Growing your patient database is vital for the success of any dental practice. Here are ten ways for you to attract more patients, create a better patient experience and establish a successful dental practice.
1. Offer Online Scheduling
With digitization taking over, online scheduling is becoming increasingly important as it helps potential patients set up an appointment without the need to call.
2. Send Appointment Reminders
Any healthcare practice can take advantage of automated reminders. Missed appointments can be avoided through email or SMS reminders as well as automated call confimrations before the appointments.
3. Use Social Media
There are several social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more that can help in attracting more patients to your dental practice.
Among other things, make sure to keep your social media gallery updated with dental care posts, practice patients videos, aesthetics of your office, and any special offers to attract more patients.
4. Build a Website
A website is essential for every dental clinic but more importantly the website has to be functional and user friendly.
Basic information must be available on the website such as a list of services provided, location, office hours and contact details.
5. Implement Patient Surveys
Patient feedback is critical for improving the experience your practice provides and attracting new patients in the long run.
Implement patient surveys to gather insights into what your current patients appreciate and what areas need improvement.
6. Offer Online Patient Registration
Improve the patient intake process by using online registration forms. This helps your patients come prepared with the required documents and reduces wait time for first time office visits.
7. Use Referral Programs
Getting new patients through referrals is one of the best techniques for attracting a larger patient database.
Create and execute a referral program that allows current patients to earn incentives for referring their family and friends and bringing new patients.
8. Implement Online Reviews
Motivate happy customers to write good reviews on Google, Yelp, Healthgrades and other online platforms. Review feedback – positive or negative – and respond in a professional manner to demonstrate how much you appreciate your patients and value their feedback for improving your practice.
9. Offer Promotions and Discounts
Promotions and discounts can play a major role in bringing new patients who can benefit from affordable dental care services.
10. Offer Telehealth Services
As the world continues to gravitate towards technology, telehealth services tend to gain more acceptance. Virtual consultations appeal to patients who have limitations to physically visit your office for a primary consult or even a review of the status; and prefer to get help from the comfort of their home or office.
These 10 strategies can help you attract more patients to your office by emphasizing convenience, and nurturing your relationships.
Using these techniques will help you develop a healthy patient oriented practice by not just growing your patient database but also by maintaining meaningful engagement with them.