5 Ways to Make Your Orthodontic Practice Gen-Z Friendly

Generation Z, the demographic that is currently in their adolescence, is defined by an extensive use of technology and social media. A big part of your business relies on keeping them content in your practice. Maria Bailey, author of “Millennial Moms” and founder of MomTV.com, knows exactly how to get this done. Continue below to watch or read a segment of her interview with DMD.

Interview Transcript (Modified for Readability)

"There are many ways to appeal to your Gen Z patients and make your practice Gen-Z friendly. They're the young people who are probably in your office most frequently today. Number one, 90 percent of Gen-Zers don't watch television, so it may be time to take that old cable subscription you have in the waiting room and throw it to the side and replace it with a Smart TV. They're actually watching Netflix and Hulu much more than traditional TV.

Also, a lot of after-school appointments take place in the orthodontist's office, and a large percentage of students today are on iPads only. Of course, homework is something that typically happens in an orthodontist’s office — I know as a mom myself that we spent a lot of hours sitting there doing math equations in the waiting room. So, you may want to consider plug-in stations in your waiting rooms so that they can recharge all those wireless devices that they’re bringing into your office.

As a great marketing tool, you might want to create a Snapchat filter, one that your Gen-Z clients can use while they're in the office. And don't forget to invite them to follow you on social media. Look around your office right now: Do you have your Facebook, your Snapchat, your Instagram, your Pinterest accounts listed anywhere your young clients would know they can follow? You have to establish that digital conversation with the Gen-Zers.

When you're thinking about [creating] content, think about the content that they consume. How about a video on makeup tips that make your smile pop, even when you have braces on? Or something that allows your Gen-Z clients to create a playlist that allows them to select the music they want to hear over your stereo system in your office. Think about music, fashion — these are the things that excite a Gen-Zer—and think about how you might incorporate their likes into your office environment."