Tips to connect with dental patients and have a good bedside manner
The key to connecting with dental patients and having a good bedside manner is to remember the golden rule.
And that is to treat others like you would want to be treated. We want to remember this as dental providers for patients in the dental office.
6 tips to help us better connect with patients
What are some tips to help us achieve this goal?
1.Communicate effectively
Clear communication is a key for building rapport with the patients. Some strategies for better communication would be to use simple, patient – friendly language, avoid technical dental terms that the patient wouldn’t understand, and explain procedures and treatments thoroughly.
This way there’s no question that the patient can understand what needs to be done.
Ask a lot of open-ended questions that would help encourage the patient to share their concerns.
Practice active listening to give your patients your full attention and repeat back patient concerns to show that you understand.
2. Show empathy and compassion
Demonstrating empathy helps the patients feel more comfortable and helps to build trust.
Want to acknowledge the fears and anxieties that patients have about dental procedures?
Use a warm, friendly tone of voice, make eye contact, use open body language, and take time to listen without rushing the patients.
3.Build personal connections
Getting to know patients as individuals helps strengthen the relationship.
Greet patients by their name, ask about their lives, hobbies, and families.
Remember personal details and follow up on previous conversations. It can also be a good idea to sometimes send personalized follow up messages after appointments.
4.Create a welcoming environment
The overall patient experience impacts how comfortable a patient feels. Make sure the waiting area is comfortable.
Have amenities there like beverages, and wi-fi. Keep patients informed about wait times and have a warm, friendly front desk staff.
5.Respect patient's time and preferences
Showing considerations for patients’ needs builds goodwill by being punctual for appointments.
Offer convenient scheduling options, discuss treatment options, and respect the patient’s choices. Also be transparent about costs and payment options.
6. Follow up after appointments
Continued care demonstrates ongoing commitment to patients.
Make personal follow-up calls to check on recovery, and send thank you notes to new patients. Ask for feedback to show you value patient opinions.
By implementing these strategies on a consistent basis, the dental office can grow stronger
connections with patients and make sure they feel truly cared for about their dental experience.
The key is to focus on the patient as the individual and then prioritize their comfort and concerns.