Working in the dental industry means you’re likely going to be dealing with patients all the time. Whether it’s educating them on proper oral care, talking them through a painful procedure or helping them select the right dental membership plan, it’s important to understand how to handle each situation in an effective manner. Here are some tips and strategies for dealing with dental patients, so you can help your clients in the best way possible.
Focus On Education
Everyone wants to feel safe and informed when it comes to their oral care, so one of the key aspects of dealing with dental patients should be to provide education on the subject. Make sure to explain the differences between a cavity and a chip, or point out the link between diabetes and periodontitis, for example. You should also discuss treatments or procedures in detail, giving your patients a complete understanding of what is going on and why you’re recommending it.
By taking the time to educate your client, you’ll be helping to ensure that they get the best possible care. You’ll also be empowering them to make their own decisions about further treatment, or to ask questions if they have any doubts.
Here are some useful patient education resources:
American Dental Software – Patient Education Videos
Be Patient and Respectful
It’s easy to forget how sometimes nerve-wracking visiting the dentist can be, so make sure to remain patient and kind throughout the appointment. It can be hard not to let your frustrations show when someone keeps cancelling their appointment or doesn’t follow their care plan, but try to remain courteous and understanding no matter the situation.
Listening is also important. Make sure to really pay attention to what your patient is saying and understand their needs and concerns. Everyone has different reasons for why they may be attending the appointment, so you should always take the time to get to know the patient and figure out why they are there.
Book Resource: How to win Friends and Influence People
Be Open and Honest
One of the most important aspects of dealing with dental patients is to always be open and honest about the situation. You should never be afraid to tell them the truth about any procedure or treatment that you are recommending. Letting them know the risks and potential benefits of a certain treatment or what could happen if a certain procedure is not carried out, for example, will give your patients a better understanding of their situation.
At the same time, make sure to let your patients know that you’re there to help them make the best decisions they can. Point out that they always have options, and that you’re there to discuss these with them.
Be Personable
It’s easy to forget that the person in front of you is more than just a patient, so make sure to be personable and friendly. Remember that you’re dealing with a human being, so speak to them as you would with any other person.
In addition, try to form meaningful relationships with your patients. This will help you to better anticipate their needs, understand their preferences and overall make them feel more comfortable. Maintaining good relationships with your patients will ensure that they feel more trusted and respected, and that you have a better overall working relationship.
Understand Your Patients’ Needs
It’s crucial to understand each of your patients’ needs and wants when it comes to dental care. While many clients might come in for the same procedure or treatment, every person’s dental health is unique and can require different solutions.
By getting to know your patients a little better and understanding their individual needs and preferences, you’ll be better equipped to offer advice and care that’s personalized and tailored to them. This will promote better outcomes, as well as happier and more satisfied clients.
Be Prepared and Organized
The last tip is to make sure that you’re prepared and organized before each dental appointment. Have all the necessary materials, tools and information ready, so that you and your patient don’t waste any time. This could include patient forms, medical records and even medical devices.
It’s also important to be organized when it comes to scheduling. Make sure to block out the necessary amount of time for each appointment, and keep a good record of customer history. This will ensure that you don’t double-book, overlook any appointments or miss any important follow-up visits.
In addition, be sure to start each day reviewing which patients don’t have dental insurance and prepare to discuss having them join your dental membership plan powered by BoomCloud! Your dental membership plan is a win-win solution for your patients and your practice! Learn how you can grow a healthy dental membership program that helps thousands of patients and generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for your practice per month or year in predictable recurring revenue.
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Conclusion
Working with dental patients can be rewarding and challenging, but it’s important to remain professional and treat each client with respect and understanding. Use these tips and strategies to ensure that you’re helping your clients in the best way possible.
