It’s often said that first impressions can make or break a new relationship. For dental offices, this is no different. The appearance and comfort of your office can determine whether your new patient will return. Follow these simple tips to ensure your patients are experiencing a 5-star visit that will keep them coming back through your door.
Is your office clean?
The first stage of delivering a fantastic experience is maintaining a high level of cleanliness and organization. Is the lobby/waiting room spotless? This is the first area your new patient sees and they will make judgments based on their observations. If your waiting area or bathrooms are not well-maintained, it’s not a far stretch for new patients to believe that your office isn’t following proper sanitation procedures and decide to go elsewhere.
Are you welcoming?
Engage, engage, engage. How does your front desk team respond to a new patient arrival? Are they focused solely on gathering paperwork or do they take the time to greet your patient and start building a rapport? Those first minutes of the appointment provide an opportunity to establish the beginnings of a lifelong relationship. A simple “hello, how are you?” and actively listening to the response can go a long way. Be sure that each member of your team understands their role in developing loyalty.
Are you focused on the patient experience?
Patients are not lacking in options of care. Your focus on patient comfort and convenience can be the difference between a patient returning to your office and moving on to your competitor. Invest in amenities to make patients feel at ease in your office. Even simple additions like pillows, blankets, coffee, and water bottles can add a sense of home and help new patients relax. Consider digital paperwork to minimize wait times and apologize if an appointment is late. By showing that their needs are important, you help build trust and care that can turn into long-term loyalty.
Theresa F. Narantic, Inc
(855) 929-2555
