The dental domain is constantly changing: new technologies, procedures, treatments, but what stays the same is the patient-doctor relationship. But even this can be improved and must be taken very seriously since 75% of the patients claimed that what matters most to them is the personalized relationship with their doctor.
As your relationship with them improves, so does their loyalty. A loyal patient is more likely to follow the treatments and the advice you give, leading to healthy oral care. Once the patient is engaged, he will:
But until we get to engage the patients, we must understand and react to the patients’ needs, empowering him. AB Dental experts are here to show you 5 strategies on how you can empower and educate your patients, meet their desires, and increase patient retention.
It’s human nature to seek knowledge and fear the unknown. Your patients will appreciate you explaining what you are going to do, how will it feel, how long will it take, and so on. This will help you gain their trust and will help them feel calmer. Every explanation that you can give them during the treatment session will help them feel that the situation is more familiar and therefore less frightening. Even just talking to the patient, on any subject, in a pleasant manner can distract them from the treatment, even if they cannot answer.
The patients always want to know in advance what will be the costs of the treatment. Showing your prices from the start is essential to help the patient feel assured. An open discussion with the patient from the start will help you present the options, explain the procedure in detail, and show a final price. Aggregating the costs of the treatment or procedure episodes will benefit the patient’s decision.
Dental procedures are not always easy to explain in the common language, so doctors should always share case studies and research with the patients. In this way, they will be aware of the benefits of the procedure, and acknowledge the rate of success, building a stronger trust. For example, dental implants may create some unrealistic fears among patients. But when you, as a doctor, show a concrete case and demonstrate the stages, you manage to provide a clearer and more transparent image to the patient that will receive the procedure. We, at AB Dental, provide our doctors with such means, that the patient and the doctor are able to see a 3D digitally planned implantation method.
After the procedures are done, the patients should be informed by you about the new lifestyle they should adapt, providing the best conditions for the new mouth condition. Get involved in your relationship with your patients and motivate them to adapt to a healthier lifestyle and educate them about the importance of following the recommendations. This increases engagement and helps prevent other complications.
When a patient has a request, he wants a response as soon as possible. Be available for your patients by offering them the option to contact you and be there whenever they have a question. Teach them that not Google is their friend, but you, by offering specialized answers and solutions. This can also help them get an appointment quicker, reduce the waiting lines, and build a strong bond with you.
In conclusion, by applying all these strategies in your patient-doctor communication, you will empower the patients and engage them in your clinic, which will make them more likely to stay with you for years and recommend you to others.
Keywords: AB Dental, practice, clinic, smile, patient, appointment, tips, professional, mouth, teeth, dental