Attracting New Patients To Your Dental Practice

 

In tough economic times people tend to cut back on things that they feel might be extras,and unfortunately, regular dental care is often thought of as an extra. Because of this, dentists must do as much as possible to attract and retain new patients. The methods described below work extremely well, and work equally for existing practices as well as band new offices.

1. Portable Signs: We have all seen these 4×6 trailer signs; they dot parking lots and ditches in every city in the nation. The reason that these signs are so prolific is because they work. Keep the copy simple: name, phone number, website, and a simple message such as “now accepting new patients”, or highlight a promotion like “tooth whitening only $99.00″. Spend a little more money for one of the nicer signs, and for extra points put the sign somewhere creative – e.g. a toy store for a Pedodontist, in front of a candy store for a general dentist. If you don’t mind a bit of controversy, try placing the sign in front of a competitor’s office.

2. School Tours: I am always amazed at how many dentists ignore this simple method of attracting customers. Elementary schools are always looking for field trips for their students. Offer a free tour of your dental office; show the kids how the equipment works, tell them about what you do, try to relieve any tension they have about seeing the dentist – and make it fun! Most importantly, give each of the kids a gift bag with toothpaste, floss, and of course, a toothbrush with your contact information imprinted on it. Don’t forget a few extra bags for the teachers and chaperons.

This is just a small sampling of ways to attract new clients to your practice. In future posts I will go into some other great ways to get new customers.

Tags: Dental Equipment