Let’s explore the changes we’re seeing in the dental patient marketing space and review what’s fueling practice growth and success in 2019 and beyond.
1. Competition is fierce
The dental workforce is projected to grow by 19% from 2016 to 2026. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for other industries. The result will be a marketplace saturated with qualified dentists.
Our dental marketing company works with dentists big and small through the US and they all face a similar challenge: attracting their ideal patient and growing their patient base.
The good news? Despite the increase in competition, the overall demand for dental services remains strong.
As the population ages and the importance of dental hygiene becomes more known, it will be key to create an effective and forward-thinking dental patient marketing plan.
2. Big budget DSOs are here to stay
The number of dentists may be increasing, but how these dentists are operating is changing rapidly. The biggest change? Fewer smaller single dentist practices and more dentists participating in DSOs, or Dental Service Organizations.
This corporate dentistry model is an alluring alternative for those who don’t want to deal with the headaches of owning a business and want to focus solely on treating their patients.
With corporate dentistry on the rise, it will become even more difficult for solo practitioners to stand out and gain market share.
3. Traditional advertising isn’t producing the same results it used to
Traditional dental marketing is becoming a thing of the past — particularly when relied upon as the only source of attracting new business. What is traditional dental marketing?
- • TV and radio ads
- • Yellowbook listings
- • Mass print mailers
- • Billboards
Compared to online dental marketing, traditional advertising…
- • Lacks transparent tracking of results and effectiveness
- • Cannot achieve the same level of targeting
- • Costs more with a lower ROI
In 2019, taking a strategic approach to your dental advertising and marketing (starting with an online strategy) will produce better results and better ROI.
4. Watch out for shady online marketing agencies
Most practices don’t have a full-time digital dental marketing specialist on their team. With a successful strategy requiring up-to-date and modern digital marketing knowledge, the majority of dental practices choose to partner with a dental marketing agency.
Unfortunately, unqualified “marketers” try to pass themselves off as professionals. What are some common characteristics of this type of shady, fly-by-night agency?
- • Guaranteeing specific results within a short period of time
- • Throwing around marketing buzzwords and technical jargon without further explanation
- • Using a content library (what we like to call “copy and paste” content)
- • Inability to put you in contact with current or past clients for a reference
- • Small team comprised of just 1-3 people
How to improve your dental patient marketing strategy in 2020
The world of online patient marketing can be technical and is constantly evolving. To make matters more complex, there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer. The most effective methods are completely customized to your dental practice based on:
- • Current marketing tactics
- • Website design and copy
- • Location
- • Time
- • Budget
- • Problems you’re trying to solve
- • New patient growth targets
Here’s what we suggest. Examine these trends under the lens of your overall practice goals and objectives, considering how well they align. Ask yourself...
- • Where is my practice currently falling behind?
- • Where is it succeeding?
- • How do these trends fit with my current online dental marketing methods
Then, talk to your dental marketing company about their thoughts on whether or not any new methods or ideas are worth your time, and if not how they hope to help fuel success.
And if you’re not already working with a trusted and qualified dental patient marketing company, this is absolutely something to examine in 2019.
Read more about the state of dental patient marketing in 2020.