Dentistry may be one of the most intimate practices there is. The close proximity required to a stranger’s mouth for an extended time is awkward. Even if you’ve been a dentist for a while, it’s easy to make a mistake that will cause your patient discomfort. A single visit can determine whether they will return or look for dental services elsewhere. Check out these tips to ensure that your patients leave your clinic with a smile:
Make Sure That You Have the Best Equipment
If your trusty dental operating light or suction pump is already malfunctioning, replace it immediately. Doing so will reduce chances of making mistakes and accidentally causing pain. Also, knowing that you’re using the best tools possible adds to customer satisfaction. It’s quite difficult to have your dental light flicker in the middle of an operation.
This is obvious but still bears stating: clean thoroughly. There may be days when there’s little time between appointments. But this is no excuse to skip cleaning your tools and equipment. Proper care is not only for the health of the patients; it can also help lengthen the shelf life of your tools.
Work on Your Bedside Manner
Dental phobia is said to stem from a bad experience during one’s childhood. It’s a very real fear that prevents people from seeking the proper dental care they need. The best thing to deal with it is with sensitivity and deft. The National Health Service recommends making the patient feel in control by taking it slow. Manners of the receptionist and other staffers matter as well since they also represent the practice. You want patients to remember their visit to your clinic as positive as possible.
Also, don’t be one of those dentists who ask questions while your tool is inside the patient’s mouth. It’s counterproductive since it’s hard for them to talk and it’s hard for you to understand them.
Improve Your Practice’s Online Presence
Maintaining a proper website can help you in various ways. It can help potential patients find you. You can also help ease dental fears by providing information there.
It can also help you minimize scheduling mishaps. There are various types of websites and apps available for free; they will help you organize your calendar. Having an online system also encourages scheduled appointments instead of walk-in patients. In turn, this will boost patient satisfaction since it lessens waiting time.
Ask for Feedback
There are always areas to improve on. The easiest and most effective way to identify such areas is to ask the patients themselves. Whether it’s a quick checkup or a lengthy surgery, ask for their thoughts. It’s better to determine your weak spots sooner rather than on the web. Asking for feedback also makes your patients feel heard. It’s up to you to take their criticism professionally.
Dental appointments are uncomfortable and even traumatizing for some. The ideal way to ease the fears and concerns of patients is to put their feelings and well-being first. In dentistry, being understanding and sensitive goes a long way.
