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The Ultimate Guide for Impactful Dental Marketing

November 22, 2024
Written by: Jordon Comstock

When was the last time you felt excited about dental marketing? Probably ranks somewhere between watching paint dry and pulling your own wisdom teeth, right? Well, hold on to your dental chairs, because we’re about to transform your practice into a revenue powerhouse using one of the most effective strategies out there: patient membership plans. And guess what? We’re doing this BoomCloud™ style—where scaling is easy, revenue is predictable, and patients are happier than ever.

Why Membership Plans Make You the Bruce Wayne of Dentistry

Think about it: relying solely on insurance is like playing Russian roulette with your revenue. A patient membership plan, on the other hand, gives you predictable, recurring income. You become the Bruce Wayne of dentistry—rich, prepared, and basically a hero.

Picture this: A practice we know implemented a membership plan at $45 a month. The result? A jaw-dropping 1,400 members. Quick math: That’s $63,000 of predictable revenue pouring in every month, all without dealing with the soul-sucking headache of insurance claims. That’s almost three-quarters of a million dollars a year, all before drilling your first filling of the month.

Check out this Case Study! 7 to 7 dental has built a million dollar membership plan! This is a serious strategy and can have a massive impact for your practice or multi location.

How to Set Up Your Single-Practice Membership Plan

  1. Step One: Identify what services to bundle. Usually, basic preventive care is a winner—cleanings, exams, and discounts on more extensive work.
  2. Step Two: Price it right. You want patients to feel like they’re getting a deal, but you also need to cover costs. BoomCloud™ is your BFF for this, with automated systems that take the guesswork out.
  3. Step Three: Market like a boss. Send emails, post on social media, and get your team to talk up the plan. People love deals—use that to your advantage.

Revenue Strategies for Multi-Location Practices

Now, for you big shots with multiple offices, it’s a different ballgame. But good news: the rules for membership plan domination are just as profitable—maybe even more so.

Scaling Across Locations Without Losing Your Sanity

When you’re managing multiple offices, scaling a membership plan can feel like juggling flaming drills. That’s where BoomCloud™ saves the day, giving you centralized control over each plan, plus analytics to see what’s working and what needs a tweak.

Imagine running membership plans across six locations, each with its own unique patient base but a unified goal: more money, less insurance drama. BoomCloud™ automates renewals, tracks patient usage, and even provides insights on which locations are killing it and which could use a marketing push.

Group Practice Case Study: Meet Dr. Revenue Raiser

Dr. Revenue Raiser—okay, not his real name, but he’s a hero nonetheless—launched a membership plan for his five-location practice. In just one year, he signed up 3,000 members, charging $50/month. That’s a cool $150,000 per month in recurring revenue. Goodbye stress, hello cash flow.


Creating and Scaling a Patient Membership Plan

So, what’s the deal with membership plans? And why is BoomCloud™ the secret sauce?

The Two-Step Plan to Dominate with Memberships

  1. Build It: Start small. Focus on preventive care, then add tiers if your patient base demands it.
  2. Scale It: Use BoomCloud™ to automate everything from billing to patient communication. Automation is your golden ticket to sanity—and to raking in more dough.

Practice Benefits of Membership Plans

  • No More Insurance Headaches: Wave goodbye to denials and delayed payments.
  • Predictable Income: Your revenue doesn’t fluctuate like a dental drill on a bad day.
  • Higher Case Acceptance: Patients who aren’t stressed about insurance are more likely to accept treatment plans.

Patient Benefits of Membership Plans

  • Affordability: Patients pay a manageable monthly fee, getting the dental care they need without selling a kidney.
  • Transparency: They know what they’re getting, and they actually use their benefits.
  • VIP Treatment: Membership plans make them feel special, and who doesn’t love being treated like royalty?

Example of a Patient Membership Plan for Dental Practices

Alright, let’s paint a picture of a killer patient membership plan that will have patients signing up faster than you can say “open wide.” Remember, the goal is to provide so much value that it makes insurance feel like the clunky, outdated middleman it truly is.


The SmileGuard Membership Plan

Tier 1: Essential Smile Plan

Monthly Fee: $35/month or $400/year (save $20 when paid annually)

Who It’s For: The budget-conscious patient who wants to stay on top of preventive care without breaking the bank. Think college students, young professionals, or retirees who don’t need extensive treatment but want regular cleanings.

Benefits:

  • 2 Professional Cleanings per Year: Includes polish and scaling.
  • 2 Dental Exams per Year: Comprehensive check-ups to spot issues early.
  • Routine X-Rays: Once a year, to make sure no cavities are lurking.
  • 15% Off All Additional Procedures: From fillings to crowns, members get a discount on anything that isn’t covered under preventive care.
  • No Deductibles, No Yearly Maximums: Just pure, easy-to-understand benefits.

Tier 2: Premium Smile Plan

Monthly Fee: $50/month or $575/year (save $25 when paid annually)

Who It’s For: Patients who want a bit more coverage and flexibility. Perfect for families, middle-aged patients, or anyone who’s a frequent flyer in the dentist’s chair.

Benefits:

  • Everything in the Essential Smile Plan, plus:
  • 1 Emergency Exam Per Year: Because broken teeth and emergencies never happen at a convenient time.
  • 20% Off All Additional Procedures: Members save even more on treatments like root canals, Invisalign, and cosmetic work.
  • Fluoride Treatments Included: Twice a year to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
  • Priority Booking: Need a quick appointment? Members get first dibs.

Tier 3: VIP Smile Plan

Monthly Fee: $75/month or $850/year (save $50 when paid annually)

Who It’s For: The all-in-one package for patients who want the royal treatment. Think high-earning professionals, cosmetic dentistry enthusiasts, or loyal patients who take their oral health very seriously.

Benefits:

  • Everything in the Premium Smile Plan, plus:
  • Unlimited Emergency Visits: Because peace of mind is priceless.
  • 2 Whitening Treatments Per Year: Keep those pearly whites glowing.
  • 25% Off All Additional Procedures: Whether it’s a dental implant or veneers, members enjoy major savings.
  • Complimentary Cosmetic Consultations: Have a question about smile makeovers or Invisalign? Consultations are on the house.
  • Exclusive Member Events: Invitations to special events, like “Whitening Wednesdays” or seasonal dental health workshops.

How It Attracts and Retains Patients

  1. Affordability and Transparency: Patients know exactly what they’re paying and what they’re getting. No surprise bills, no hidden fees. It’s simple, clear, and attractive—unlike the tangled mess that is traditional insurance.
  2. Exclusive Discounts and Perks: The percentage savings on procedures make it an irresistible offer for patients who may need additional work down the line. Plus, little extras like fluoride treatments and whitening sessions make the plan feel like a luxury.
  3. Preventive Focus: Patients are more likely to keep up with their dental check-ups because they’ve already paid for it. This keeps their teeth healthy and your schedule busy.

Dental Marketing & Revenue Strategies for Single Location Practices

For all the solo practitioners out there, pay close attention. You’ve got one location and one shot to make an unforgettable impact in your community. Here’s how to use membership plans as a triple threat: attracting new patients, retaining current ones, and maximizing revenue.

Step-by-Step Guide for Single Location Practices

  1. Assess Your Practice’s Needs and Patient Demographics
    • Understand who you’re serving. Is your patient base primarily families, working professionals, or seniors? Your plan should cater to their specific needs.
    • Example: If your practice sees a lot of families, consider a membership plan that covers kids’ preventive care at a discounted rate.
  2. Design an Attractive Membership Plan
    • Preventive Care Focus: Bundle the essentials—two cleanings a year, routine exams, X-rays, and a discount on additional treatments.
    • Affordable Monthly Fee: Set a price point that feels like a no-brainer. Most successful plans hover around $30-$50/month.
    • Tiered Options: Consider offering multiple tiers. For instance:
      • Basic: Preventive services only.
      • Plus: Preventive plus 20% off restorative care.
      • Premium: Everything in Plus, with added perks like emergency visits.
  3. Leverage BoomCloud™ for Seamless Setup
    • Automate Enrollment and Billing: Use BoomCloud™ to handle the tedious tasks like billing and renewals. Patients can enroll online, pay monthly, and forget about the hassles of dental insurance.
    • Track Member Engagement: BoomCloud™’s analytics can show you how often members are using their benefits, helping you tweak the plan as needed.
  4. Launch with a Bang
    • Email Campaigns: Send out an email blast announcing your new membership plan, highlighting the convenience and savings.
    • Social Media Blitz: Use engaging posts with patient testimonials, videos, or infographics to educate your audience.
    • Staff Training: Make sure your front desk team can confidently explain the benefits and sign patients up on the spot.

Dental Marketing & Revenue Strategies for Multi-Location Practices

If you’re running a group practice or a mini dental empire, scaling a membership plan is where things get reallyinteresting. With multiple locations, you have the potential to multiply your revenue exponentially. But how do you manage the complexity? Here’s your playbook.

Step-by-Step Guide for Multi-Location Practices

  1. Standardize Core Elements Across All Locations
    • Design a membership plan template that can be adapted to each location. Keep the core benefits the same, but allow for minor tweaks based on local demographics.
    • Example: A location in a high-income area might have a Premium tier with luxury perks, while a more budget-conscious area sticks to basic preventive care.
  2. Use BoomCloud™ to Maintain Centralized Control
    • Unified Dashboard: Monitor all your locations’ membership plans in one place. See which locations are performing best and which need marketing support.
    • Automate Renewals and Payments: Let BoomCloud™ handle renewals and follow-ups, so your staff can focus on patient care.
  3. Run Location-Specific Campaigns
    • Community Events: Host events like free dental days for members only, or sponsor local sports teams. Tailor your marketing to each community.
    • Targeted Online Ads: Use Google Ads and Facebook to reach potential patients in your area, emphasizing the savings and convenience of membership.

Creating and Scaling a Patient Membership Plan

Membership plans aren’t just an insurance alternative. They’re a critical dental marketing strategy, a patient magnet that boosts loyalty, brings in new patients, and turns your practice into a financial juggernaut.

Check out this Case Study! Wood River Dental has 700+ active membership patients! This is a serious strategy and can have a massive impact for your practice or multi location.

How to Build a Membership Plan that Patients Can’t Refuse

  1. Identify Core Services to Include
    • Start with the basics: cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Then add discounts for treatments like fillings, crowns, and even cosmetic procedures. The goal is to provide value while still keeping your costs in check.
  2. Develop a Pricing Strategy
    • Research Competitor Pricing: Make sure your plan is competitive. Patients should feel they’re getting a better deal than with traditional insurance.
    • Monthly vs. Annual Payments: Offer both options. Monthly plans are more digestible for patients, while annual plans boost cash flow upfront.
  3. Promote the Plan as a No-Stress, Insurance-Free Option
    • Patients are tired of dealing with insurance. Emphasize how your membership plan offers straightforward, affordable dental care.
    • Use phrases like “No more insurance headaches!” and “Affordable care at your fingertips.”

Scaling Your Membership Plan with Dental Marketing

  1. Use BoomCloud™’s Automation Tools
    • Patient Enrollment: Simplify sign-ups with an online portal. Patients can enroll from their phone or computer, reducing friction.
    • Automated Reminders: Set up reminders for patients about upcoming renewals or services they haven’t used yet.
  2. Analyze and Optimize Performance
    • Review data from BoomCloud™ to see what’s working and where you can improve. Are patients not using their benefits? Maybe it’s time for an outreach campaign.

Membership Plans: The Ultimate Strategy for Patient Attraction, Retention, and Revenue Expansion

Why focus on membership plans as a marketing strategy? Because member patients are your MVPs—Most Valuable Patients. Studies show that member patients spend 4.6X more on additional treatments compared to PPO patients. That’s right. They’re not just regular patients; they’re super-patients.

How Membership Plans Attract New Patients

  1. Marketing That Works: Use clear messaging that highlights the value of joining. “Save hundreds on your dental care!” resonates far more than “We’re accepting new patients.”
  2. Incentives for Referrals: Reward existing members who refer friends. A $20 credit toward their next treatment can go a long way.

Retention Like You’ve Never Seen Before

  1. Predictable Revenue: With a membership plan, you’re not worrying about slow months. That $45/month adds up, and you’re not stuck waiting for insurance reimbursements.
  2. Increased Loyalty: Patients who invest in a membership plan are less likely to jump ship. They’re committed to your practice—and their oral health.

Revenue Expansion That Feels Effortless

  1. Member Patients Spend More: As mentioned, member patients spend 4.6X more than their PPO counterparts. When they feel invested in their dental care, they’re more likely to proceed with additional treatments.
  2. Upsell Opportunities: Use membership plans to offer exclusive discounts on whitening or Invisalign. Patients love feeling like they’re getting a deal.

Practice Benefits of Membership Plans

  • Consistent Cash Flow: No more crossing your fingers and hoping patients book appointments. With a membership plan, you have reliable, recurring revenue.
  • Reduced Admin Work: Your front desk will thank you. Less time dealing with insurance means more time focusing on patients.
  • Higher Treatment Acceptance: Patients on membership plans are more likely to accept treatment plans since they’re not worried about insurance limitations.

Patient Benefits of Membership Plans

  • Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Membership plans make dental care affordable and predictable.
  • Convenience and Transparency: Patients know exactly what they’re paying for and how much they’re saving.
  • VIP Treatment: Membership makes patients feel special and cared for. They become part of your dental family, not just another insurance claim.

Why BoomCloud™ Is the Real MVP

BoomCloud™ isn’t just another software—it’s a revenue-generating machine that makes managing membership plans easy. Here’s what makes it unbeatable:

Key Features of BoomCloud™

  • Automated Billing and Renewals: Set it and forget it. Payments come in like clockwork, and your staff stays stress-free.
  • Patient Portals: Patients can manage their membership from anywhere, making it easy to stay enrolled.
  • Powerful Analytics: See which locations are thriving and which need a marketing boost. Make data-driven decisions that maximize your income.

FAQs About Dental Marketing and Membership Plans

How can a membership plan attract more patients?
Membership plans simplify dental care costs, making it more appealing to uninsured patients. When promoted well, they become a key differentiator in your marketing.

How do membership plans boost patient retention?
Patients who join a membership plan are committed to your practice and less likely to leave. They’ve made an investment and want to maximize it.

Do member patients really spend more than PPO patients?
Absolutely. Statistics show that membership patients spend 4.6X more on additional treatments because they feel more valued and committed to their oral health.

How do I start scaling my membership plan with BoomCloud™?
Start with one location, use BoomCloud™ for automation, and expand as you go. The software makes scaling across multiple offices easy.

Can membership plans replace traditional insurance models?
For many patients, yes. They’re simpler, more transparent, and often more cost-effective. Membership plans are a fantastic alternative for uninsured or underinsured patients.

Why should I use BoomCloud™ over other platforms?
BoomCloud™ offers seamless automation, intuitive patient portals, and top-notch analytics. It’s built specifically for dentists who want to grow their practices efficiently.

Tactical Execution to Scale a Membership Plan

Scaling a patient membership plan isn’t about throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Nope, this is all about leveraging strategic digital marketing tactics, automating like a pro, and making your practice the envy of every dentist on the block. Here’s how to take your membership plan to the next level with some tried-and-true dental marketing strategies.

Digital Presence Enhancement

If your practice’s digital presence is weaker than a 20-year-old dental drill, it’s time for a serious upgrade. We’re talking website wizardry and social media magic.

Website Optimization 101

  1. Mobile-First Design: More than half of your website visitors are on mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically asking them to bounce faster than a kid on a trampoline.
  2. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Make it brain-dead simple for people to sign up for your membership plan. Use CTAs like “Join Our Dental Membership Plan Today” or “Start Saving on Your Dental Care” and place them prominently on your homepage, services page, and blog posts.
  3. Landing Pages for Membership Plans: Create dedicated landing pages that explain the benefits of your membership plan, how it works, and why it’s a no-brainer for patients. Use images, testimonials, and a pricing breakdown to drive the point home.
  4. Online Appointment Booking: Integrate an easy-to-use scheduling tool. Patients should be able to book an appointment and sign up for your membership plan with just a few clicks.

Social Media Engagement

  1. Post About Membership Plan Benefits: Use Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok to share short, engaging posts about how patients can save money and stress with your membership plan. Throw in a mix of infographics, patient stories, and behind-the-scenes videos to keep it real.
  2. Interactive Content: Create polls, host Q&A sessions, or run contests to engage with your followers. Ask questions like, “What would make dental visits stress-free for you?” and subtly plug your membership plan as a solution.
  3. Leverage Facebook Ads: Target local audiences with ads highlighting the convenience and affordability of your membership plan. Use BoomCloud™’s data to retarget people who’ve visited your website but haven’t signed up yet.

Resource: Check out HubSpot’s blog for more tips on how to create a killer digital presence. Read HubSpot Blog

Content Marketing

Your membership plan is only as successful as your ability to communicate its value. And no, a dry brochure in the waiting room won’t cut it. It’s time to get your content game on point.

Blog Posts That Educate and Convert

  1. Write About Cost Savings: Patients love to save money. Write a post titled “How Our Membership Plan Can Save You Hundreds on Dental Care” and break down the numbers.
  2. Focus on Convenience: Create content around the convenience of a membership plan. An article titled “Why Dental Membership Plans Are Better Than Insurance” can be both educational and persuasive.
  3. Answer Common Questions: Use your blog to address FAQs like, “What’s included in a membership plan?” or “How do I sign up?” People love easy-to-digest info, so make it clear and engaging.

Video Content is King

  1. Explainer Videos: Make a short, fun video explaining your membership plan. Keep it under 2 minutes, and use animations or real patient testimonials.
  2. Facebook and Instagram Live: Host live sessions where you discuss the benefits of joining your plan, answer questions, and even offer special sign-up discounts for viewers.

Resource: Dental Focus has great examples of how to use content to educate and build trust with patients. Check OutDental Focus

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You’ve got the best membership plan in town, but if your SEO game is weak, you’re like a billboard in the desert—basically invisible.

SEO Tips to Boost Your Online Visibility

  1. Keyword Research: Identify high-value keywords like “dental membership plan,” “affordable dental care,” and “dentist near me.” Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see what your competitors are ranking for.
  2. On-Page SEO: Optimize each page of your website with the right keywords. Make sure your headlines, meta descriptions, and image alt texts are SEO-friendly.
  3. Local SEO: Claim your Google My Business listing and make sure your address, hours, and services are accurate. Encourage patients to leave reviews—more on that in a minute.

Blog Content for SEO

  1. Write Location-Based Articles: If you’re in Phoenix, write about “The Best Dental Membership Plan in Phoenix” or “Affordable Dental Care in Phoenix.”
  2. Backlink Strategy: Partner with local health and wellness bloggers or news sites to get backlinks. The more reputable sites link to you, the higher Google will rank your site.

Resource: Smile Marketing is your go-to guide for mastering dental SEO. Learn More from Smile Marketing

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

People trust people more than they trust businesses. That’s why glowing reviews and heartfelt testimonials are pure gold for your membership plan marketing.

Strategies to Collect and Leverage Reviews

  1. Ask for Reviews: Make it a habit to ask satisfied patients to leave a review on Google or Facebook. Train your team to ask right after a successful visit.
  2. Automate Review Requests: Use BoomCloud™ or your CRM to send automatic follow-up emails or texts requesting a review. Make it easy by providing direct links to your review sites.
  3. Highlight Testimonials on Your Website: Create a dedicated “Success Stories” page featuring patient testimonials that emphasize the benefits of your membership plan. Use real names and photos if possible (with permission, of course).

Turn Reviews into Social Proof

  1. Social Media Shoutouts: Share positive reviews on your social channels. Add a fun graphic or even a short video of a patient giving a testimonial.
  2. Video Testimonials: A short video of a patient talking about how your membership plan saved them money can be incredibly persuasive.

Resource: Check out OnTheMap’s guide for more ways to leverage patient feedback. Explore OnTheMap

Local Marketing Strategies

To dominate your local market, you’ve got to go local. This means connecting with your community both online and offline.

Local SEO Hacks

  1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile: Add high-quality photos, respond to reviews, and post updates about your membership plan.
  2. Local Content Creation: Write blog posts about local events or news and subtly weave in your membership plan. Example: “Top 5 Local Events to Enjoy After Your Dental Cleaning” (featuring a special offer for members).

Community Engagement

  1. Sponsor Local Events: Put your practice’s name on that 5K run or sponsor a booth at the local farmers market. Offer special discounts for signing up for your membership plan at the event.
  2. Participate in Health Fairs: Set up a booth, hand out branded goodies, and have a staff member ready to explain the perks of your plan.

Hyper-Targeted Online Ads

  1. Facebook and Google Ads: Create ads targeting your local community. Use phrases like “Affordable Dental Care in [Your City]” or “Join Our Membership Plan and Save.”
  2. Geo-Fencing: Use geo-fencing technology to target people who visit nearby health facilities or gyms, showing them ads for your dental services and membership plan.

Resource: DemandHub has excellent insights into effective local marketing. Read DemandHub

Bringing It All Together

Scaling your membership plan with these marketing strategies isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating a practice where patients feel valued, and revenue flows predictably. Use these tactics, and you’ll turn your dental practice into a revenue-generating, patient-pleasing, stress-free machine.

Conclusion: Transform Your Dental Practice Today

Stop relying on unpredictable revenue and start building a practice that thrives. With membership plans powered by BoomCloud™, you’re setting yourself up for consistent income, happier patients, and stress-free growth. What are you waiting for?

Dental Marketing Links and Resources

Download "The Million Dollar Membership Plan" E-book!

Learn tactics and strategies from practices that have built a million dollars in recurring revenue from their membership subscriptions alone! Creating a patient membership plan is the smartest strategy to implment in your practice. You will increase patient satisfaction & loyalty, Increase predictable recurring revenue & improve your case acceptence by 3X with members. Download the book Now!

What is BoomCloud™?

BoomCloud is a software platform that allows you to create, manage & grow your own membership program. Build unlimited plans, track recurring revenue, active members metrics. Integrate your online membership enrollment with your website & start growing recurring revenue. Schedule a demo!

Fire The PPOs With These Proven Strategies!

Discover how to break free from the grip of PPOs and transform your practice into a thriving, profitable business. Imagine better cash flow, higher profits, and stronger patient relationships. It’s not a dream – it’s a reality waiting for you.

Say goodbye to PPOs and hello to a thriving, independent dental practice. Don’t miss out – your journey to financial freedom starts here!

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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. This helps practice & clinic owners to create recurring revenue & improve loyalty via membership programs. Jordon is passionate about Music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas. Schedule a demo of BoomCloud™ and learn how membership programs can improve your business.

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