Renee Knight is a freelance writer and editor who's been covering the dental industry for 15 years. 

Renee Knight

With the Presidential Election less than two weeks away, just about everyone has an opinion on who should be the next commander in chief and why. It’s a hot topic, but not one for the dental office.

Even if you think the patient in the chair may agree with your political views, steer clear of getting into politically inspired conversations. These conversations can get heated, and just aren’t appropriate for the dental office. Remind your team members to keep politics out of the conversation and to stick to patient education.

What if a patient brings it up? Stay as neutral as possible and change the subject. It’s not worth the risk of offending that patient. It may be enough to send him or her to the practice down the street.

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment, and make them happy, lifelong patients.
	
That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

The DPR Patient Tip of the Day is sponsored by 

, manufacturer of high-end systems and solutions for dental and maxillofacial imaging. Visit 

 to learn about the company's full line of imaging solutions, including the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH

Articles

Don’t talk politics

You have to know your limit. All too often, dental offices try to squeeze in unrealistic numbers of procedures into a day, which only leads to a stressed out 

If you’re one of those offices using three or four treatment rooms to bank patients while you finish other appointments, all you’re doing is creating extra wait time for your patients-and that means you’re 

Instead of stressing your patients out and making them wonder if they should check out that dentist down the street, try dovetail scheduling.  Based on your averages, block a certain amount of time off for specific procedures, making it easier for you to schedule in smaller procedures throughout the day, said 

This may be a bit of an adjustment at first if you’re not used to it, but it will make it easier for you and your team to know how to approach your day. And more importantly, it will be better for the 

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to 

 and make them happy, life-long patients.
	
	That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

 high-end systems and solutions for dental and maxillofacial imaging. Visit 

 to learn about the company's full line of imaging solutions, including the 

You have to know your limit. All too often, dental offices try to squeeze in unrealistic numbers of procedures into a day, which only leads to a stressed out staff and annoyed patients. 

Don’t overbook

You know you need to step up your marketing game, but how? For a marketing plan to work, your team has to be on board.

Staff members are a huge part of internal marketing, from the way they greet patients to what they say to patients while they’re in the chair. Make sure the message they’re sending patients is consistent. Take the time to meet with them on a regular basis to keep them up to date on the latest marketing initiatives and to get them excited about the possibilities.

If staff members know their roles and perform them well, patients will be more comfortable. If patients are comfortable, they’re more likely to come back and to talk about how great your practice is to family and friends. It comes down to building trust and giving your patients an experience that makes them want to come back.

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.
	
	That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

You know you need to step up your marketing game, but how? For a marketing plan to work, your team has to be on board. Staff members are a huge part of internal marketing, from the way they greet patients to what they say to patients while they’re in the chair. Make sure the message they’re sending patients is consistent. Take the time to meet with them on a regular basis to keep them up to date on the latest marketing initiatives and to get them excited about the possibilities.

Get your team members involved in marketing

Accepting or rejecting treatment plans always comes down to time, money or fear. Address these issues with your patients.

If a patient has a treatment plan he or she hasn’t moved forward with since the last checkup, Hygienist Elizabeth Nies suggests asking if he or she is ready to move forward with treatment. If the patient says no, Nies takes the time to ask what is holding him or her back.

No matter what reason a patient gives for putting off treatment, Nies said it always comes down to three things: time, fear or money. If you know which one of these factors is keeping a patient from moving forward, you can work with that patient to solve the problem and get him the treatment he needs. 

 high-end systems and solutions for dental and maxillofacial imaging. Visit Instrumentariumdental.com to learn about the company's full line of imaging solutions, including the 

The 3 things that keep all patients from going through with treatment plans

Change can be a good thing, especially when it involves the entire team. There are easy ways to transform your office into a welcoming environment that your staff and your patients enjoy.

Come up with a project to do around the office, whether it’s redecorating or landscaping, said Penny Reed Limoli, owner of the Reed Limoli Group. It can be as simple as a few cans of paint or some mulch and a few plants.

Taking on a project to improve your office esthetics will instill a sense of pride in your staff, and that’s something your patients will notice. And of course they’ll see the results of the team’s efforts, and will appreciate the fact you and your team took the time to freshen up the office.

The DPR Patient Tip of the Day is sponsored by Instrumentarium Dental, manufacturer of

Easy ways to give your office a makeover

. People like the thought of getting a deal, and may be more likely to go forward with treatment if you’re offering a discount. But if you send them an email about a limited time discount on treatment they’re already getting, they may feel like they’re spending too much.

Coupons and promotions are a great way to get patients to accept treatment they’ve been putting off, but before you send information about a promotion to your patients, make sure you’re not sending it to patients who already started the treatment process. If you have a patient who is six months into 

 treatment, the last thing he or she wants to see from you is an email about a $1,000 off promotion that’s only good for the week of the 20

If you do make a mistake and send a promotion to one of these patients, be prepared to honor it if he or she brings it up.  If you don’t, you’ll let an 

 walk out of your office, a patient who might be thinking about looking for a new dental home.  

 and make them happy, life-long patients.
	
	That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your 

Everybody loves a coupon. People like the thought of getting a deal, and may be more likely to go forward with treatment if you’re offering a discount. But if you send them an email about a limited time discount on treatment they’re already getting, they may feel like they’re spending too much.

Know what treatment your patients are already getting

 As a dentist, you make a difference in your patients’ lives every day. So why not take that a step further and give back to your community by finding a cause to support?

Whether it’s Coats for Kids, Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, or any other cause that moves you, find a charitable organization you and your team can rally around, said Penny Reed Limoli, owner of the 

. This will not only help boost team morale and give your team members another reason to be proud to be part of your practice, it’s something your patients will notice.
	
	Patients like to know they’re supporting a practice that actively supports their community. If you already give back, don’t hide it from your patients. If you can find a way to get them actively involved, even better.
	
	Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.
	
	That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.
	
	

 to learn about the company’s full line of imaging solutions, including the 

Rally behind a cause. As a dentist, you make a difference in your patients’ lives every day. So why not take that a step further and give back to your community by finding a cause to support?

Friday’s Patient Tip of the Day – Week 5

 It’s summer, and your patients have a lot going on from weddings, to family vacations to high school reunions.  Maybe they’re searching for that special someone or need to ace an interview to land that perfect job. Whatever the case may be, they want and need to look their best.

That’s where you come in, said Penny Reed Limoli, owner of the 

. Find out what important events are coming up in your patients’ lives and  what you can help to boost their confidence. Get out the shade guide and talk about whitening, help them freshen their breath, or talk to them about Snap-On Smile, temporaries and even some cosmetic contouring. These are all quick services that can help get your patients ready for whatever their big summer event may be.

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.

That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

Boost their confidence. It’s summer, and your patients have a lot going on from weddings, to family vacations to high school reunions.  Maybe they’re searching for that special someone or need to ace an interview to land that perfect job. Whatever the case may be, they want and need to look their best.

Thursday Patient Tip of the Day

Don’t underestimate the power of the little things.

 Patients like to feel special. They want to know they’re taken care of and they want to be comfortable during their appointments.

Those small, personal touches can make them feel all three. Hygienist Elizabeth Nies said her practice offers disposable warm paper towels to patients after their cleanings. They have baby wipe warmers and buy moist wipes that they have warmed and ready for patients to use. This makes patients feel “like they’re in first class,” Nies said. They appreciate those small personal touches, and they’ll remember that extra effort when they’re talking to family and friends about their experience at your office.

Don’t underestimate the power of the little things. Patients like to feel special. They want to know they’re taken care of and they want to be comfortable during their appointments.

Monday’s Patient Tip of the Day

 is an important part of your practice. It’s a great way for you to reach out to your patients to let them know what your practice is all about, and can be an opportunity to do something fun in your practice.


	Get creative with your marketing, and take advantage of the various holidays and special occasions throughout the year. This month, do some Halloween-themed marketing. Office Manager and dental consultant 

 recommends hosting a pumpkin carving contest, offering a Halloween candy buy-back program, hosting a costume contest and giving out coupons to visit your practice with your trick or treat candy. Take pictures and video of any special events you host and post it to your 

 page and blog.
	
	Think about creative ways you can market your practice throughout the year, and don’t forget those special touches like sending your patients happy birthday cards or texts or offering a bride-to-be a discount on 

. Take the time to mark special occasions and to theme your marketing around seasons and holidays and you’ll not only add an element of fun to your practice, you’ll have happy patients-both new and old.
	
	Your 

 are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.
	
	That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.
	
	The DPR Patient Tip of the Day is sponsored by 

Take advantage of special occasions. Like it or not, marketing is an important part of your practice. It’s a great way for you to reach out to your patients to let them know what your practice is all about, and can be an opportunity to do something fun in your practice.