There are many different factors that come into play when determining the success level of a dental practice, but one of the most important qualities that any practice should possess is excellent client service.

Clients expect more than mere technical knowledge from their healthcare professionals; they also want a dentist who is friendly, attentive and will put their minds at ease. Keeping clients as satisfied as possible will guarantee return visits – and referrals for new business.

Here are five ways to improve client service at your dental practice:

1. Provide various financial options to clients.

In these difficult financial times, many clients are finding it challenging to fit a trip to the dentist into their budgets. Your job should be to make the process as easy on them as possible. Consider granting discounts when patients pay cash upfront, creating a referral program that offers patients discounts for referring friends or relatives to your practice, and working out payment plans for patients with extenuating financial circumstances. Accepting credit card payments is another way to increase the number of payment options available to clients.

2. Expand the range of services you offer.

For example, cosmetic dentistry is a rapidly growing segment of the industry, and clients will appreciate only having to visit one practice for all of their dental needs. Popular cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, dental implants and veneers. Another way to stimulate business is to offer spa amenities like massages or facials, which will give your practice a more relaxed, indulgent atmosphere.

3. Focus on giving each client personal attention.

Always send thank you cards after a client’s first visit to your practice, as well as to those clients who have completed extensive or costly procedures. Periodic postcard mailings are another way to stay in touch; try reminding patients that they’re due for a checkup, or offer a discount on special services like teeth whitening. Holiday cards are another way to show clients that you care. Finally, providing patients with surveys at the end of each appointment is a great way to solicit feedback and demonstrate the importance of their opinions.

4. Maintain a clean, comfortable facility.

People want to visit a dentist with a spotless office and up-to-date tools and equipment. In addition, relaxing music and television programs are mainstays of every well-equipped practice, as they put clients at ease and provide them with pleasant distractions.

5. Streamline and improve your scheduling system in order to reduce client wait times.

Nothing makes a client feel less valuable to a medical professional than having to sit in the waiting area for an hour or more. Try to schedule appointments so that clients never have to wait longer than fifteen minutes to see the dentist.

Optimize your client service with these tips and your practice is bound to see an increase in business.

For medical and dental professionals, new patients are the lifeblood that keeps their practice running smoothly. Returning patients are, of course, a tremendous asset as well, but without a steady flow of new patients, most practices can’t afford to stay afloat – especially in today’s competitive and frequently oversaturated marketplace. The solution lies in generating referrals.

But what are the best practices for generating effective referrals without compromising your marketing budget? For most dental professionals, the best way to generate referrals and bolster business for any practice is through positive word of mouth. The hope is that if your patients are happy with your services, they will recommend you to their friends, loved ones, coworkers and acquaintances – but it’s not always that simple. You can’t afford to just sit back and wait for word of mouth recommendations to pick up! Here are a few simple techniques for generating referrals that really work:

1. Send Handwritten postcards, greeting cards or thank you notes

Show patients you care by sending handwritten postcards, greeting cards or thank you notes. Coming from their dental professional, this level of personal commitment may take many people by surprise – and that’s a good thing! Try sending these personalized notes to new patients after their first visit, as well as patients who have just started or finished a significant treatment or procedure. You may also want to get into the habit of reaching out to all of your patients during the holidays, to thank them for their loyalty. Keep your notes short, and always send them as quickly as possible after an appointment or meeting.

2. Establish a referral program

Establish a referral program for your practice. Print small flyers or brochures and display them in your waiting area, and be sure to mention specific incentives that patients could stand to receive if they send referrals your way. These incentives could take the form of anything from a discount on dental services to an unrelated “fun” item, like a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

3. Ask for referrals

Ask for referrals. Even if you follow the previous tips to a T, many of your patients may not “take the hint” and start referring people to your practice. Be proactive and train your staff to ask every patient if they have anyone they would like to refer to your practice. Make sure they leave with one of the aforementioned flyers or brochures, and give them the option of filling out a referral card in the office. Emphasize that their referrals won’t be required to buy anything or make an appointment – you’ll simply be reaching out.

4. Include referral cards with all mailings

Always include referral cards with any direct mail marketing materials you do send out. For example, if you mail a brochure or a newsletter to patients or area residents, include several tear-out referral cards inside.

5. Give away freebies

Give away freebies, such as pens, toothbrushes or magnets, with the name, street address, phone number and web address of your practice printed on them. These items can usually be printed in bulk at an affordable rate, and they can be a surprisingly effective way to generate new interest in your services.

6. Include a referral link on your website

Include a referral link on your website, where visitors can simply type in the names and contact information of individuals who may be interested in your services. Remember, the easier you make the referral process, the more likely your patients are to participate! Don’t forget to mention any incentives you may offer via your referral program.

7. Respond to inquiries quickly

Finally, respond to any inquiries you receive from interested parties as quickly as possible. People will appreciate the personal care and attention, and it may make them inclined to start referring their friends and family immediately – perhaps even before their first appointment has been scheduled!

With these tips in mind, generating referrals can be one of the easiest ways to revitalize your practice without spending a fortune on advertising.

Your Thoughts

Are you utilizing some of these ideas in your practice? Which do you find to be particularly successful? Do you have any tips to add to this list?