Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

How to Get Dental Patients to Thank You (and Mean It)

April 19, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Keilani

You fix smiles every day—but when was the last time one of your patients genuinely thanked you with a heartfelt review, a referral, or even a kind word at checkout?

If you’ve been wondering how to get dental patients to thank you, the answer isn’t just about great clinical work. It’s about creating an experience that goes beyond the dental chair—one that makes patients feel seen, understood, and supported at every step.

Whether you serve high-end clients or work with underserved communities, gratitude from patients often comes down to one thing: how well you solve their real-life problems.

And guess what one of the biggest problems is? Cost. Confusion. And lack of access.

By offering affordable in-office membership plans and using patient-first platforms like The Patient Marketplace, you can not only attract more loyal patients—but also earn their trust, respect, and yes, their thanks.

Here’s how.


Why Some Dentists Hear “Thank You” More Than Others

It’s not always the dentists with the fanciest office or newest tech who get the most love. It’s the ones who:

  • Take away pain—physically and financially

  • Make things simple and transparent

  • Treat patients like humans, not numbers

  • Empower patients to get the care they need, regardless of coverage

When patients feel relief, clarity, and dignity, they’ll often go out of their way to say “thank you”—in reviews, referrals, and return visits.


Pain Point: The Cost of Care Creates Silent Frustration

Here’s what many patients never tell you:

  • “I almost canceled because I didn’t know how much it would cost.”

  • “I skipped cleanings for years because I couldn’t afford them.”

  • “I didn’t have insurance, so I thought I couldn’t come in.”

If you don’t directly address this fear, even happy patients may leave quietly, never return, or never recommend you.

That’s why offering an in-office membership plan isn’t just good business—it’s an act of care.


The Gratitude Boost: In-Office Membership Plans

Here’s what happens when you introduce a simple, affordable dental membership plan in your practice:

  • Patients breathe a sigh of relief when they learn they can afford treatment

  • They feel empowered to say “yes” to care

  • They’re less likely to cancel or miss appointments

  • They become loyal members of your dental family

  • They thank you—sincerely

These plans typically include:

  • Free or discounted emergency exams

  • Cleanings and x-rays included

  • 30–60% off restorative care

  • No paperwork, no waiting periods, no insurance required

You solve their biggest fear before they even sit down in the chair.


A Real Patient Story: From Fear to Gratitude

Maria, a 51-year-old uninsured patient in Houston, came in with a broken molar and tears in her eyes. She thought she’d have to pull the tooth and deal with it.

Instead, her dentist offered a $399/year membership plan through The Patient Marketplace. It covered her x-rays, offered a discount on a crown, and even included her next cleaning.

She left the office saying:

“You have no idea what this means to me. Thank you for treating me like I mattered.”


How The Patient Marketplace Helps You Get Thanked

The Patient Marketplace connects dental practices like yours with patients actively looking for:

  • Affordable dental care

  • Emergency appointments

  • No-insurance-needed options

  • Transparent pricing and trust

It’s free to join. And it helps you:

  • Reach new patients

  • Showcase your in-office plan

  • Stand out as a provider who truly cares

  • Increase word-of-mouth and patient retention

More than 70 million Americans don’t have dental insurance—and they’re all looking for a reason to say “thank you” to the right dentist.


Easy Ways to Get More Patient Gratitude (Without Asking for It)

1. Offer Solutions, Not Just Services
When you present a plan that solves cost confusion, you remove stress—and patients notice.

2. Empower Patients Financially
Let patients know you welcome the uninsured and have a budget-friendly plan they can join today.

3. Be Transparent with Pricing
People don’t want a surprise bill. Publish your membership fees clearly and explain them in plain language.

4. Follow Up With Meaning
After visits, send a simple text or email:

“Thanks for trusting us with your smile—let us know how we can support you next.”

5. Make Their Lives Easier
Offer online booking, digital paperwork, text reminders, and payment plans. Gratitude often follows convenience.


Membership Plans vs. Traditional Payment Stress

Factor Without Membership With Membership Plan
Emergency Exam Cost $250 $0–$50
Tooth Extraction $400 $150–$250
Root Canal $1,800 $800–$1,200
Crown $1,500 $700–$900
Emotional Stress Level High Low
“Thank You” Frequency Low Skyrockets

FAQs: How to Get Dental Patients to Thank You

Isn’t it awkward to “ask” for thanks?
Yes—and you don’t need to. Focus on removing friction and providing affordable solutions. Gratitude will follow naturally.

How do I start offering a membership plan?
You can build your own or use platforms like The Patient Marketplace that offer turnkey plan visibility and patient traffic.

Do patients really care about cost that much?
Absolutely. Cost is the #1 barrier to dental care in America. Solving it makes you a hero in your patients’ eyes.

Can this increase referrals too?
Yes! Thankful patients are much more likely to leave reviews, refer family and friends, and stay with your practice long term.


Be the Dentist Patients Can’t Stop Talking About

Getting a genuine “thank you” from your dental patients isn’t about asking for it—it’s about earning it by removing barriers and delivering compassion alongside care.

Want more gratitude, reviews, and loyalty?
List your practice on The Patient Marketplace, showcase your membership plan, and start giving patients a reason to say:
“Thank you for making this possible.”

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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. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.