The healthcare industry is one that can get particularly competitive and that includes dentistry. While everyone needs the services of a dentist, there may be multiple options near them, so how do you ensure that you’re able to both catch their attention and then keep them coming back? Here are a few tips to optimize both your leads and your retention rates.

Keep an Open-Door Policy

We’re talking literally, here. Don’t lock your patients out at any time that you are in-office hours. If your team is busy with a huddle or the rooms are being cleaned, you can simply ask your patients to be patient and wait until you’re ready to help them. Locking them out of the office is just confusing a rude.

Don’t Underestimate a Good Marketing Campaign

Marketing and outreach are vital to the success of any practice. You need people to notice the fact that your business exists, that it is near them, provides the service they need and is convenient and affordable. Most dentists do are not marketers, however. A such, if you need to see a boost in your new patient numbers, it may be worth considering outsourcing your marketing to a professional who can help you put together a campaign that you later manage yourself.

Be Their Go-To-Source for Info

One of the biggest benefits that a dentist has to market their business is their ability to show their expertise, which convinces patients that you know what you’re talking about. The easiest way to do that is to start a blog, with some inspiration from teams like Dominate Dental. However, blog posts aren’t the only way to provide information and to answer questions. You can just as easily do it on social media, opening it up as a general support channel, not just a place for posting your office hours.

Give Them the Warm Welcome They Deserve

The environment that you work in matters a lot. It doesn’t only matter to your team, either, it matters to your patients. A space that looks clean, professional and purpose-built is going to make them feel more at ease. A Medifit Design and Construct service can help you find the right look for your practice. This might change depending on what services you offer and to whom, as a general practice might need a different vibe from, say, a family dentist that specializes in child dentistry.

Stay in Touch

If you want to keep them coming back, it’s important to remember your patients and to remind them of what you can do for them. Calling them up with appointment reminders is all well and good. However, tools like MailChimp can help you send out emails to your patient list if, for instance, you have a specific deal available or you have a new service to promote.

Of course, all of the above has to be supported by great dentistry. Good bedside manner, honest service, and the kind of care expected from a dentist should all go without saying. Without it, you will have a hard time convincing patients to come back.