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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.” 

4. 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.

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