It’s important to keep your patients happy if you want them to keep coming back. With dental practices popping up all over, patients have their pick of who to go to and can choose to hop around before they find the perfect dentist. Patients prefer dentists who understand their needs and genuinely care for them.
This why you should always prioritize people over dollars. Your patients are the lifeblood of your business, and without them you won’t be able to grow your practice, hire more people, and make a difference in your community.
Benefits of Prioritizing People Over Dollars
Keeps Patients for the Long Haul
It can be daunting to find new patients. There are 61 dentists per 100,000 U.S. population. While this does shows a lack of dentists, the fact is that your patients have options when choosing their oral health provider. They will not think twice about switching to another dentist if they’re not happy with your service or treatment processes.
You can keep your patients for the long haul by getting to know them. The easiest way to do this is by being friendly and welcoming. Make sure you and your staff greet each patient with a smile, are kind, listens to their needs, and provides thoughtful solutions to dental problems.
We also recommend choosing your words carefully when delivering bad news to patients. For example, telling a patient that they have bad breath can upset them or even make them embarrassed. If told in a mean or harsh way, they may decide not to come back and find a new dentist.
Increases Number of Patients
There is no better marketing than word of mouth. People are more inclined to recommend dentists that are professional and nice rather than dentists that are unprofessional or rude.
These days, it is all about the overall experience. Most patients will not recommend a rude dentist even if they have provided good service. This is because patients want to be comfortable and trust their dentist. By genuinely caring for your patients you’ll gain their trust, their business, and they’ll share your name with their friends and family.
How Can You Keep Patients Happy?
Give Friendly and Honest Advice
Patients prefer dentists who are friendly and give honest dental advice. Some dentists can be manipulative and persuasive when it comes to convincing patients to undergo a treatment even if it’s not good for them.
Many even recommend procedures that are not necessary, such as x-rays when a patient goes for teeth whitening. Never be the dentist who does that just for short-term gains. It may bring you more money in the short-run but will most likely cause you a big loss in the long-run.
Instead of focusing on the treatment (and the dollars it brings in), give your patient honest insight into what is happening with their teeth or mouth. Provide them with all the information they need to make an informed decision and allow them the space to make that decision.
Earn Their Trust
Patients want to trust the person working on their oral health. How can you earn the trust of your patients? The easiest way is to make conversations with them and provide quality care.
Moreover, when working with a patient, keep communicating with them as it helps them stay calm and feel at ease. It’s easier to trust your dentist when you’re not afraid of what they’re doing.
Show Your Passion for Dentistry
When you are passionate about what you do, it shows in your work. Take steps to show you love what you do but without making it appear forced. This can be by sharing your certifications in your website bio, talking with each patient that visits your practice and remembering them, and offering new treatments to help patients get the smile they want.
Be Involved in Your Community
Patients want to go to a dentist that cares about their local community. This shows them that you care about humanity and your town. Get involved by offering free treatments to those who can’t afford them, like homeless veterans, or sponsoring a local scholarship for students who want to be dentists. Your involvement in the community will make you look good, helping you attract new patients and keep current ones.
What Not to Do
Be Too Friendly
You want to be friendly but not so overly friendly that it comes across as creepy. The conversations you have with your patients should be general and positive, and not personal. Remember to respect their privacy.
Lie to Your Patients
Never lie to your patients about anything, including their own health. Make sure to word things carefully so you’re delivering them in a positive way and doesn’t seem like you’re being dishonest. Hiding things from your patients can ruin relationships. Plus, they might also feel that you are more interested in making money and less interested in treating their condition.
Keep Your Patients Happy
It's more important to win your patient’s trust and make them feel comfortable than to think about earning more money from them. This will give you loyal customers and improve your market standing as well.
About the Author
Dr. Grady Lembke, DDS is a practicing Dentist in Edmond, OK. Dr. Lembke graduated from University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1997 and has been in practice for 22 years.