The dental industry in the United States is massive and highly competitive. Thousands of dentists compete for patients, and the market is worth billions of dollars. There are currently about 191,000 dental clinics in the country, poised to grow. There are two reasons for the competition. The first is the rise of franchising, and the second is the growth of the dental profession.
Competition in Dentistry
As the dental industry has become more competitive, many dentists have turned to franchises to gain a competitive edge. Franchising allows dentists to pool their resources and purchase dental practices together. This gives them the buying power to negotiate better prices with suppliers and insurers. It also allows them to share marketing expenses and expand their reach.
The growth of the dental profession is another reason for the increased competition. In recent years, the number of dental schools has increased dramatically. As a result, more dentists are entering the workforce each year. This increase in supply has driven down prices and made it difficult for dentists to make a living.
However, the competition in the dental industry is good for consumers. It drives down prices and gives patients more choices. As a dentist, you need to be aware of the competition and find ways to stand out from the crowd.
Here are five ways to drive more patients to your dental clinic.
Offer New Services
One of the best ways to stand out from the competition is to offer new services. Patients are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve their smiles. So you can attract new patients and keep existing ones coming back by offering new services.
One of the best services you can offer is orthodontic appliances, specifically, invisible braces. Invisalign braces are becoming more popular among the younger generation. Patients are looking for dentists who provide this service as more crooked teeth are fixed with this kind of braces. Having this service can increase your patient numbers especially from the younger generation.
You can also attract new patients by offering other orthodontic services such as dental implants and veneers. These services are in high demand and can give your dental practice a competitive edge.
The cosmetic dental industry is also growing. Offering services such as veneers, teeth whitening, and implants can help you attract new patients.
Invest in Marketing
Another way to drive more patients to your dental clinic is to invest in marketing. There are many different marketing strategies you can use to reach potential patients. The key is to find the right mix of techniques that work for your dental practice.
One of the most effective marketing strategies is online marketing. You can reach many potential patients with a well-executed online marketing campaign. You can use search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure your website appears at the top of the search results when people are looking for a dentist.
You can also use social media to reach potential patients. Creating a strong social media presence will help you build trust with potential patients and show them that you’re an expert in your field.
It’s also important to invest in traditional marketing methods such as print ads, radio ads, and TV commercials. These methods can be expensive, but they’re still effective in reaching potential patients.
Offer Discounts and Incentives
A great way to drive more patients to your dental clinic is to offer discounts and incentives. Patients are always looking for ways to save money on dental care. You can attract new patients by providing discounts on services such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, and dental implants.
You can also offer incentives such as free consultations or complimentary teeth cleaning. These offers will help you stand out from the competition and give potential patients a reason to visit your dental clinic.
Make Your Clinic Convenient
Another way to drive more patients to your dental clinic is to make it convenient for them. Many patients choose a dentist based on location. You can attract new patients by making your clinic easy to get to.
You can also make your clinic more convenient by offering extended hours and weekend appointments. This will allow patients to come in for appointments before or after work or school.
You can also make your clinic more convenient by offering various payment options. It will allow patients to pay for their dental care in a way that is convenient for them.
Focus on Customer Service
Focusing on customer service is the final way to drive more patients to your dental clinic. Patients want to be treated with respect and kindness. They also want to feel like they’re being taken care of. You can attract new patients by ensuring your staff is friendly and helpful.
You can also keep existing patients coming back by providing excellent customer service. This includes following up after appointments, returning phone calls promptly, and being available when patients need you.
Driving new patients into your practice shouldn’t have to be complicated. You can use these five tips to attract more patients to your dental clinic. In addition, you can build a successful dental practice by focusing on patient needs and providing outstanding customer service.