While the telephone remains the most popular way for dental offices to communicate with patients, there is no denying that, as the result of many digital developments, the number of platforms to reach patients has grown. With so many options available – from email and texting to Facebook and Zoom – it’s difficult to decide … Read more
For the past several years, the dental industry has enjoyed steady growth with no signs of slowing. Of course, all of that changed when COVID-19 struck. Offices across North America are closed of limited, and restrictions are expected to lift slowly. Moreover, many people will be nervous of in-person visits even after it is deemed … Read more
How effective is your current marketing strategy? Surprisingly, many dentists can’t answer that question, or at least not with any confidence. If you are getting enough new patients, you might say it is working. Of course, you would probably like more new patients, so it could be better. The challenge is figuring out which aspects … Read more
Don’t underestimate the willingness of your patients when it comes to dental insurance. Most patients have it (more than you think) and if presented with a treatment that would be covered, even partially, are willing to use it. Open the dialogue around the topic, whether it’s you, your office manager or front desk staff, to … Read more
Are you doing all you can to motivate and empower your patients to become actively involved in their dental health? As dental professionals, you are trained to understand the science of oral health. You know how to use the tools available to provide the best treatment possible for the patient. However, sometimes we forget … Read more
Are you using referrals as one of your most successful practice building strategies? One of your patients has just said great things about you, your office and your team. This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of one of the most successful dental marketing strategies; asking for a referral. Your patient won’t think to give … Read more
The traditional model of “dental customer care” has been in place for a long time, and it has seen little real change. It goes like this: modernize the dental office, promote expensive surgical procedures (e.g. implants and smile makeovers), put up a website and perhaps a Facebook page telling the world what services you provide. … Read more
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ( AODA) is a law in Ontario that allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility and to enforce them. Recognizing the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Ontario, the purpose of this act is to benefit all Ontarians by: 1. Developing, implementing and enforcing … Read more
Prophylaxis. Root canal. Periodic evaluation, or porcelain/ceramic crowns. While these are basically part of a second language to dental professionals, consumers want to know more about what procedures are available to them, and how much these services are going to cost them. Compiling that information in one central location is FAIR Health, a data company … Read more
ANSWERING TOUGH PATIENT QUESTIONS WITH GREAT ANSWERS Why do I have to pay for an examination? In a clinical exam, the doctor diagnoses not just tooth decay and gum disease, but she looks for signs of potentially serious health conditions, including bone infections and oral cancer. It’s the most important part of preventive dentistry, which … Read more
Do you go to your hairdresser or grocery store and leave without paying? Would you go to a restaurant, enjoy your meal and leave without paying? Does any business do this, other than dentistry? Collecting money at the time of service is mandatory to keep your business running. All of your team members must to be … Read more
By Claire Edmonds, PhD ……….previously, we left our hero in the unlikely position of surrendering to the bereaved Mrs Smith, who is mourning the sudden loss of her husband. She has a painful tooth and in the process of opening up, she really opened up, something that happens to the bereaved in spite of their … Read more
I have a birthday looming. When I’m sixty-four isn’t that much farther. Eliot’s suggestion that I grow old, I grow old, I shall wear the cuffs of my trousers rolled is beckoning, and the Simonesque image of sitting on a park bench like bookends is forthcoming. Friends are missing by design and default, family members … Read more
IT’S become commonplace to criticize the “Occupy” movement for failing to offer an alternative vision. But the thousands of activists in the streets of New York and London aren’t the only ones lacking perspective: economists, to whom we might expect to turn for such vision, have long since given up thinking in terms of economic … Read more
I am obsessed with Apple as a company, as a culture, as the most innovative business to model in the past century and of course, I dress like Steve Jobs, granted several sizes larger. From Dental IQ – Jul 21, 2011 – for all those who thought I was meshugenah when I went on and … Read more