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Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The Top Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The dentist’s office experience has improved dramatically in the last 15 years due to advances in dental technology. Modern dentist offices equipped with cutting-edge technology help to enhance the patient’s experience, optimize oral health, and produce outstanding results. Discover the advantages of choosing high-tech dentists from a patient’s perspective.

Simple Scheduling

Modern technology allows dentists the opportunity to provide patients with a better experience, even before they enter the office. For example, electronic health records allow dentists to easily access patient’s medical history, answer phone calls, and compile information for referrals and insurance claims. There is also online scheduling, which allows patients to schedule an appointment without having to call.

More Effective Visits

Patients probably don’t want to spend any more time than required in the dental chair, no matter how convenient or nice your dentist’s office is. We all lead busy lives and have a lot on our plates! Modern dentistry acknowledges the need to make dental treatments more effective and makes you spend less time in the chair.

A good example is same-day dental crowns. This technology allows patients to receive their dental crown in the same visit. In comparison, traditional crowns take weeks to make in an outside dental lab. Our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, can attest to patients appreciating same-day dental services. He highly recommends offering these types of services.

Better Understanding of Your Diagnosis

High-tech dentistry not only makes it easier for your dental team to diagnose the condition accurately. It also makes it easier for patients to understand the severity of the dental problem. General dentists will have their patients take their word for their recommended treatment, while modern dentists can clearly show them exactly what they see. For example, Digital Doc’s X80 Intraoral Camera captures crystal clear images and displays them right on your computer or television screen.

Less Discomfort

We have a filling, root canal, or other procedure used to have a poor reputation for being frightening and painful. Modern pain relief solutions are available in high-tech dentistry today to ensure your full comfort. We recommend offering the following services to maximize patient experience:

Oral sedation entails taking this sedative orally and falling into a comfortable, dream-like state. You could even nod off entirely!
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “laughing gas.” This form of sedation, inhaled through a comfortable face mask, gives you a giddy and relaxed feeling.
IV sedation — This form of sedation is delivered through a vein (usually on your arm) and causes drowsiness and deep relaxation.

Amazing Outcomes

Most patients with broken, missing, or dead teeth are considered to restore their oral health and appearance. Patients don’t have to pick between the two, thankfully. High-tech dentistry helps patients achieve both. If you’re a dentist who hasn’t considered using modern dental technology, you and your patients are missing out. Modern dentistry methods use natural-looking restorations. Patients don’t have to compromise the appearance of their smile to obtain healthy teeth, whether it’s a filling or a crown.

Long-Lasting Treatments

Modern dental technology aids in the creation of even more long-lasting restoration solutions. Fillings, crowns, implants, and other dental treatments are now designed to endure the effects of chewing as well as the wear and tear of daily life. High-tech dental procedures, such as crowns and implants, will last for decades with careful care, ensuring that your perfect smile can last a lifetime. More patients are looking for the best dentists. Now that you know the advantages of choosing high-tech dentists, you can decide whether investing in dental technology is worth it. Are you interested in our Digital Doc products? Contact Digital Doc today to schedule a virtual demonstration.

How to Increase Patient Referrals

How to Increase Patient Referrals in Your Dental Practice

It’s common knowledge that word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective ways to get new patients to your dental practice. So what is the right way to go about it? Our Digital Doc team has worked with thousands of dental practices worldwide. We know exactly how to increase patient referrals. Read the article below if you’re looking to significantly increase the number of new patients per year.

Encourage Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to increase patient referrals is by encouraging each patient to make personal recommendations. In fact, many practices offer patient referral plans as an incentive to refer a friend. The patient’s name is put into a raffle or added to their reward system. Every month, the patient with the most referrals or points will earn a prize. If you have the right incentives, you could increase the new patient count to 40-60% each year.

The same can go for reviews. Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, incentivizes patients to leave him reviews. As a result, he sends them a free electric toothbrush! Patients already love his services, so why not?

Market Your Services

Word-of-mouth marketing is most effective when your patients have something positive to speak about, such as you providing same-day emergency care, free cosmetic consultations, or advanced dental technology. If you offer unique dental services, you should be marketing them! Make it very apparent that you offer these services at your dental practice. You can send out postcards, pamphlets, street signs, and more. More patients are looking for modern dental practices. So, you can inform prospecting patients that you have the best intraoral camera or a portable dental x-ray device. Ask your staff members to inform patients about special services. Both output and new patient numbers will surely rise.

Increase Your Online Presence

Also, someone who has already got a good recommendation from a trusted friend will likely visit your website. If your website isn’t up to par, prospective patients can reconsider visiting your practice. That’s why it’s recommended that your website matches the aesthetic of your dental practice. Social networking may also assist in converting a friend’s casual curiosity into a deep desire to schedule an appointment. Join current patients’ personal social networks, such as Facebook, and new patients will feel as though they already know you before visiting your office.

Find creative ways to use cost-effective patient referral methods. You should have more than enough new patients to achieve greater practice success. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule a virtual demonstration with our Digital Doc team.

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience

memorable patient experience - Digital Doc

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience at Your Dental Practice

Today, “customer experience” will make or break your business whether you own a tech company, a brick, and mortar, or a dental practice. Despite the hoops that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to jump through, the dental industry is still providing the best dental experiences for patients. So, how do you get all patients to have a memorable patient experience? It starts from the moment your team members answer the phone to the second they walk into your office. In the article below, we share some secrets to a memorable patient experience.

Here are six tips for providing comfort, personalization, and a memorable patient experience in the face of the pandemic.

Showcase the Safety Standards

One of the most important qualities every dental practice should have is safety. Although safety was important before the pandemic, it’s even more important now. If it isn’t obvious that you’re following COVID-19 precautions on your website or in your office, then we recommend hanging up COVID-19 precaution signs, posting on social media, and adding details to your website. Patients will feel more comfortable knowing your office is going above and beyond safety standards.

Communicate Efficiently

Maintaining good communication with your patients is now more critical than ever. The patient’s experience will be a little different than before. You’ll need to let patients know what has changed since last visiting your office. You can notify them via text, email, phone call, or add a FAQ on your website.

Recognize What Your Patients Need

Understandably, some patients will be more worried than others. It’s your job to make them feel safe and at home. You can ask your patients to fill out a quick survey so that you and your team can get a better understanding of what your patients need. Our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says that patients recognize good customer service. In fact, studies show that 80% of businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction have an increase in sales.

Be Flexible

As more patients come back to your dental practice for the first time, you’ll have to work out the kinks. Have a conversation with your staff about being flexible and patient. For instance, some patients will have to reschedule their appointments or may even cancel last minute due to COVID exposures. You may even have to adjust your hours of operation. The more flexible you are, the better the payoff will be.

Add a Personal Touch

In an industry where there are millions of dental practices, it can seem hard to stand out. Our Digital Doc team recommends adding a personal touch. Try to go out of your way to make your patients smile. Our friend Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, calls new patients and leaves personal messages, introducing himself. You could also try smile giveaways or patient of the month contests. There are plenty of ways to add a personal touch to your patients’ experience!

Use Advanced Dental Technology

Another way to make help with a memorable patient experience is by investing in advanced dental technology. Patients will appreciate it if you’re staying on top of new techniques and implementing new technology to help provide the best dental care. For instance, if you have the best intraoral camera, you can take quality photos of your patient’s mouth. This allows you to better diagnose and can also be used to show patients exactly what you’re seeing. If you’re interested in quality dental products, schedule a virtual demonstration with us today!

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice 2021

Canva Design for Cosmetic Dental Marketing

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice 2021

At Digital Doc, we are so much more than an intraoral camera company. We don’t create quality dental technology and then disappear after the transaction is complete. With every relationship we have been able to build, whether it be with our distribution partners or our direct relationships with our dentists, we aim to deliver more value than our clients expect. In this article, we share a few tips to grow your cosmetic dentistry practice without spending a fortune on dental marketing.

Best Practices from Leading Dentists

#1. Graphic Design for Dentists

Have you heard of Canva? If not, we recommend you or your office manager, marketing support person take a good look at it. Canva can help you to create fast, professional-looking graphics for all of your marketing materials. Specifically today we want to focus in on the marketing you are doing on your flat-screen TV’s through the office. Download the CANVA app and design sharp images to display on your 55” monitor in your office.

#2 Visual Impact of TV Screens in your Dental Practice

Our most successful Cosmetic Dentists are hanging 55” monitors on the wall in each treatment room. Why so big? What size monitor do most patients watch at home? 55” 65”. . . perhaps the new 85”? The consumer walking in the door also watches at least a 55” at home. If you have been to a Mcdonald’s lately, you may have noticed how many 55” monitors are on the wall when ordering? Your new patients will increase just by you connecting with their consumer behavior. They will be surprised, impressed and every image you show on the screen will connect with them on a higher level than a 15” or 25” you have on the counter or chair.

#3 Internal Marketing to Your Most Loyal Patients

Now that you have had time to play around with some of the designs in Canva and mount a few new TVs in your treatment rooms, we can move on to the fun stuff. Add bio’s from your team members to connect with patients on a higher level. The more they know you, the more they trust you. Don’t try to sell anything here, just be authentic and have some fun.

Above is an example of an office using photos on a 55-60” monitor to show patients the potential results they can get from teeth whitening. This graphic is easy to create with the CANVA app. Have your team sign up for the free account today. Be sure to share your dental marketing graphics with us!

Dental Technologies Worth Investing In

Top Dental Technologies Worth Investing

Top Dental Technologies Worth Investing In 2021

Dental technology is a must-have for dental offices everywhere. Modern advanced dental technology is how dentists are separating themselves from other offices. growing at an unprecedented pace. However, some of the dental technologies available may not be worthwhile investments. If you are a dental practice owner with an outdated office, we hope you find value in today’s blog post. Read on and learn some of the top dental technologies worth investing in.

Intraoral Dental Cameras

One of the best technologies that you can acquire for your dental practice is an intraoral digital camera, such as the IRIS X80 Intraoral Camera. This tool will be a massive boost to your diagnostic competence. Being able to view crystal clear images of the teeth, gums and other oral tissues inside a patient’s mouth makes a world of difference in case acceptance. Patients will spend less time in the chair since you will be able to identify any developing issues quickly and design a treatment plan for those patients.

The images from your intraoral camera are shown to the patient in real-time, making the treatment planning consultative rather than optional. Consequently, more revenue will flow into your practice because patients will see for themselves why they shouldn’t put off. The only decision they will have to make is when to schedule treatment with you.

Portable X-Rays

The traditional radiography equipment is so cumbersome that it has to be installed in a separate room from the room where patients undergo dental exams and treatment. This imposes a space constraint on dental practices.

Secondly, the traditional radiography machines expose patients and technicians to relatively high levels of radiation. This can have an adverse effect on the health of the affected people later in life.

Additionally, it takes longer to prep a patient for X-Ray images to be taken using those traditional machines. The results take longer to be available too. This means that the patient may need to visit the dental practice more than once in order for diagnosis and treatment to be provided.

Technology has availed portable X-Ray machines like the XTG Handheld X-Ray which brings radiography to the dental chair. Images can be taken quickly and conveniently without asking the patient to move to a radiology room. Radiation exposure levels are also a tiny fraction of what happens with the traditional machines. Thus, improved patient safety and greater efficiency are registered when you upgrade to this new technology.

All-Tissue Lasers

Dental practices should always strive to offer better patient care with minimally invasive procedures. Laser dentistry is one of the best ways to do just that. The lasers eliminate the need for suturing and extended recovery durations since treatment can be done without causing extensive damage to the surrounding tissues. Laser technology is, therefore, a must for any dental practice.

Be careful when adopting new technologies in order to avoid falling for clever salesmanship from product manufacturers. Ask yourself two things. First, if the new technology will improve patient safety. Second, whether it will make your work faster or more efficient. Pay attention to how quickly you can recoup what you have invested in that technology. The best technology should show ROI almost as soon as you acquire it, not years down the road. Get the right dental accessories for any dental technology you acquire so that you can reap its full benefits. Your dental practice will thrive if you develop a mindset of carefully evaluating and acquiring technologies as those better technologies become available.

Contact Digital Doc

If you’re interested in our Digital Doc products, schedule a virtual demonstration today. We can discuss any of our products – dental cameras, X-ray devices, dental sensors, accessories, and more! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep up with our latest news.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Intraoral Camera as Marketing Tool

Intraoral Camera as
Marketing Tool

Using an Intraoral Camera as Marketing Tool

From the very beginning, intraoral cameras have been used to communicate with patients better. Many doctors are using their intraoral cameras to pitch or even convince patients to start treatment. Although intraoral cameras are designed to help doctors increase case acceptance, the intention behind your treatment plan is what really matters. In this article, our Digital Doc team discusses the dos and don’ts for using intraoral cameras as a marketing tool.

Getting Patients to Say Yes to Treatment

Of course, we want patients to say yes to our treatment plans. More “yesses” equal more money, right? But, it’s pretty obvious when doctors are seeing patients as customers rather than people. Although intraoral cameras are an excellent diagnostic tool, they’re exactly just that- a diagnostic tool. Some doctors will take it a step too far and use their dental cameras solely as a communication tool, pushing patients’ treatment. In turn, patients feel like they’re being “sold” treatment and will ultimately go elsewhere.

Building Rapport and Trust With Patients

Building patient rapport and trust is key to a higher case acceptance rate. How do you avoid breaking trust and strengthen patient rapport? The short answer is to stop overtreating. Patients are excellent at reading body language, so they can tell if you simply care about them or racking up treatment. Instead of using your dental camera to show the patient their mouth, use it to help show you their mouth.

Ask your hygienist to take notes while you examine the patient’s smile. Call out the different dental concerns you see, such as cracks or decay, and address them with your patient afterward. Your patient will, of course, hear the conversation between you and the hygienist. When talking to your patient about these concerns, show them the pictures you took during the examination. At the end of their appointment, they will feel less like a customer and more like patients.

When to Use Your Intraoral Cameras

Are you the type of doctor who only uses their dental cameras during emergency appointments? If you are, you’re missing out on a lot of treatment opportunities. Dental cameras need to be in every operatory and used at every appointment. Not only is this a great way to track patient’s oral health, but it also makes dental insurance claims go a lot smoother. Our friend Dr. Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, agrees that intraoral cameras are excellent diagnostic tools, and you should be using them every day.

Investing in Advanced Dental Technology

Does your intraoral camera collect dust in a drawer? If so, you have the wrong dental camera. Dentists should always invest in premium advanced dental technology. It should deliver high definition images every time and be easy for every team member to use. Digital Doc LLC provides doctors worldwide with the best dental technology on the market. Are you interested in learning about our new IRIS X80 Liquid Lens Auto-Focus Intraoral Dental Camera? Contact Digital Doc today to schedule a complimentary virtual demonstration.

Rules to Increase Case Acceptance

Rules to Increase Case Acceptance in Your Practice

What do you need to get a “yes” from your patients? There’s no easy fix, magic wand, or potion that will give you treatment-acceptance success. The difference between success and failure is not a secret but a secret formula. In this article, our Digital Doc team shares simple rules to increase case acceptance in your dental practice.

Believe You Can Increase Case Acceptance

When you put your mind to something, you can do anything. Confidence comes from training, education, and experience in knowing what you’re doing. A patient or team member will know when you feel confident about something. Having a “yes” mentality will give you a positive commitment to achieve your goals. Are your thoughts generally positive or negative? The saying, “We become what we think about couldn’t be more true.” Negative thoughts will block the ability to concentrate on positive ones—those that give rise to success.

Believe you can increase case acceptance in your practice. Why? Because you and your team are capable of providing the best comprehensive dentistry. Once you change your mindset, everything will start to fall into place.

Good Intentions

Intentions are everything these days. To increase case acceptance in your practice, you’ll need to clarify intentions in order for the team to succeed. It’s your job as the dentist to direct team efforts, office culture, and development strategies. As you already know, working together is a critical part of driving revenue in your practice. When you work together, patients notice. Dr. Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, recommends having morning huddles, where you can set the intentions for the day. Then there’s no reason why anyone shouldn’t be on the same page.

Teamwork

Patients will look for any excuse not to start treatment. When they’re spending their time and money, who could blame them? They need to know they chose the best dental office for their dental treatment. Therefore, having your team in order is crucial. Make sure everyone on your team is thoroughly trained; that way, opportunities aren’t missed.

Education & Skills

The dental industry is very competitive. There are dental offices everywhere we look. So, how do you stay competitive? Continuing education credits are an excellent way to keep up to date with the latest dental practices. There are plenty of CE credit opportunities available. You just have to find a specialty that sparks your interest. The more education and skills you have, the more confidence you’ll have to provide your patients with the best care.

The same goes for your team. Start by providing in-office opportunities for your team. Ask them if they would prefer monthly, quarterly, or yearly training. Training can consist of new strategies and technologies that can better the practice. For instance, if you invest in a new intraoral camera for your practice, have each team member go through training. That way, you know everyone is comfortable using the new advanced dental technology.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Intraoral Camera

Why You Should Upgrade Your Intraoral Camera 2021

How long have you been using your cell phone? The iPhone 12 Pro Max is here, and the camera is the most prominent feature! Consumers are more educated in photography than ever before. If you haven’t updated your intraoral camera in a couple of years, consider upgrading to Digital Doc’s newest dental camera. The following explains why so many dental offices are upgrading their intraoral cameras to Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 intraoral camera.

Dental Camera with Better Focusing System

Many of the existing digital intraoral cameras on the market require users to manually focus the camera’s lens before capturing an image. This manual focusing isn’t ideal, especially in a busy dental office. Additionally, you may have some low-quality images from not adjusting the lens properly and end up misdiagnosing the patient.

However, when you upgrade your intraoral camera to the IRIS X80, you get a piece of equipment with an autofocus function that takes the work of focusing the lens away from the user. As a result, you’ll not only save time but also have better quality images and accurate diagnosis.

The X80 is Easier Setup

We all know that it is more difficult to set up traditional dental cameras. You’re not only wasting valuable time but also affecting your patient’s experience.

With the dawn of the digital era, you don’t need to suffer all those inconveniences. The IRIS X80 doesn’t require any setup. Remove the camera from the box, plug it in, and start capturing images immediately. Needless to say, upgrading to the IRIS X80 with Liquid Lens Auto Focus and plug-and-play capabilities is a no-brainer.

Durable Dental Camera

Every dollar invested in modern dental equipment counts. So, it is important to buy only the best dental equipment so that the investment can be rationalized.

You can feel confident in making the upgrade to the IRIS X80 intraoral camera because it is resistant to impact and harsh chemicals that your equipment will deal with on a regular basis. This sturdy construction means that your office will have digital intraoral cameras that they can rely on for years to come. Our friends at Park Hills Family Dentistry, a dental office in Lexington, KY, agree that investing in durable dental equipment will save you the hassle of constantly replacing cheap equipment.

Taking Compactness to the Next Level

As dental technology has made rapid advancements, it has become easier to make intraoral cameras that are lighter, more compact, and more powerful, all at the same time. Having a lightweight and compact intraoral camera is crucial for efficiency and patient rapport. The IRIS X80 checks all those boxes, while older intraoral cameras may not.

Easy Integration into Existing Systems

When you purchase the IRIS X80 with liquid lens autofocus HD, you won’t have to worry about modifying your current setup or buying additional accessories. Our state of the art dental technology can be used with standard USB 2.0 protocol. In this way, you get access to using the best software available without having to upgrade equipment for the whole dental office.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why it would be in your practice’s best interest to upgrade your intraoral camera to the IRIS X80. Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 will allow you to SEE MORE and DO MORE! To learn more about what this intraoral camera can do for you, schedule a virtual demo today. Contact Digital Doc to access special offers on Digital Doc’s advanced dental technology.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters

durability of your intraoral camera - Digital Doc LLC

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters 2021

Most dentists have now realized the importance of investing in new dental technology in their dental offices. However, this new technology may sometimes come at a price. Know that the benefits far outweigh the initial upgrade costs. Our Digital Doc team shares the following are some of the reasons why the durability of your intraoral camera is important.

Dental Camera Durability Impacts Cost

When you buy a very durable intraoral camera, such as the IRIS X80 made by Digital Doc, the durability of this camera ensures that you will get great value from your investment. This is because the initial cost of the device will be spread out over the numerous years that this intraoral camera will remain in service.

When you divide your investment by the number of years that the camera will stay in service, you soon realize that the camera was very affordable, unlike another, which costs less but falls apart a few months after you’ve purchased it.

Durability is Often Indicative of High Performance

Have you heard the saying, “how you do one thing is how you do everything?” For example, a person who is late for appointments will rarely meet deadlines or fulfill their promises because how they do one thing is how they do everything!

On the subject of intraoral cameras, this principle also applies. When you choose your intraoral camera from a manufacturer like Digital Doc, who goes to great lengths to make a high-quality and sturdy intraoral camera that can withstand everything that a busy dental office can throw at it, you can be sure that everything to do with that camera was made with the same high standards in mind. For example, the optics system of the IRIS X80 Liquid Lens Auto-Focus Intraoral Dental Camera was designed with the same exacting standards that make this camera remain unfazed by being run over by a car, as shown in the video:

Running your intraoral camera over with a car is a true testament to its durability. You can count on Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 to work for many more years to come.

This is in sharp contrast to other cheap intraoral cameras that can break at the smallest bump with a wall or a desk. You can’t expect such a camera to deliver crystal clear images if the materials from which it was made are so flimsy, can you?

Durable Intraoral Cameras Stand the Test of Time

Dental offices are constantly bombarded with a huge variety of new technology that one may be hard-pressed to select what is really needed from what is just another shining object or toy.

The key to keeping up to date with technology without being obsessed with buying each shiny new object lies in selecting technology that will stand the test of time.

The X80 Intraoral Camera is so durable that once you buy it, you will be insulated against the temptation of buying every camera that is brought to your attention. Your precious resources will then be allocated to other technologies that you need at the office, such as a handheld dental X-ray device. This selection of a durable intraoral camera, therefore, frees you to modernize your dental office fully by integrating modern advanced dental technology and management systems.

Durability Increases Ease of Use

Pause for a minute and imagine two scenarios. The first involves an employee learning how to use a new camera every year or so. The second scenario involves an employee who has been using the same intraoral camera for five or more years. Which of these two dental assistants will get the best from the camera before them?

The answer is obvious, isn’t it? If you have been using the same camera for years, you are more likely to master that camera in and out, so chances are you will get the best utility from that device.

That is why it is important for you to buy a durable intraoral camera, such as the X80 from Digital Doc. Your staff will be so used to handling and using the device that they get perfect images for the diagnosis, case presentation, and treatment. Such expertise cannot exist if you buy cameras that aren’t durable, and so you’re forced to keep replacing them. Our friend, Dr. Dave Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, agrees that investing in quality modern dental technology pays off.

As you can see, it is very important for you to assess the durability of any intraoral camera that you are considering purchasing for your dental practice. The IRIS X80 gives you durability and more. You will, therefore, be able to see more, do more for your patients using the number one intraoral camera in dentistry. To learn more about how to acquire an intraoral camera for your dental office, contact us today for a virtual demonstration.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

10 Tips to Improve Patient Experience at Your Dental Office

Tips to Improve Patient Experience

Tips to Improve Patient Experience 2021

Every dentist would like to see a high patient loyalty level, numerous positive reviews, and word of mouth recommendations. Exceptional clinical care alone may not produce these effects but will certainly ensure that the patient’s experience is excellent. Below, our Digital Doc team shares some tried-and-tested tips to improve your patient experience in your dental office.

Make Your Office Easy to Find

Not many dental offices have the benefit of having an entire building all to themselves, so it goes without saying that new patients need to be able to reach your office effortlessly. Digital signage and other means to guide patients to the dental office will go a long way towards making the first impression of your patients a good one. With that first aspect of patient experience nailed, you will have fertile ground to build upon to cement your dental office as the best.

Expedite the Intake Process

Once the patients get to your dental office, the intake process must be as seamless and swift as possible. For example, interactive displays and check-in kiosks are a good way to eliminate queuing up at the reception during the intake process. The patients’ first 5 minutes in your office can make or break their experience, so make sure your front office is fast and effective.

Make Wait-Times Seem Shorter

Making patients wait is one of the most common complaints in dentistry. While you can do everything possible to avoid making patients wait for their appointments, it is sometimes inevitable that patients will have to wait. Provide entertainment and digital signage to keep your patients engaged while they wait. In this way, the wait-time will seem to be much shorter than it actually is.

Free Wi-Fi Available

In today’s world, most people carry around some form of technology. Whether that’s their smartphone, laptop, or tablet. What better way to minimize the effect of wait-times than by allowing free Wi-Fi in your office? Patients will greatly appreciate having free Wi-Fi, especially if they have little ones.

Chairside Efficiency is Key

Let’s face it. Very few patients look forward to undergoing a dental treatment. So, the secret to giving them a great experience includes being as efficient as possible.

For starters, ensure that all the supplies and equipment you will need are available in the operatory before the patient comes in. Pausing a procedure as you wait for a dental assistant to bring something you need isn’t exactly the best etiquette.

The technology you use in your dental practice can directly affect your patients’ experience. Upgrading your dental devices will not only show patients that you are keeping up with the latest technology, but it will also show them that you are serious about providing the best services possible. For example, it will take you a shorter time to examine your patient’s teeth for caries if you have the LUM Transillumination device from Digital Doc. The IRIS Intraoral Cameras made by Digital Doc also increase efficiency because you will instantly access high-quality images for diagnostic and case presentation purposes.

Make the Environment More Relaxing

You cannot go wrong if you invest in creating positive vibes at your dental office. A relaxing environment can go a long way towards easing any anxieties that your patients may have, so play soothing music in the waiting area, provide cozy seats and pass around relaxing refreshments so that your patients can be put at ease. Our friends at OG Dental, a dental office in Denver, CO, offer a comfort plan to help patients relax. This includes offering patients headphones to watch Netflix, warm towels, and more.

Don’t Ignore the Operatory

Many dental offices go all out the make the waiting area as welcoming as possible, but they pay little attention to the examination room. This is a mistake because the exam room is the one place where patients are most uneasy. Therefore, it is wise to be as meticulous as possible when selecting everything you put in the operatory. For example, the walls should be painted using a warm and calming color. The relaxing music you provide in the waiting room should also be played in the exam room to carry over their relaxation from the waiting room to the exam room until they leave.

Involve the Patient in Their Care

You can go a long way in enhancing the patients’ experience by making the patient an active participant in their care. For example, you can use the monitor in your operatory to display the images captured using a handheld x-ray machine or the best dental camera made by Digital Doc. Discuss these images with your patients and highlight the problem areas observed. That discussion between you and the patient will put the patient in the driving seat, and his or her experience at your office will be enhanced.

Hopefully, you can use the tips above to conduct a brainstorming session with your staff so that you come up with the specific steps that you can take to improve the patient experience at the dental office. At Digital Doc, we are committed to providing best-in-class dental technology, such as intraoral cameras, handheld x-rays, and other modern dental technology. Contact Digital Doc today and let us talk about how we can help you transform your patients’ experience for the better at your dental office.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.