. A few ways to improve your customer service include:
Greet patients warmly and make them feel comfortable
Listen to their concerns and answer their questions thoroughly
Offer refreshments or entertainment options in the waiting room
After the patient’s appointment, check in with them to see how they’re doing
Offer Convenient Scheduling Options
Offering convenient scheduling options to patients is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. With demanding work schedules, busy family lives, and a never-ending to-do list, patients want the ability to book appointments that fit into their busy lives.
By providing flexible scheduling options, you demonstrate your understanding of your patients’ needs and show that you value their time. It can increase patient satisfaction and build trust, leading to stronger patient-provider relationships and higher patient retention rates.
At the end of the day, giving patients the power to choose appointment times that work for them can make all the difference in the success of your practice. To make it easier for patients to see you, consider offering:
Online appointment scheduling
Extended hours and weekend availability
Same-day appointments for dental emergencies
Keep Your Office Clean and Inviting
A clean, inviting office environment can significantly impact the overall patient experience. Simple touches such as fresh flowers, comfortable seating, and updated décor can help patients feel more at ease. Maintaining a clean and sanitary office is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction.
Personalize Your Care
Personalized care is a cornerstone of excellent patient care and integral to building strong and lasting patient relationships. By taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and concerns, healthcare providers can provide care tailored specifically to the individual.
It involves a collaborative approach between the patient and the healthcare provider, ensuring that the patient is active in their care and that their needs are met at every stage of the healthcare journey. By delivering personalized care, healthcare providers can build trust with their patients and establish a rapport that will last well beyond a single visit.
Ultimately, this type of care can result in better health outcomes and a more satisfied patient population. Here are some strategies for individualized care:
Get to know your patients and their individual needs
Use technology to make appointments and treatment plans more efficient
Offer patient education and resources to help them understand their dental health
Celebrate special occasions and milestones with your patients, such as birthdays and anniversaries
Stay Up to Date with the Latest Dental Trends and Technologies
Staying up-to-date with the latest dental trends and technologies can set your practice apart and show your patients that you are committed to providing the best care possible. Consider investing in:
Advanced dental equipment and tools
Continuing education opportunities for you and your staff
Integrating new technologies into your practice, such as digital X-rays or chairside monitoring systems
Conclusion
Retaining dental patients is crucial for the success of your practice. You can build strong, long-lasting relationships with your patients by providing excellent customer service, offering convenient scheduling options, keeping your office clean and inviting, personalizing your care, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
By implementing these practical tips, you can create a positive, memorable experience for your patients and keep them coming back for more, even during a dental emergency. Your patients will appreciate the extra effort, and your practice will reap the benefits of a loyal, satisfied patient base.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Salwin leads the Glendale Dental Group, Arizona. He and his team treat dental emergencies and perform a whole range of dental services. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 36 years.
A bright and healthy smile is one of the most important features people notice about us. Therefore, it’s no surprise that teeth whitening has become increasingly popular over the years.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Americans spent over $1.4 billion on teeth whitening in 2019. This statistic highlights the huge potential for dental offices that offer teeth whitening services. This blog will discuss the benefits of offering teeth whitening services and how they can help market a dental office.
Benefits of Offering Teeth Whitening Services
Offering teeth whitening services is a win-win situation for the patient and the dental office.
Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Patient Satisfaction
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that has become a standard of beauty. It’s no surprise that patients seek to whiten their teeth to enhance their appearance. By offering this service, dental offices can provide patients with an immediate improvement in their smile.
Patients’ satisfaction with the teeth whitening service will help improve their experience at the dental office and potentially lead to repeat visits.
Higher Revenue for the Dental Office
Teeth whitening is a lucrative service for dental offices. Not only is it a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure, but it also has a high-profit margin. Dental offices can increase their revenue and profitability by offering teeth whitening services.
Differentiates the Dental Office from Competitors
Not all dental offices offer teeth whitening services. By providing this service, dental offices can differentiate themselves from their competitors. This service will attract new patients looking for a dental office that offers various services and can provide them with a one-stop-shop experience.
Increases Patient Loyalty
Offering teeth whitening services can increase patient loyalty. Patients satisfied with teeth whitening services are more likely to become regular patients. Providing patients with various services encourages them to return to the dental office.
Positive Word of Mouth Advertising
Satisfied patients are likely to share their positive experiences with others. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and it’s essential for dental offices to capitalize on it. Dental offices can encourage patients to share their positive experiences with others by offering teeth whitening services. This will lead to more patients and more revenue for the dental office.
Target Market for Teeth Whitening Services
Teeth whitening services appeal to a broad range of patients, but there are specific target markets that dental offices should focus on. These include:
Millennials
Millennials are a target market for teeth whitening services. This is because they are more likely to be concerned with their appearance and are willing to spend money on cosmetic procedures. Dental offices can appeal to this demographic by offering teeth whitening services and increasing their revenue.
Working Professionals
Working professionals are another target market for teeth whitening services. They are more likely to have disposable income to spend on cosmetic procedures and are often concerned about their appearance in professional settings. Dental offices can cater to this demographic by offering teeth whitening services and potentially increasing their revenue.
Baby Boomers
Baby boomers are another target market for teeth whitening services. As they age, their teeth become more discolored and stained. Teeth whitening services can help reverse this process and give them a more youthful appearance.
Marketing Teeth Whitening Services
The marketing of teeth whitening services is crucial for dental offices to attract patients. Here are some strategies to consider:
Digital Marketing Strategies
Digital marketing is an essential strategy for dental offices to consider. This is because patients are often looking for dental offices online. Here are some digital marketing strategies to consider:
Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising is an effective way to reach potential patients. By targeting specific demographics, social media helps with brand recognition for your dental practice, helping to keep your office top of mind when they need teeth whitening.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a cost-effective strategy to reach patients who have already interacted with the dental office. Dental offices can use email marketing to promote teeth whitening services, offer promotions, and provide educational content. It’s an effective way to stay top-of-mind with patients and encourage them to book appointments.
Website Optimization
A website is often the first point of contact that patients have with a dental office. It’s essential to optimize the website to promote teeth whitening services. This includes creating a dedicated teeth whitening page, adding patient reviews, and including before-and-after photos.
Traditional Marketing
Strategies Traditional marketing strategies are still effective for dental offices. Here are some strategies to consider:
Direct Mail
Dental offices can create targeted direct mail campaigns to promote teeth whitening services. This can include offering promotions or highlighting the benefits of teeth whitening. Direct mail is an effective strategy to reach potential patients in a local area.
Print Ads
Print ads are another effective strategy for dental offices to reach potential patients. Dental offices can create print ads in local magazines or newspapers. This can include highlighting the benefits of teeth whitening or offering promotions.
Referral Programs
Referral programs are an effective strategy to encourage patients to refer their friends and family to the dental office. Dental offices can offer incentives to patients who refer new patients to the practice. This can include a discount on teeth whitening services or a gift card.
Partnership with Local Businesses
Dental offices can partner with local businesses to promote teeth whitening services. This can include partnering with beauty salons or spas. Dental offices can offer promotions to their clients, and beauty salons or spas can promote the dental office to their clients.
In-Office Marketing
In-office marketing is a cost-effective strategy to promote teeth whitening services. Dental offices can create brochures, flyers, and posters to promote the services. They can also include information about the services on their appointment cards.
Challenges of Offering Teeth Whitening Services
Offering teeth whitening services has its challenges. Here are some of the challenges that dental offices should consider:
Cost of Equipment and Materials
The cost of equipment and materials for teeth whitening services can be expensive. Dental offices must invest in high-quality equipment and materials to provide the best results for their patients. This can be a significant investment, and dental offices must ensure they have the capital to invest.
Training of Staff
The dental office staff must be properly trained to provide teeth whitening services. This includes understanding the procedure, how to use the equipment, and how to manage patient expectations. Dental offices need to invest in training to ensure that their staff can provide the best results for their patients.
Managing Patient Expectations
Managing patient expectations is crucial for dental offices that offer teeth whitening services. Patients must understand that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and that results may vary. Dental offices must provide patients with realistic expectations and ensure they understand the process before undergoing it.
Creating A Win-Win Solution
Offering teeth whitening services is a win-win situation for patients and dental offices. Patients receive an immediate improvement in their smile, and dental offices can increase their revenue and profitability. By targeting specific demographics and marketing teeth whitening services effectively, dental offices can attract new patients and increase patient loyalty.
Dental offices need to understand the challenges of offering teeth whitening services and invest in training, high-quality equipment, and materials.
Create A Call-To-Action For Your Practice
Overall, teeth whitening services are valuable to any dental office’s services. But not all dentists are confident about creating — and sticking to — a marketing strategy that attracts new patients. When you educate and engage them about the dental services you provide, you can encourage them to take action and schedule an appointment.
Fortunately, Rock Star Dental Marketing and Dental Practice Solutions can help your clients take action so you can grow your business. Rock Star Dental Marketing is a full-service online marketing agency that specializes in helping its marketing clients reach their next million dollars in annual revenue.
Dental Practice Solutions offers teeth whitening products and services that help retain new patients.
Does Your Dental Practice Stand Apart From The Crowd?
Your business is special and unique, and you have products and services that can make life so much better for your clients. But, they have a hard time picking you out from the crowd because to them, you look the same as all of your competitors. Therefore, you need to tell your story in such a unique, heartfelt way that your ideal clients cannot help but want to work with you because your “why” and what makes you special resonates with them, your Tribe.
That is why you should work with Rock Star Dental Marketing, for we will share your story with your ideal clients and community through digital content, as well as your internal crew through the storytelling of your Standard Operating Procedures. When your story is properly told throughout your internal and external marketing, your entire business thrives!
We can help you devise a marketing strategy to take your dental business to the next level. Contact us for a complimentary Discovery Session today to access our marketing wisdom.
About The Author:
Jennifer Filzen is the owner of Rock Star Dental Marketing and the host of the Ask The Doc show podcast.
As a result of our marketing efforts, Rock Star Dental Marketing helps small businesses reach their next million dollars in revenue. We do this by sharing their story in such a heartfelt way that their ideal clients, their Tribe, cannot help but want to work with them.
We do this through storytelling in their blogs, social media channels, on their website, in their video marketing, and even in their Standard Operating Procedures for internal marketing!
It’s all about sharing stories within your community that resonates with your Tribe. That is why Rock Star Dental Marketing is the category king of storytelling in the industries we serve, like auto repair, construction, dental, legal services, medspas, and business coaching.
Dentistry is a competitive field, and the goal of any dental office is to get new patients and keep the ones they already have. This blog will share practical tips to keep your patients coming back for more, even during a dental emergency.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Improving customer service is crucial to making patients feel valued and appreciated. It can be the difference between a patient feeling like just a number and a patient feeling like a valued member of your healthcare community. One method is giving them individualized attention and paying close attention to their needs and concerns.
Another way is to teach patients about their health and treatment options so they can make decisions that are best for them. Also, going above and beyond to make things go smoothly and without stress can make all the difference.
Remember, exceptional customer service builds trust and leads to long-lasting patient relationships. Show your patients that they matter and that their health is your top priority, and you’ll have satisfied and loyal patients for years to come. A few ways to improve your customer service include:
Greet patients warmly and make them feel comfortable
Listen to their concerns and answer their questions thoroughly
Offer refreshments or entertainment options in the waiting room
After the patient’s appointment, check in with them to see how they’re doing
Offer Convenient Scheduling Options
Offering convenient scheduling options to patients is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. With demanding work schedules, busy family lives, and a never-ending to-do list, patients want the ability to book appointments that fit into their busy lives.
By providing flexible scheduling options, you demonstrate your understanding of your patients’ needs and show that you value their time. It can increase patient satisfaction and build trust, leading to stronger patient-provider relationships and higher patient retention rates.
At the end of the day, giving patients the power to choose appointment times that work for them can make all the difference in the success of your practice. To make it easier for patients to see you, consider offering:
Online appointment scheduling
Extended hours and weekend availability
Same-day appointments for dental emergencies
Keep Your Office Clean and Inviting
A clean, inviting office environment can significantly impact the overall patient experience. Simple touches such as fresh flowers, comfortable seating, and updated décor can help patients feel more at ease. Maintaining a clean and sanitary office is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction.
Personalize Your Care
Personalized care is a cornerstone of excellent patient care and integral to building strong and lasting patient relationships. By taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and concerns, healthcare providers can provide care tailored specifically to the individual.
It involves a collaborative approach between the patient and the healthcare provider, ensuring that the patient is active in their care and that their needs are met at every stage of the healthcare journey. By delivering personalized care, healthcare providers can build trust with their patients and establish a rapport that will last well beyond a single visit.
Ultimately, this type of care can result in better health outcomes and a more satisfied patient population. Here are some strategies for individualized care:
Get to know your patients and their individual needs
Use technology to make appointments and treatment plans more efficient
Offer patient education and resources to help them understand their dental health
Celebrate special occasions and milestones with your patients, such as birthdays and anniversaries
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Dental Trends and Technologies
Staying up-to-date with the latest dental trends and technologies can set your practice apart and show your patients that you are committed to providing the best care possible. Consider investing in:
Advanced dental equipment and tools
Continuing education opportunities for you and your staff
Integrating new technologies into your practice, such as digital X-rays or chairside monitoring systems
Conclusion
Retaining dental patients is crucial for the success of your practice. You can build strong, long-lasting relationships with your patients by providing excellent customer service, offering convenient scheduling options, keeping your office clean and inviting, personalizing your care, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
By implementing these practical tips, you can create a positive, memorable experience for your patients and keep them coming back for more, even during a dental emergency. Your patients will appreciate the extra effort, and your practice will reap the benefits of a loyal, satisfied patient base.
About Dr. Salwin
Dr. Gary Salwin leads the Glendale Dental Group, Arizona. He and his team treat dental emergencies and perform a whole range of dental services. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 36 years.
Dental teeth orthodontic dentistry teachng model with gums, tooth enamel, plaque, roots and metal implants.
Dental implants have a high success rate when a proper treatment plan and surgical operation are carried out. Proper knowledge of post-operative care and events can further minimize complications, making the experience smoother and more comfortable.
Following are five aspects to look at and preferred actions that help:
Pain after Dental Implants
Infection following Implant Placement
Post-op Bleeding
Occurrence of Swelling
Neurosensory Disturbance
To address the elephant in the room, the most important and sought-after question about dental implant surgeries is the pain after implant placement.
Pain After Dental Implants
Research shows patients experience mild-to-moderate pain after implant surgeries that may exacerbate in females, regular smokers, and individuals with increased anxiety levels.1
Implant clinicians prescribe paracetamol, opioids, and corticosteroids routinely after implant surgery. Patients should not exceed the recommended dosage as they may interfere with the osseointegration of implants. Also, with time, there is a decrease in the pain experienced.2
Infection Following Implant Placement
A successful dental implant requires proper osseointegration and effective healing of the surrounding soft tissues. However, compromised healing capacity can lead to several problems. These include early implant failure, insufficient stability at the time of placement, and an increased risk of infection at the surgical site.
Although rare, infections may occur in individuals with diabetes, Vitamin D deficiency, or poor nutrition.
Recent research has shown excellent results in healing and inflammation using photobiomodulation (PBM) commonly achieved with LASERs.3 Albeit, even an array of LED light generates therapeutic PBM responses.4 Individuals can use the LED light from the Whitening kit with dual light technology. The ‘red’ light for PBM and ‘blue’ 5 could help manage pain and infections.
Post-Op Bleeding
The reasons for post-op bleeding can vary, ranging from undisclosed underlying medical conditions to local trauma from inappropriate brushing at the area of the dental implants.
It is important to disclose your medical history and any current medications to your implant clinician. They may change the treatment plan before placing the implant to avoid chances of post-op bleeding.
Besides that, one should avoid strenuous exercise, maintain a bland diet, and employ an oral hygiene routine that restricts any injury to the affected area.
In case of bleeding, apply physical pressure using pressure packs, like a gauze moistened with chlorhexidine solution. Make sure it is done to reduce the risk of trauma to the healing soft tissues.
Occurrence of Swelling
Applying cold compresses to manage post-operative swelling is a well-known technique after oral surgical procedures. They are an adjunct to the prescribed medications. You may cool the skin from 33 0C to 10-15 0C using frozen peas, cold packs, and KoolPak®. Doctors mostly recommend applications of 10-minute exposures (with 20 minutes off) for the first 4 hours as it efficiently works and does not lead to nerve damage or frostbite injuries. Continuing cold compression for 48 hours can further reduce swelling.
Neurosensory Disturbance
Neural trauma can develop directly due to section during the surgery. Indirectly, it can occur due to compression of the nerves by the implant or consequent inflammation.
The size of the nerve injury will dictate the intensity of the experienced symptoms. It may show altered sensation (paraesthesia), unpleasant altered sensation (dysaesthesia), or loss of sensation (anesthesia).
In case of any altered sensation, it is important to promptly seek an evaluation by an oral surgeon or emergency dentist for proper post-operative assessment and treatment planning.
Apart from addressing these hiccups for uneventful healing, individuals should focus on long-term maintenance of the implants, brushing twice daily and using flossers to clean the gaps between gums and teeth.
Starting from day 2, it is recommended to rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) or Chlorhexidine mouthwash after each meal until the wound fully heals to prevent contamination from food particles.6
Conclusion
Most complications encountered after a dental implant can be prevented by following all the post-op instructions, medications, and medicaments. A great dental office focuses on preventing dental implant complications and prepares the patients to manage expected problems efficiently.
Bryce G, Bomfim DI, Bassi GS. Pre- and post-operative management of dental implant placement. Part 1: management of post-operative pain. Br Dent J. 2014 Aug;217(3):123-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.650. PMID: 25104691.
Hashem AA, Claffey NM, O’Connell B. Pain and anxiety following the placement of dental implants. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2006 Nov-Dec;21(6):943-50. PMID: 17190305.
Camolesi GC, Somoza‐Martín JM, Reboiras‐López MD, Camacho‐Alonso F, Blanco‐Carrión A, Pérez Sayáns M. Photobiomodulation in dental implant stability and post‐surgical healing and inflammation. A randomised double‐blind study. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2022 Dec 21.
Mosca RC, Ong AA, Albasha O, Bass K, Arany P. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019 Apr;32(4):157-167. doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000553600.97572.d2. PMID: 30889017.
Taradaj J, Halski T, Kucharzewski M, Urbanek T, Halska U, Kucio C. Effect of laser irradiation at different wavelengths (940, 808, and 658 nm) on pressure ulcer healing: results from a clinical study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:960240.
For most dental professionals, it is challenging to see the dental offices as a business entity or a vocation, when in fact it is actually both. Although the entire practice is centered around ensuring optimal patients oral (dental) and total health, a dental practice will not be able to sustain your quality services if you’re not product, if revenue is not where it needs to be or if your equipment is not maintained well.
To make sure you can continue giving quality care, without sacrificing any other professional goal you might have, here are a few strategies for managing your own dental practice.
1. Reassess your working hours
Most dental offices still operate with a conventional schedule that usually starts at 8 AM in the morning and closes at or 5 PM. You might want to realign your clinic hours to better serve your patients, as well as open up your schedule for other opportunities. For example, some dentists who run a group dental practice, often have an alternating schedule. Some employees arrive early in the morning and leave early afternoon, while the employees arrive later in the day and leave later in the evening hours.
Many dental offices also intentionally work different hours, such as starting after lunch and schedule patients into the evening hours. This kind of setup allows patients to work half-day or get their dental work scheduled after their day of work.
2. Invest in your people
Of course, this is particularly important for all dental offices. Investing in your team in your dental practice is “investing in the business”. For starters, the dental office admin team members perform a wide range of activities from scheduling patient appointments, keeping records and the dental assistants complete various tasks that include x-rays, dental technologies like taking x-ray (images)and administer patient care.
By equipping employees with the right certifications and training, they can perform some of the tasks that would otherwise fall on to the dentist themself. This saves up time and allows you to focus on more complex work, or attend to the business side of things.
autoclave sterilizing maintenance.
3. Include regular maintenance on your equipment
Like any other machinery, the pieces of dental equipment you have in your dental office also require a periodic maintenance to ensure it doesn’t break down or malfunction right when you need it. A regular maintenance schedule might sound like an added expense for the business but it pays for itself in the long run, saving you from the hassle of having to stop or reschedule an appointment because something in the clinic doesn’t work as it should.
Of course, it involves x-ray machines, washer-disinfectors, hydraulic patient seats, lights, and more. You’ll also need to regularly check your handpieces to make sure you do your work with no worries.
4. Start automating processes
Rapid advancements in technology have made most of them less expensive and therefore more accessible for everyone. Some clerical tasks in your dental office can use this technology, saving you time and effort, all while minimizing the risks that come with manually performing them. The most common example is appointment setting and scheduling, automated solutions available today let you customize the platform and let the patients handle the rest. They can set their own schedules and the system will notify your team for confirmation.
One example of automation that saves the employees time and keeps patients returning to your office is NexHealth.
You can even automate your HR platform for your team, making sure that everyone’s salary and benefits are automatically taken care of. It can even help you see your upcoming schedule or if someone is planning to take a paid time-off, even when you’re not in the office. Some of these automated platforms are available in web browsers or even in mobile apps, improving mobility and accessibility for you and your patients.
5. Monitor your inventory
Sometimes, it’s the small things that derail the entire operation. To make sure you never run out of the important things you need, make sure to always keep a good handle on your inventory. You must frequently review the pace at which you consume certain materials such as cotton balls, Q-tips, patient toothbrushes, gloves, etc. Keeping yourself updated on the inventory status makes sure that you don’t overstock and more importantly, you don’t run out of the things you need in doing your day-to-day business.
For small dental offices, having tight control over the inventory means you only buy what you need, when you need it. This practice frees up a portion of your finances for other purposes, such as training staff or setting maintenance schedules. Also, you can start setting up an inventory management system and train the rest of the team for increased efficiency.
Conclusion
Effectively managing your dental practice often starts with the small, often-overlooked parts of the job. By making sure you pay enough attention and allot enough resources, you can continuously improve the place you work in and the processes with which you do business. Not only do they create better employee and customer experiences, but they also take off things from your mind–letting you focus on providing the best oral and dental health services.
Did you know that dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions? It actually dates back to ancient Egypt, 7500 BC. The ancient Egyptians were actually the first to have their teeth treated and replaced. Since then, dentistry has evolved considerably and its techniques and treatments have gone from primitive and rudimentary to very advanced, encompassing preventive oral healthcare, advanced diagnostic techniques, and modern painless administration of treatment. Moreover, technology has immensely impacted dental treatments, allowing smoother and more enjoyable dental visits whether it’s for emergency treatments to comfort patients in pain, or the most transformative aesthetic treatments.
Continue as this weeks guest author will detail some of the newest dental technologies that can help in transforming smiles.
1. Robotic Dental Technologies – Robo-dentistry
Artificial intelligence has succeeded in asserting itself not only in the field of research and in general medicine in the last few years but also in the practice of dental medicine. For example, artificial intelligence can allow more accurate detection of dental decay and periodontal disease on radiographs. Also, the very first robot for dental surgeries has been approved earlier this year by the FDA, and this is nothing but a glimpse of what robotics could bring to the dental field. It is in fact a possibility that minimally invasive or routine procedures such as cleaning and basic fillings could be performed one day by a robot-dentist!
Dental hygienist using a dental laser for gum treatment (periodontal disease or gingivitis).
2. Laser dentistry
Laser in dentistry has so many different uses that it feels almost a necessity to incorporate it into all future dental practices and treatments. In fact, the dental laser improves efficiency and eliminates discomfort in a number of dental procedures, allowing to perform many interventions whether it is teeth whitening, excision of caries, reshaping gums, and removal of bacteria during root canal treatments. With this wide spectrum of applications, dental lasers not only make the task easier for dentists but also provide patients with a smoother experience and shorter healing periods. That being said, laser technology is also an indispensable tool inemergency tooth extractions, allowing to avoid bloody, painful, and swelling recoveries.
Computer-aided imaging, etc.
3. Computer-aided imaging, design, and manufacturing
Computed aided imaging, design, and manufacturing have revolutionized dental treatment in so many ways. Whether it is through intra-oral scanners which make it possible to bypass conventional impressions that can be unpleasant for the patient, the computer-aided design of dental restorations, surgical guides and others, or the milling of the latter mechanically by milling machines, this technology only makes things easier for dentists and dental labs, while keeping patients satisfied.
4. Single-visit crowns
Let’s admit it. Dentist visits are not on your favorite-things-to-do list. This suggests that having to go there several times for a single treatment, getting a crown done for example, definitely does not make please you. Well, advancements in dental technology have taken care of this: today, with the necessary equipment, it is possible to have a crown fabricated and cemented in one sitting! Computer-assisted scanning, design, fabrication, and voila!
CT Scan.
5. 3D printing
We hardly need to introduce 3D printing considering all the buzz its generating worldwide and in all fields. In dentistry in particular, this technology now allows rapid, simple, controlled, and reliable production of multiple dental restorations, the whole procedure being able to be hosted in a facility located directly in the dental office. No more tedious comings and goings with the dental lab, and happier dentists and patients of course.
Invisalign.
6. Invisible aligners
Despite the fact thatinvisible aligners are not that new, they have gained popularity in the last few years, especially with the surge of 3D printing. This technology has made it possible to thwart the most dreaded aspect of simple dental alignment and repositioning treatments: the unsightliness of metal brackets. These clear, practically invisible braces combine discretion and the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, allowing you to get the smile you are looking for in the most subtle and discreet way possible.
Manual Toothbrushes are antiquated vs. Power Toothbrushes.
7. Smart toothbrushes
We are all addicted to smartphones, why not to smart toothbrushes too! These innovative devices will allow you to preserve your beautiful smile for a long time, ensuring that you brush your teeth as you should, keeping them healthy and your smile radiant for as long as possible. The smart toothbrushes come with a companion app that warns you while you’re brushing if you are applying too much pressure and coaches you as to how to brush properly. It’s literally like having a personal brushing coach!
8. Regenerative dentistry
Regenerative dentistry is said to be one of the most revolutionary and promising advancements in dentistry today. It takes minimally invasive dentistry that has been endorsed by the general public and dental health professionals for a long time now even further. The concept of regenerative dentistry consists in the development of materials allowing to stimulate stem cells to promote the growth of dentin, the main constituent of our teeth. Thus, the loss of dental substance due to the installation of caries, for example, could be counteracted and this would then eliminate the need for root canal treatments and for relatively invasive restorations. Isn’t it amazing to think that you might not need to replace your teeth as you get older but might grow new ones?
To sum up, there is clear evidence that the technological advancements of our era have affected the field of dentistry on many levels, enabling dentists to provide you with or help you maintain the smile of your dreams while avoiding unpleasant sensations and numerous visits. Considering the speed with which everything is changing these days, we can expect even more revolutionary improvements in the upcoming years.
About our Guest Author
Suzanna Maria Sayegh graduated from the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, majoring in Oral Pathology. She also holds a Master’s in Research and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. She is currently pursuing another Master’s degree, in Aesthetic and Prosthetic Dentistry. Her top priority is to provide minimally invasive, high-quality dental care to each of her patients, respecting their individual goals and needs.
Portrait of two office employees in medical masks concentrating on work with papers and laptop. Necessary precautions during coronavirus pandemic
Your team is one of the most important parts of running a dental practice. The way you choose to hire employees in your dental practice greatly influences the type of office you run and the quality of care you can provide your patients. One industry secret that dental practices are greatly benefiting from is introducing flexible employees to their current team..
Dental temping is nothing new — dental assistants and hygienists have been working temporary jobs practices around the United States for many years. The ability to have a healthy work-life balance, prioritize what matters the most and make changes according to current circumstances, are just a few ways temporary work is beneficial for all dental professionals.
Today, dental practice owners are also beginning to understand how valuable the gig economy is for their business. Think contracted work and temp agencies during this unprecedented time in our world.
149139847 – the new normal, wordings, concept for preventing and protecting germs or coronavirus or covid-19
Flexible Employees and COVID-19
The first time some dental practice owners hired flexible employees was in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was surging across the US. After being closed for several weeks, some practices were overwhelmed with appointment requests from patients who had been unable to attend prior appointments and were in desperate need of elective treatment.
To ensure all patients could receive the treatment they needed, while at the same time boosting profits after being closed for so long, dental practice owners reinforced their team of permanent employees with some additional flexible workers. Having extra dental assistants and dental hygienists available meant practices could treat more patients without having to rush appointments or provide lower quality care.
Most dentals practice owners expected to stop working with their newly-hired flexible employees after the temporary increase in demand for appointments subsided. But in most cases this didn’t happen.
Owners had discovered that the advantages flexible employees brought to the table were so diverse and useful that they’d continue to provide value far into the future.
How a Flexible Staff will Improve Your Practice
Flexible dental employees can do much more than help you treat more patients. Here are ten ways leveraging temporary dental professionals will boost your dental practice:
Offer more complex procedures: Hire a temporary specialist dentist for complex procedures you’re unable to provide yourself to retain and attract more patients.
Provide complete care: Instead of referring your patients to other dental practices for specialist procedures, you can keep all treatment in-house and avoid the risk of losing them to another dentist.
Accept last-minute appointments: Accept patients in need of immediate dental hygiene appointments by hiring a temp RDH who is available for work at the last minute.
Cater for custom appointment times: By having access to dental employees who are available around-the-clock, you can cater to patients who are only available for treatment when you’re normally closed.
Have effective employee trials: Hiring temporary dental employees gives you the chance to get to know them and see how they work before committing. If they become a valuable asset for your business, you can offer them permanent work.
Produce more creative ideas and solutions: Introducing new people with fresh ways of thinking is a great way to come up with innovative ideas and effective solutions for problems you may not been able to see with your own eyes.
Learn more about dentistry: Working alongside people who are familiar with using different techniques and tools from what you’re used to is helpful for discovering new advances to improve your practice.
Increase team satisfaction and productivity: By hiring flexible employees you’re reducing the workload of your permanent employees, helping them feel less stressed and being more productive as a result.
Expand your business: If you want to open up a larger dental practice or a second office, flexible team members can help you do just that. They can help treat the additional patients without creating financial risk should the venture not succeed.
Improve your reputation: All the above will help you provide your patients with better care and therefore improve your reputation, helping you gain even more patients and retain your current ones.
How to Get Started
Here are our tips to help you get started with flexible staffing and set out on the road to a bigger, better and more profitable dental practice.
Inform your permanent employees first: Your permanent team members might worry about losing their jobs when you introduce flexible employees. Reassure them before you hire that you’re growing and adding to your team — not replacing current employees.
Start small: Begin by hiring just one temporary dental hygienist to support your team. This will give you the chance to see if flexible employees suit your office culture, while also providing patients with an increase in dental hygiene services.
Choose a reputable source: Find a highly regarded source of dental professionals with great reviews you can trust. Consider asking other practice owners in your area which employment agency they use.
Treat all team members equally: Make your temporary employees feel part of the team by treating everyone equally; allow them the same breaks, check in with them and provide them with helpful feedback, etc.
Make smart decisions: If you weren’t happy with the temporary employee, don’t hire them for additional work in your dental office. However, if they went above your expectations, provide them with positive feedback and offer them more hours in the future.
Start Today
If you’re ready to take your dental practice to the next level, but you’re unsure how to achieve your audacious goals, start by adding flexible employees to your current team. Introducing highly skilled, experienced and hardworking dental professionals to your current team will improve your business in almost every way possible. In twelve months from now, when your dental practice is more successful than ever, you’ll be glad you did.
The decisions you make today either make or break your future success.
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What’s Next
Today’s dental practice can be the most productive and you can have your best year ever!
Your dental hygiene department must operate at 30% of your total production or you are not running at peak performance.
Systems and processes with a team approach create success.
Your next step to optimize and BOOST your hygiene department productivity is participation in our Hygiene Department Challenge. Click to see an overview here of the 21 Day Challenge.
Call us (888-816-1511) or schedule a short coffee chat to learn more about the challenge for your dental hygiene department.
Are you thinking of investing resources in an online dental marketing agency to help with your SEO efforts? Make sure to ask them these questions first.
This information is a guide for dentists. Once you read this you will understand what to ask every online dental marketing agency you talk to.
Will you explain dental SEO?
No matter which agency you partner with, your relationship must be built on trust. Specifically, you need to trust they’ll:
Have your best interests and practice goals in mind
Provide a return on your investment
Apply digital marketing strategies that are proven to be successful
A good agency won’t be deceptive or add unnecessary stress and confusion to your life. If an agency you’re interested in can’t clearly and simply explain dental SEO — and the strategies they plan to use — how can you expect to trust them over the course of your relationship?
Will my practice own the work you do?
No matter what type of work an agency does for your practice, you should retain ownership of it. Make sure you always have control over the following even if your relationship with the agency is severed:
Dental Websites
Blog posts or other written resources
Google Ads and other paid advertising campaigns/accounts, including historical data
Your website’s domain name and hosting
All web properties and social media accounts
Do you work with many other dentists?
An agency experienced in working with other dentists will have the skills, knowledge, and resources to help your practice achieve your goals. They’ll also be able to provide references and reviews from other dental practices who have experienced success with the agency.
Do you work with other dentists in my city?
You should never have to worry if your online dental marketing company has your best interests in mind.
Only work with an agency that’s committed to you. Only one practice can rank #1 in Google in a given area. Don’t you want your agency committed to getting you there? If they’re working with a competing dental office, will they always have your best interests in mind?
What is your plan to help my practice attract new patients?
While every strategy will be different, most will include some combination of…
Content marketing
Online advertising, including Google, Facebook, and Bing
Technical changes to your website’s structure to improve Google search rankings
Your strategy should be specific and unique to you and based on a combination of your current online presence, goals, and local competition.
Do you have any questions for me?
Just as important as what you ask them is what they ask you. Make sure they’re asking you thoughtful questions like…
Who is your perfect patient?
What goals do you have for your practice over the next 1/5/10 years?
Who are you competing with — and what sets your practice apart?
Have you ever worked with an agency before? How was that experience?
Do you hire contractors and freelancers?
Never work with any agency with more salespeople than actual digital marketing experts. These types of agencies likely rely on outside contractors who may not bring the same quality and expertise you were promised.
The best agencies have an in-house team of experts working together under one roof. Make sure any agency you work with has experts focused on…
Content strategy and creation
Web design
SEO
Paid advertising
How will I know if what you’re doing is gaining traction?
When you partner with an agency, you should never be left in the dark on how you’re being presented online. Make sure whichever agency you choose updates you regularly with…
Summaries of their work and success
Statistics and data detailing progress
Strategy and plans for the future
How involved will I be in the online marketing process?
Any great agency will want your involvement in their process. While the agency will be doing the physical work, you’ll need to be available to give feedback, provide information about your practice and services, and approve work such as content, ad campaigns, and other important work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan DelMain
As a small business owner himself, Dan DelMain knows firsthand many of the struggles dentists face when it comes to online marketing. Since 2009, Dan and his team at Delmain have helped dentists around the country increase website traffic, attract new patients, and achieve real results through their online marketing efforts.
Dan DelMain