Market Your Dental Practice: Spring Into Action
Spring is in the air, and that means three things: Spring cleaning, spring forward, and Spring break! So, here are a few ways to help ensure that your dental practice is ready to spring into action! When your practice looks good and operates well, then you retain patients.
Spring Cleaning: When we think about Spring cleaning, we think about cleaning the house. Wah, wah, waaah. But Spring is also a great time to tidy up and reorganize the practice. Wahoo! For most of us, a part of our usual Spring cleaning routine includes replacing things around the house that are worn out or broken. We put away winter gloves and bring out swimsuits. We toss the broken snow shovel and buy a new garden hose. We clean out the salt and dirt from the garage and fill the air in the bike tires. Similarly, this is a great time to de-clutter and re-organize your dental practice. For example, in the patient rooms, does the equipment look clean and fresh? Are the dental chairs worn or tired? Could the walls use new art? Take a close look at the waiting area. Is the waiting room furniture tattered or soiled? Could it use fresh book cases or magazine racks? Rearrange the existing furniture for a cozier layout. It might be time to clean out the storage closet and toss equipment that you haven’t used in over a year. Take inventory of examination and dental hygiene products and stock-up for summer visits. Most patients will not have visited in six months so give the practice a sunnier look for this upcoming visit!
Spring Forward: When Daylight Saving Time hits it may also be an indicator to “spring forward” in your approach to patient care! Perhaps start sending text or email appointment reminders; if you don’t already. Add a TV or music to the waiting area. Consider offering new services like teeth-whitening or veneers. Add new fluoride flavors. Put a bin of free promotional toothbrushes or floss containers at the front desk for patients to take home. Patients will notice and appreciate these small, turnkey, inexpensive gestures and improvements.
Spring Break: Prepare your office for an influx of Spring Break (and Summer Vacation!) check-ups. Extend office hours both during the week and weekends. Make any necessary updates to the website, phone system, or other technologies. Review policies and procedures with staff to assure smooth business practices. Replenish inventory of office management supplies, examination & hygiene equipment, personal protection & safety supplies, home-care & preventative products, appointment cards, patient education materials, and dental office promotional items. By being prepared, you will make a lasting impression with every patient visit.