4 Ways to Relate to Your Dental Patients

Your patients’ needs are your top priority, no matter what is happening in your personal life outside of the office. Your patients visit your office to improve their dental health and eliminate their pain. Make your dental office an atmosphere of warmth, caring, and cheerfulness. Being indifferent to your patients’ problems will not contribute to this atmosphere.

4 Ways to Relate to Your Dental Patients

Below are 4 ways to make sure that your patients know they are important and valued in your dental office:

1. Remember your patients’ names and use them when talking with your patients. Refer to the patient as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms., unless told by your patient to call them by their first names. Avoid giving your patients nicknames or referring to them as Hon, Darlin,’ or any other pet names.
2. Make sure that your hygienist knows that his or her statements to patients are in line with the practice policy. They should be well-trained in how to talk to patients and put them at ease. Non-treating personnel should avoid making personal recommendations or diagnoses.
3. Explain what you’re going to do before you do it. Being a patient with no knowledge of dentistry can make the dentist’s chair a stressful place to be. Fear of the unknown contributes greatly to the common fear of the dentist. Before you perform any action, make sure that you’re walking your patient through it. Let them know what you’ll be doing and why.
4. Make follow-up calls after more complex procedures. Not every procedure needs a follow-up call. Cleanings, exams, and even simple fillings don’t typically need a follow-up. If you’ve performed a more intensive procedure, follow up after a few hours and again after a few days. This will let your patients know that you value them and their well-being.

Here at Pro Dental Designs, we’re here to take over your practice’s marketing needs so you can focus on the important parts of taking care of your patients. To learn more, please contact our office today.