{"id":3858,"date":"2020-12-09T12:54:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T17:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=3858"},"modified":"2023-12-05T16:46:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T21:46:51","slug":"how-to-improve-the-dental-patient-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-the-dental-patient-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"How to improve the dental patient experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">8<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the average person, a trip to the dentist can be a source of anxiety. A 2018 study found that<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dentalproductsreport.com\/dental\/article\/study-finds-more-60-percent-people-suffer-dental-fear\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roughly 60 percent of people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suffered from \u201cdental fear.\u201d The dental patient experience is key to making patients feel comfortable in your chair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, potential dental patients have their pick of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.opencare.com\">dentists<\/a> and the ability to research practices right from their smart devices. Competition is heavier than ever which means differentiation is one of the most effective ways to stand out. If you know how many people are nervous about going to the dentist, this can be the perfect insight to help you differentiate your practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article provides numerous ways to upgrade a dental practice\u2019s experience for patients from start to finish: from having an easy booking process, to ensuring anxiety-free waits, to smooth appointments, to appropriate follow-ups. Join us as we show how to create offices patients will look forward to visiting and help alleviate the fear of appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Leading Up to the Appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dental patient\u2019s experience with your dentist office starts long before they visit. Here are four tasks to complete ahead of your patient\u2019s appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Keep your website user-friendly<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2018<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clutch.co\/website-builders\/resources\/small-business-websites-2018\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">survey of 351 small businesses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that roughly 64 percent offered a website. Dentists are more likely to have a website, with<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalproductsreport.com\/dental\/article\/digital-dental-practice-practice-websites\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">78 percent in one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reporting they had a site for their practice (of that number, about 85 percent said they were happy with their websites).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental websites can help with customer discovery, appointment booking, as well as providing valuable pricing and service information. Because of the many ways a website can help your practice, it\u2019s vital to maintain user-friendly websites by following steps such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making sure it has an online scheduling tool<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring it\u2019s mobile-friendly<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roughly 60 percent of respondents stated their websites are mobile-friendly in the aforementioned small business survey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating a variety of content, such as embedded YouTube videos<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have an engaging and professional website layout<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With various template websites available, such as Wix, it\u2019s relatively easy for dentists to have engaging websites for their practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1.webp 612w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-300x254.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-370x314.webp 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-470x399.webp 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3863 webpexpress-processed\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1.png\" alt=\"Popularity of dental websites\" width=\"612\" height=\"519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1.png 612w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-300x254.png 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-370x314.png 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-1-470x399.png 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\"><\/picture><\/p>\n<h3><b>Regularly incorporate new technology\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many dentists keep regular tabs on the latest dental technologies to improve their practices and operations. One of these dentists, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaleconomics.com\/practice\/article\/16390434\/creating-the-ultimate-patient-experience-through-technology\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Neal Patel in his article on patient experience and techonlogy,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lists cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as some of the new technology he believed could improve levels of patient care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bien Air\u2019s IChiropro, for example, is \u201can implant motor that uses an iPad to control a pre-programmed clinical sequence for implantology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the speed at which innovation moves these days, dentists need to incorporate new technologies into their practices to keep up. If these technologies help you improve your level of care, it\u2019s worth looking into.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Keep proven methods, like postcard reminders<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well-designed websites and the latest technology are important parts of managing a dental practice. That said, good old fashioned postcards are still needed as well, to reach dental patients who might not be as computer-savvy or simply prefer an appointment reminder they can affix to their refrigerator or cubicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A couple of tips for the postcards include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the greeting fun and personable<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Include the dental patient\u2019s name, perhaps handwritten<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the timing customizable<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let patients decide how often they want to receive the postcards<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Refresh your waiting room<\/b><\/h2>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental offices can sit trapped in time, with decades-old copies of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlights for Children<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and framed advertisements with 1990s sitcom stars imploring people how often to floss and brush. Don\u2019t let this be your practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let your dental patients know you care about their experience by creating a 21st-century waiting room aesthetic. This can mean clean, modern design and flat-screen TVs, or recent reading materials. Not sure where to start? Google some examples then get opinions from your team and keep your goals in mind. Comfort, cleanliness, a welcoming atmosphere for many, or modernity are all great style goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>In the Waiting Room<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A patient\u2019s dental appointment begins in the waiting room. Here are a few ways to ease tensions for your patient as they wait to see you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2.webp 613w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-300x254.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-370x313.webp 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-470x398.webp 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3859 webpexpress-processed\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2.png\" alt=\"average wait time count\" width=\"613\" height=\"519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2.png 613w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-300x254.png 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-370x313.png 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-2-470x398.png 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\"><\/picture><\/p>\n<h3><b>Create a relaxing space<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from updating your waiting room, those trying to figure out how to increase dental patient volume in a dentist office should focus on fostering relaxing waiting room environments. Ways to do this include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Play calm music at moderate volumes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Train your staff to maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid having too much magazine clutter. Clear out materials that are more than a couple of months old and keep stacks manageable and tidy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Customize your TV content<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easier than ever for businesses to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.spectrio.com\/how-to-customize-your-waiting-room-tv-using-live-cable-pass-through\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">customize the content<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on their waiting room televisions by making the most of the frames, sidebars, and bottom of the screen tickers.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"2961\" class=\"elementor elementor-2961\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-632a5ee elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"632a5ee\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8b2de23\" data-id=\"8b2de23\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28682b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"28682b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Worry-free insurance verification<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f6cf11 cta_text elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f6cf11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Opencare takes the guesswork and effort out of insurance verification.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8234090\" data-id=\"8234090\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67b2a99 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"67b2a99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/for-dentists\/revenue-cycle-management\/?utm_source=organic&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=lead&#038;utm_term=all_++++_practice+++++&#038;utm_content=valuablecontent__opencare_blog__octg\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-xs\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn more<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customizable TV content can give dental patients entertainment through licensed rebroadcasts of popular shows as they wait to be seen for their appointments. The content can also help raise brand awareness, both for the dental office and third-party sponsors who might have display ads.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This said, strike a careful balance. Aside from showing no commercials, dentists incorporating customized TV content into their waiting rooms will want to be careful not to overdo it with banner and sidebar ads. Less is more, too much visual clutter can spike anxiety in dental patient experience before the appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Offer streaming-capable WiFi<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plenty of dental patients still prefer to entertain themselves, or some may want to keep small children occupied, or need to complete some work while they wait. Add an extra element of convenience and comfort by offering complimentary, and reliable WiFi to allow patients to watch their favorite shows on their smartphones as they wait for their appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Manage wait times<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So much of service-based business is about setting clear expectations for customers and then delivering. Your front desk staff needs to manage wait times for dental patients as they sit in the lobby of your office.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few ways to manage wait times:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Set accurate expectations<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the wait is 45 minutes, be honest and accurate. Customers can generally handle longer wait times as long as they\u2019re prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Make the time feel quicker<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can include providing entertainment options and training staff to engage with waiting patients, when appropriate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Speed up the intake process<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for how to improve dental schedule practices, from automating appointment paperwork ahead of time to staggering scheduled cleanings, keeping patients from waiting for long periods\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>During the Appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3.webp 613w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-300x254.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-370x313.webp 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-470x398.webp 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3860 webpexpress-processed\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3.png\" alt=\"improve the dental patient experience\" width=\"613\" height=\"519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3.png 613w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-300x254.png 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-370x313.png 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience_-IMG-3-470x398.png 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\"><\/picture><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a patient\u2019s appointment begins, it\u2019s time for dentists and dental hygienists to shine. Here are a few tips to make sure the patient\u2019s time in the chair goes smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>First impressions matter<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research suggests that people form first impressions about others<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/serenitygibbons\/2018\/06\/19\/you-have-7-seconds-to-make-a-first-impression-heres-how-to-succeed\/#4bf611fd56c2\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">within seven seconds of meeting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Therefore, it\u2019s extremely important for dentists to make good first impressions and set the tone for how appointments will go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to do this is by greeting every patient directly and guiding them to the exam room. Too often, dentists can hide behind counter staff and hygienists and function as mysterious, intimidating figures. Put patients at ease from the minute you greet them and let them know a reliable, relaxing appointment awaits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3><b>Listen to get a sense of expectations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listening is the most-used communication skill, with humans spending approximately<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension2.missouri.edu\/cm150\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">45 percent of their waking hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> listening. For dentists, listening acutely well to patients at the beginning of appointments can help provide a window into patient expectations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the patient know they have a lot of tartar that needs to be removed from their teeth? Are they hoping a cleaning will result in a slightly whiter smile? Have they been experiencing any mouth pain they want to be examined? Do they sound nervous or uncomfortable?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"2961\" class=\"elementor elementor-2961\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-632a5ee elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"632a5ee\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8b2de23\" data-id=\"8b2de23\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28682b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"28682b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Worry-free insurance verification<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f6cf11 cta_text elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f6cf11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Opencare takes the guesswork and effort out of insurance verification.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8234090\" data-id=\"8234090\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67b2a99 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"67b2a99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/for-dentists\/revenue-cycle-management\/?utm_source=organic&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=lead&#038;utm_term=all_++++_practice+++++&#038;utm_content=valuablecontent__opencare_blog__octg\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-xs\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn more<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listening to patients can help give dentists the information they need to provide the best possible service. It can also help ease anxiety for patients, making them feel heard.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Educate the patient<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After listening to the patient, lay out what the appointment will entail and consider their questions or concerns. If their journey to stronger dental habits were a lesson, you are the teacher. Think of the best teachers you\u2019ve ever had and how they helped you learn. Encourage questions and check to see if what you\u2019re saying is being understood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is to not just help the patient get through their current appointment but have greater oral health long-term with the dental patient experience. It\u2019s comforting and empowering for patients to know that better dental health is well within their reach, with the help of the lessons a good dentist can impart.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Have entertainment options<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With all this talk of first impressions and teachable moments, it\u2019s worth noting that a dental appointment doesn\u2019t have to be strictly business. Dentists can also provide appointment entertainment, be it through music or even flat-screen televisions positioned strategically near or even directly above dental chairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all, anything beats staring at the ceiling or dental lamp. These can help improve the dental patient experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Welcome patients to use headphones<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many patients can also be counted on these days to provide their own entertainment through downloaded music or podcasts on their smartphones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, headphones can be fine to wear during a cleaning, provided they don\u2019t get in the way of dental equipment or prevent a dentist from communicating with their patients. Let patients know once you\u2019ve chatted, they\u2019re welcome to put on their headphones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>After the Appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a patient\u2019s appointment is complete, there are a few final steps to take to wrap up smoothly and help ensure the patient returns for future appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4.webp 672w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-300x229.webp 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-370x282.webp 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-470x359.webp 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3861 webpexpress-processed\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4.png\" alt=\"simplify dental checkout\" width=\"672\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4.png 672w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-300x229.png 300w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-370x282.png 370w, https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How-to-Improve-the-Dental-Patient-Experience-IMG-4-470x359.png 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\"><\/picture><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Simplify checkout<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether dental patients are relieved to get up out of the chair or pleased by that \u201cfresh from the dentist clean\u201d feel, they\u2019re probably ready to leave the office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a streamlined checkout process in the dental patient experience can get patients swiftly out the door, ensuring that they\u2019re able to get on with their day and maximizing efficiency for your staff. Ways to simplify checkouts include having scheduling programs ready to go for future appointments and minimizing small talk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Survey dental patients<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, the smiles or kind words at the end of dental appointments might not tell the whole story. Regularly surveying patients can help find issues that should be dealt with promptly. Like an abscessed tooth, a dental customer service problem shouldn\u2019t be left to fester.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"2968\" class=\"elementor elementor-2968\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-45aec48 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"45aec48\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9c9ae10\" data-id=\"9c9ae10\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20acf1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20acf1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Collect 99% of your claims<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29a3832 cta_text elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"29a3832\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>We settle your claims, so you don&#8217;t settle for less.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-284fe64\" data-id=\"284fe64\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6caa820 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6caa820\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/for-dentists\/revenue-cycle-management\/?utm_source=organic&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=lead&#038;utm_term=all_++++_practice+++++&#038;utm_content=valuablecontent__opencare_blog__octg\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-xs\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn more<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways to survey patients. Websites like<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SurveyMonkey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualtrics.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualtrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide survey tools for businesses, but sometimes at a cost. Companies on a budget can also access free survey tools through Google Drive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Send tips for dental care between appointments<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned earlier, learning good dental care can be a long-term process for patients, with many people having to learn over time how to brush and floss more regularly and other strategies for maintaining oral health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the Internet, there\u2019s no reason learning opportunities must be confined to the dentist\u2019s office. Show your expertise and eagerness to help by regularly sends tips to their patients, via newsletter sites such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/index.jsp\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant Contact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This helps patients grow, lessens their chances for cavities and dental decay between appointments, and also provides powerful engagement and marketing for dental practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5 Tips to Keep Improving the Dental Patient Experience<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For anyone still seeking ways to improve the dental patient experience, here are five more tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Take nothing personally: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people, no matter what, won\u2019t enjoy a trip to the dentist.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Focus on incremental improvements for difficult patients: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all, these people won\u2019t have their problems solved overnight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Market key areas of your practice that you excel in: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A person needing a root canal might be put at ease if they know your office does this better than any other in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Don\u2019t make payment a source of anxiety: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with a variety of insurers if possible, accepting credit, and being open to payment plans are a few ways to prevent stress with patients go to pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Always be honest with patients: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dentists sometimes get a bad reputation, with some unethical practitioners even known to do<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/2014\/8\/12\/5951321\/dentistry-fraud-treatments-products\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unnecessary work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Needless to say, a reputation for honesty is invaluable for dentists. Explain why a filling needs replacing, or why x-rays need to be retaken. If you\u2019re putting your patient\u2019s health first, that honesty will instill confidence and trust.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond this, the best advice perhaps for any dentist is to continue learning and growing. Improving dental patient experiences is a constant effort, with no exact solutions that fit all practices. What works today might not be so effective tomorrow. Or what works for a dental office in another location may not work for your patients. So give it time and don\u2019t give up!<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"2968\" class=\"elementor elementor-2968\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-45aec48 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"45aec48\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9c9ae10\" data-id=\"9c9ae10\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20acf1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20acf1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Collect 99% of your claims<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29a3832 cta_text elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"29a3832\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>We settle your claims, so you don&#8217;t settle for less.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-284fe64\" data-id=\"284fe64\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6caa820 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6caa820\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/for-dentists\/revenue-cycle-management\/?utm_source=organic&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=lead&#038;utm_term=all_++++_practice+++++&#038;utm_content=valuablecontent__opencare_blog__octg\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-xs\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn more<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the average person, a trip to the dentist can be a source of anxiety. A 2018 study found that roughly 60 percent of people suffered from \u201cdental fear.\u201d The dental patient experience is key to making patients feel comfortable in your chair. Today, potential dental patients have their pick of dentists and the ability [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3862,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[128],"tags":[134,153,136],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Improve Patient Experience in Dental Offices<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do your patients consider a dental visit a source of anxiety? Unfortunately 60% do. Learn how to improve patient experiences in your dental office.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-the-dental-patient-experience\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Improve Patient Experience in Dental Offices\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do your patients consider a dental visit a source of anxiety? Unfortunately 60% do. 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