7 Ways to Increase Dental Treatment Acceptance

Dental treatment acceptance – it’s a topic that hits home for every dental practice out there.

We all love that clean-teeth feeling, and we surely appreciate the importance of dental health, but getting patients to accept proposed treatments can sometimes feel like pulling teeth, pun absolutely intended!

Picture this: You've just conducted an oral examination. You've identified the issues, formulated a dental treatment plan, and now it's time to explain to your patient why they need to come back for another round in the dental chair. But instead of a confident nod of acceptance, you get that all-too-familiar hesitant look.  

Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Everyone’s been there, and we’re here to help you turn those uncertainties into eager acceptances. Ready to find out how? Let’s get to it!

1. Build Trust

The first thing on the agenda is trust. Like any other relationship, the one between a dentist and their patient is based on trust.  

Dental patients look for professionals who are approachable and comforting, especially in a field often associated with pain or discomfort. Strive to be someone who can ease their concerns by genuinely showing care and understanding. A friendly, warm greeting, a caring smile, or even asking about their day can help patients feel valued and comfortable.

Transparency is another fundamental pillar of trust. Be open and honest with your patients about their oral health status. If a dental treatment is needed, explain why it's necessary and how it will help them in the long run. Don't gloss over potential discomfort or side effects; instead, ensure they understand the complete picture so there are no unpleasant surprises.  

By fostering a strong foundation of trust, your patients will feel more comfortable and be more open to accepting the necessary treatments. After all, people are more likely to say 'yes' to treatment from a dentist they trust and feel comfortable with. It's not just about maintaining their oral health, it's about building relationships that last a lifetime.

2. Position Yourself as an Expert

Speaking of trust, one surefire way to establish it is by positioning yourself as an expert. It demonstrates your professional credibility, making it easier for potential and current patients to choose you over other dental practices.  

So, how can you leverage your expertise to increase case acceptance? Share your knowledge! Publish blog posts on your website on various dental topics, ranging from common dental issues and treatments to new technologies and advances in the field.  

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter also make great tools to set yourself as an authority. Posting bite-sized information, dental hygiene tips, infographics, or even debunking dental myths can not only engage your audience, but also reinforce your expertise.

Be sure to use easy-to-understand language so your content is accessible to everyone, not just those with a background in dentistry.

3. Use Patient Testimonials

Real stories from real people can be incredibly powerful. Patient testimonials serve as a source of inspiration. By sharing these stories of transformation and satisfaction, you're not just showcasing your skills; you're fostering a sense of connection and relatability.

A before-and-after account of a complex dental restoration, for instance, can offer hope to someone struggling with a similar issue. They see tangible evidence of improvement and this reassurance can be a powerful motivator for accepting dental treatment.

One strategy is to feature testimonials prominently on your website, perhaps dedicating a whole section to them. Include a variety of cases, showing different treatments you offer. Use quotes, stories, photos, or even video testimonials if your patients are comfortable with that. Remember, authenticity is key.

You can also share testimonials on your social media platforms, integrating them into your regular content. A testimonial shared as a story or a post can reach a broad audience and boost engagement.

Don't forget about the power of reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. Encourage your satisfied patients to leave an online review. Potential patients often check these reviews when considering a new dentist and positive feedback can significantly influence their decision.

4. Harness the Power of Email Marketing

In this day and age, email marketing is still a thing – and a powerful one at that! The secret lies in its directness, personalization, and versatility. For dental practices, it can be a valuable asset in boosting case acceptance rates.

It's all about education and anticipation. By educating your patients about different treatments, you're equipping them with the knowledge to understand their oral health better and the significance of preventive and corrective treatments. When they understand the 'why' behind your recommendations, they're more likely to say 'yes' to treatment.

Tailoring emails to specific patient segments can greatly increase their effectiveness. For patients who are due for check-ups, you can send targeted emails addressing their particular situation. A friendly reminder about the importance of regular check-ups, or an email that provides additional information about a proposed treatment plan, can nudge patients towards acceptance.

5. Run Retargeting Ads

Retargeting ads can serve as gentle reminders to patients who have been proposed a treatment plan but are still on the fence. And yes, they can no doubt increase treatment acceptance.  

First, retargeting ads increase brand visibility and recall. The more often prospective patients see your practice's name and the proposed treatments, the more familiar and top-of-mind they become. This familiarity can significantly boost their comfort level with the dental treatment and, ultimately, their likelihood of accepting it.

Second, these ads can specifically highlight the treatments that a patient has been proposed but not yet accepted. By showcasing the benefits, success stories, or even addressing common concerns about these treatments, the ads can provide that additional push towards acceptance.

For example, if a patient has been proposed a dental implant treatment, retargeting ads focusing on the advantages of implants, patient testimonials, or informative content debunking implant myths can encourage the patient to go ahead with the treatment.

6. Offer Flexible Payment Options

Cost is often a significant deterrent for patients when it comes to dental treatments. If a patient believes they can't afford a procedure, they're likely to decline it.  

Offering flexible payment options, discounts for upfront payments, or financing plans can make treatments more affordable for patients. Also, see to it that your team is well-versed in dental insurance policies to help patients understand what's covered and what isn't.

7. Don’t Forget to Follow-Up

Good communication is at the heart of any successful dental practice. However, communication doesn't end when the patient walks out of your office; in fact, that's often where some of the most crucial communication begins.  

In the hours and days following a treatment proposal, patients may find themselves pondering over the information you've discussed. They may have further questions or concerns that didn't occur to them during the appointment, or they may simply need reassurance or clarification about the dental treatment. This is where follow-up communication steps in.

A timely follow-up call or email shows your patient that you genuinely care about their health and wellbeing. It reinforces the idea that they're not just a number on a patient roster, but a valued individual whose concerns matter. This personal touch can have a profound impact on how a patient perceives your practice, and by extension, the treatment plans you propose.

Double (or Triple) Your Dental Acceptance Rate with DR!

Stepping up your dental practice's case acceptance rate isn't just about having cutting-edge technology or top-notch dental skills – it's about creating an environment of trust, knowledge, and reassurance. It's about building connections with your patients and showing them you genuinely care. It's about effectively communicating the value of your proposed treatments.

And, you know what? These are all things that can be amplified with a solid digital marketing strategy. From building a strong online presence to leveraging email marketing, retargeting ads, and follow-up communications, all of these strategies can be optimized with the help of a professional digital marketing agency like Digital Resource.

Our team will tailor a marketing plan that resonates with your target audience, enhances your online visibility, and ultimately, drives patient engagement and case acceptance. Let them focus on the marketing, so you can focus on what you do best: providing excellent dental care.

Remember, the health of your patients and the success of your practice are intertwined. Let's work together to make a significant, positive difference in both. Contact us today to get started!