Dedicated to helping doctors and their team have an office that is not only highly productive and fun but one that allows them to consistently exceed patient expectations.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, what do you have planned to help educate families in your community about the need for better dental health?
Even with the changes and limitations that the pandemic has brought upon us, there are still wonderful opportunities to enjoy the privilege of safely helping the children in your respective communities to smile happier and healthier.
Be sure to see Pediatric Dental Marketing Ideas for how to Consistently Exceed Parent & Patient Expectations and Consistently Be Great! Visit here: Pediatric Dental Marketing Ideas
Here are a few tips and ideasfor February’s Children’s Dental Health Month
Dental Education Via Social Media Platforms – Take advantage of your office social media platforms and website to share a variety of fun and educational posts and short videos related to children’s dental health. This is so easy, and free!
Content Ideas for Posts and Videos:
Healthy Lunch/Snack Ideas
How much sugar is in your drink or favorite snacks?
What to do in a Dental Emergency?
Ortho Care While at School
Dental Hygiene with Braces
Daily Toothbrushing Chart
Dental Health Tips (Importance of sealants, fluoride, mouthguards, regular dental visits.)
What kind of toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse is best?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tongue-Tie – What is it and how is it treated?
More Content Ideas – If you’re looking for Dental Health Month activities, crafts, printables, etc. please see my Pinterest board: Children’s Dental Health Month Ideas
School Dental Health Presentations – Typically, during Dental Health Month visits are made to the schools by dental office teams or children visit the office for an in-office field trip. If the Pandemic prevents you from visiting the schools or from them visiting your office, what about offering them a Zoom field trip?
Give Kids a Smile Day – Here are some ideas and tips to help you host a successful Give Kids a Smile Day in your office.
The ADA website has an excellent Give Kids A Smile Toolbox https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/give-kids-a-smile It’s loaded with information such as Planning, Promotion, Forms, etc. As well, they provide guidance for hosting GKAS during the Pandemic.
Advertising/Marketing your Event – Here are just a few ways to do this:
Social Media Pages ~ Make good use of all your social media platforms to share information about GKAS day with posts and videos.
TV News ~ Fax & Email a press release.
Fliers ~ Create fliers for in-office use and to give out to those in your community.
It’s a fun day – exhausting yes, and a little heartbreaking but it feels good to volunteer your time and donate your services to help so many children in the community.
Special Offers during February – Consider having special pricing or promotions on Sealants, Ortho, Fluoride, Mouthguards, etc.
If you enjoy the ideas that I share or if they’ve been of help to you and your practice – I would love and truly appreciate for you to please leave a review/recommendation for me here on GOOGLE and/or FACEBOOK.Thank you!!!
Don’t miss out on any of the ideas that I share each month! Are you receiving my complimentary Practice Management and Marketing Ideas in your email inbox each month? If not, please start following us today. If you prefer, send me your email address at bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation to follow my blog.
The back-to-school season is upon us. While we typically reach out to the schools during February’s Dental Health now is a great time to start building relationships with school staff & the families that attend these schools.
Here are just a feweasy, inexpensive & effective ways for your dental office to reach out to your local schools.
Community Involvement – Use your office as a community donation site for school supplies or new & gently used books to be donated to local children and/or schools in need. Advertise in office, on your social media pages, to local businesses, and the news media via press release that your office is collecting donations for school supplies or books.
This is a GREAT way to bring in potential new patients… when folks come into the office to drop off their donations, be sure to warmly welcome them, give a brief tour of the office, hand out small thank you gifts that are imprinted with your office information or have a raffle they can enter to win a prize.
Social Media Platforms – Share school-related and dental health content toyour social media pages, such as:
Gifts for School Staff – Choose one, two, or more schools (depending on the size of the teaching staff) and deliver some treats to show your appreciation for the work they do in caring for the children in your community. Some ideas: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Toothbrush goodie bags, Lip balm, send over a coffee or ice cream truck, etc. Be sure that your office information is clearly imprinted on any toothbrushes or small gifts. See my Pinterest boards for gift ideas…
and/or
Host a Favorite Teacher Contest – Invite local students to nominate their favorite teacher. The winning teacher gets FREE teeth whitening and a certificate stating they won for the favorite teacher contest. The classroom with the winning teacher gets a gift card for school supplies or pizza/ice cream lunch.
You could easily ask for donations from local businesses to add to the winning teacher’s prize or for the classroom.
This can be promoted via your office website, newsletters, postcards, emails, office social media sites, local newspapers, and signs in your office.
Have fun with it and be sure to share lots of pictures on your social media pages.
Give-Away – Or have a school-themed gift that you’ll raffle off. Promote via your social media sites. Allow for your current patients and potential patients to TAG their favorite teacher in the post for a chance to win the gift. Encourage them to share the post on their pages.
Book Fairs – Many schools will be hosting book fairs this school year. These fairs typically bring in many families.
Create fun, interesting Bookmarks for your local schools that include your office contact information. Deliver these bookmarks as a gift to the local schools to use during their book fairs. Easy! Right?
Tooth bags – Make up little bags or boxes with a “congratulations on your lost tooth” message from your office with space to write the child’s name. Deliver these to local elementary schools for them to keep on hand for when a student loses a tooth during the school day. Both of my kids have come home with a tooth wrapped in a napkin or in a plain Ziplock bag. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to advertise your office?
I have witnessed firsthand just how effective marketing to local schools can be. The opportunity to bring in many new patient families to your practice is huge.
Please feel free to share with me your ideas for marketing to local schools or if you have any dental marketing questions that I can help you answer, I am here for you.
If you enjoy the complimentary ideas that I share each month, I would love and truly appreciate for you to please leave a review/recommendation on GOOGLE and/or FACEBOOK
Have you signed up to receive my complimentary dental marketing and practice management ideas that are sent right to your email inbox each month? If not, take a second and sign up. Or send me your email address to bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com and I will send you an invite to follow. This way, you won’t miss a single idea!
How are things looking for you and your goals for 2021? What are your plans to exceed your patients expectations, engage with the commnity, and have more fun as a team during your second quarter?
Even if your schedule is full and you’re really busy you want to continue to plant your marketing (growth) seeds. Everything that you do, everything that the patient (and potential patient) sees, hears & feels is a form of marketing. Everything you do or don’t do, matters. Your marketing (growth) seeds help you to consistently deliver excellent experiences for your patients and get them talking about you.
Doctors, if you would like to grow and improve your dental practice and have wondered what it might be like to work with me and what coaching is all about… please feel free to reach out to me to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation coaching call at bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com.
Dental Marketing Tips and Ideas for May 2021
May is National Smile Month & Save Your Tooth Month
Theme Idea: “We Always Go The Extra Smile” or “Save your Smiles”
Goals: Bring in New Patients, Engage with the Community, Increase Production & Exceed Patients Expectations – Oh, and to smile more by having more fun!
Contest/Raffle – Family Fun & Wellness Gift Basket (Tote/Cooler) – Fill with Lawn games, BBQ supplies, Sunscreen, Citronella candles, Toothbrushes, Paper products, Chalk, etc.
Patients earn entries for Facebook recommendations, Google reviews, and for Referring New Patients.
Videos – Share videos on Instagram, Facebook, and Google about what you’re doing to help your patients and community smile healthier, happier, and more beautifully.
Fun Patient Give-Away/Gift of Appreciation Idea: World Bee Day: 20th – Give away little jars of honey with a gift tag that says “Thanks for Bee-ing Our Patient”.
Educational Idea: National Root Canal Appreciation Week: 2nd-8th – Root Canals Save Smiles. Share the benefits of root canal therapy.
Community Involvement Ideas: This month makes it very easy to build relationships with some of the local businesses. Specifically, your Nurses, Police Officers, and Teachers.
During the month of May you have:
Teacher Appreciation Week: 3-7
National Nurses Day and Week: 6-12
National Police Week: 9-15
Stay tuned because I will be sharing more ideas for how you can celebrate and show your appreciation for the teachers, nurses, and police officers in your community.
Social Media Post Content Ideas to Improve Engagement during the month of May2021
If you don’t regularly share fresh content to your social media platforms I encourage you to start today. It is so important to stay connected with your patients (and the community) via your social media platforms and Google My Business. Don’t overthink it. Have fun with it. In addition to posts and pictures, create some brief videos to share as well. SEE: Dental Office Social Media Help
National Golf Day: 4th (Our Patients are TEE-Riffic!”)
National Piercing Day: 16th (Share risks of oral piercings)
National Senior Health & Fitness Day: 26
World No-Tobacco Day: 31
Let me know what you plan to implement in your practice during the month of May – I love hearing about your plans and ideas.
Friends, Do you know how many of your active patients have a future appointment and how many do not? Do you know how many new patients you are welcoming into the practice AND how many patients you’re losing each month? To help you get that data quickly, like within minutes – if your PMS is either Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental you can request a complimentary, no-obligation practice data snapshot here: Game-Changing Awareness from Dental Intelligence – Within minutes we’ll identify your practice’s strengths and uncover hidden opportunities. I am happy to assist you with this at no charge and with absolutely no obligation to do anything further with me.
Would you kindly do something for me, please? If you appreciated these complimentary ideas I would love for you to please leave me a review/recommendation here on GOOGLE and/or FACEBOOK. Thank you!
Don’t miss out on any of the ideas that I share each month! Are you receiving my complimentary Practice Management and Marketing Ideas in your email each month? If not, please start following us today. If you prefer, send me your email address to bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation to follow my blog.
Are you looking to improve and grow your pediatric dental office? If yes, then I am sure you will appreciate the dental marketing and practice management tips and ideas that I am sharing with you today.
Certainly, this year has brought about many changes to our world; forcing us to also make changes and edits to our daily systems and protocols within our dental practices and how we engage with potential patients in our communities
Even with these changes there are still wonderful opportunities to enjoy the privilege of helping the children in your respective communities to smile happier and healthier. Resulting in happier, more productive, and less-stressed teams.
Gather your team and discuss your goals and vision for the new year. Plan now to make 2021 a great year.
Please, keep in mind that the way to mom and dads’ heart is to treat their children well. The way to keep mom and dad loyal to your office is to treat their children exceptionally well. Why? Happy Kids = Happy Parents. As a mother of two children, I know this to be true.
Here are some Pediatric Dental Marketing and Practice Management Tips and Ideas.
Practice Management
Please note: –With the COVID safety guidelines and current restrictions some of these tips may not be possible for all offices at this time but you can hold on to them for future use. It’s important to take care to remember that even with our office safety guidelines and precautions we want to ensure that we don’t compromise the need to still deliver warm, friendly, and memorable dental visit experiences for our patients and their families.
Reception Room
CLEAN/Well-maintained
Up-To-Date Décor
Video Games – Stationary or handheld devices
Books – Lending library bookshelf.
TV (children’s movies and short dental education videos)
Pictures – Wall of fame, digital photo frame or photo album filled with pictures of your patients.
Photo “booth” area with backdrop and photo props.
Tablet/Cell Phone charging station for parents.
Bottled water (beverage & snack station for parents.)
New Patient Experience –
INTRODUCE yourselves (Front office team, doctor/hygienist, and assistants.) to the parent(s) and the child.
Give a tour of the office. Point out where the restroom is located.
Explain what they can expect during their visit
Free stuff – children love to pick out a prize after their visit.
Sign them up for your kids’ club/team.
Send them a welcome card after their first visit. Kids love to get mail!
Okay, time for a personal experience… I took my children to a new dentist. The hygienists’ took my children back for their cleaning appointments without introducing themselves to me or the kids first. Also, I was never invited back to meet the doctor before, during, or after his examination. Yes, I could have insisted on an introduction but seriously? common courtesy here, how difficult is a simple introduction? This was a turn off for me. I can’t be alone here – I suspect most parents and children for that matter would appreciate a greeting and introduction.
Kids Club/Team – I’m not a fan of “no cavity” clubs because I like to see all children have the opportunity to be part of the office kids club/team and sometimes, a child’s unfortunate cavity is the fault of the parent. Have a club/team that is just for fun and that rewards healthy habits, report cards, community involvement, etc. Take a picture of each child to hang on your wall of fame or in a digital photo frame or picture album, as well as for your website, newsletter and/or social media sites. Present the child with a certificate/wristband/t-shirt when they sign up for your kids’ club. Have monthly contests/drawings that the children can enter to win prizes.
Give-Aways – Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss/floss threaders, Toys, Puzzles, Kites, Books, Gift Cards, Bubbles, Stickers, Balloons, Kites, Small Stuffed Animals, Glow items, etc. Children love to leave the office with a small treasure.
Reviews/Recommendations – Ask for reviews and recommendations on Google and Facebook. Parents appreciate hearing from other parents about their experiences with your office. Most often, it is as simple as asking mom or dad if they would please take a minute to leave a review/recommendation.
Referrals – Acknowledge all referrals with a thank you card/letter signed by the dental team. Consider offering thank you gifts/raffle items. Prize ideas: Gift Cards, Family get-away, Gift Baskets, Etc. See Gift Ideas – Pinterest Board
Answer Your Phone –
Sure, you know that the office phone should be answered within the first couple of rings by an unhurried, friendly scheduling coordinator whose goal is to schedule an appointment and wow the caller with excellent customer service but if you want to see greater results from your marketing efforts, then you must be certain that your office phone is answered during times when patients are calling. Invest in your entire teamby providing training on how to effectively answer the phone.
Missed and poorly handled calls are missed opportunities and those missed opportunities mean missed dollars…big dollars!
Distractions/Safety – TV’s in the treatment rooms, Ceiling Tile Scenery, Sunglasses, Weighted Blanket, Etc. Make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for every child.
Post-Op Calls – Each evening place a “just wanted to see how well you’re doing call” to any patient that had an extraction or maybe was nervous or had a rough time during their visit.
Treatment Recommendations/Acceptance – Make it easy for mom or dad to say yes to your treatment recommendations. Have effective financial options in place. For convenience, offer more same-day treatment. For example, if you’re recommending sealants at the hygiene visit, if possible, do them at that time. This is coming from a busy mom, convenience matters!
Hygiene Continuing Care – Schedule their next hygiene appt. while they’re in the office. Be certain that your hygiene continuing care reports are being monitored and calls are going out to schedule appts.
Do you know how many of your active patients have a future appointment and how many do not? To help you get that data quickly, like within minutes – if your PMS is either Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental you can request a complimentary, no-obligation practice data snapshot here: Game-Changing Awareness from Dental Intelligence – Within minutes we’ll identify your practice’s strengths and uncover hidden opportunities. I am happy to assist you with this at no charge and with absolutely no obligation to do anything further with me. Or just shoot me a message at bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com and let me know you would like a complimentary snapshot.
Are you enjoying these tips and ideas so far? I would love and truly appreciate for you to please leave a review/recommendation for me on GOOGLE and/or FACEBOOK.
Here are a few Marketing Tips & Ideas
Website – Have an attractive, informative, and up-to-date Website.
Social Media – Utilize social media platforms to keep your current patients up to date with all your office happenings, to build relationships with local businesses, and to connect with potential patients. Be sure to connect with community mom groups and all kid-related businesses on your social media platforms. (See this Pinterest Board for a plethora of posting images/ideas.)
Facebook/Instagram Videos – Share (live) videos about brushing & flossing techniques, what to do in a dental emergency, why baby teeth are important, what age should a child first visit the dentist, how much sugar is in your favorite drink/cereal/snack, healthy snack ideas and so on.
Online Presence (Website & Social Media) – Become the dental expert in your community. Post articles, videos, and pictures on your website, Google My Business, and social media platforms about different dental treatments/products, tongue-ties, sports safety, nutrition tips, what to do in a dental emergency, etc.
Patient Gifts/Give-Aways’ – Here are a few additional gift ideas for your patients and potential patients. Of course, you’ll want to personalize these gifts with your office name and information.
Chromebook Covers
Hand Sanitizer
Masks
Fun Dress Up/Theme Days –
What: Decorate the office, team dresses up, small prize giveaways, and snacks.
Theme Ideas: Luau, Superhero, Disney, Western, Carnival, Sports teams, Pajama Day, Silly hats/hair/socks, Etc. (visit party & dollar stores or orientaltrading.com for a ton of theme ideas)
Be sure to take lots of photos/video that can be shared to your social media platforms.
Children’s Dental Health Month –
In-Office –
Education – During the month of February (and all the other months too) share dental health tips with your patients when they come in for their appt, in reactivation/reappointment campaigns, and via your social media platforms.
Outside the office –( If appropriate in your community during the COVID pandemic safety restrictions…)
What: On-site Short Dental Education Presentations/Demonstrations and Toothbrush gift bags for the kids and teachers/parents.
Where: Schools, Daycares, Library, Mom groups, etc.
Community Engagement (Visit Local Businesses) –
Where: Pediatricians, Dental Offices, Children’s stores, Dance studios, Salons, Etc.
What: Introductions, Referral pads/business cards, Small Gifts and/or food/snacks. TIP: When visiting general dentist and pediatrician offices, always treat their reception team wonderfully… if your goal is to meet the doctors and get patient referrals, you want/need the “gatekeepers” to like you. 😉
Consider sending a food/drink/ice cream truck to local offices/businesses.
Back-To-School Seasons/School Breaks – Set aside some back-to-school and/or breaks from school special dental days on your schedule. Special pricing or promotions on Sealants, Ortho, Fluoride, Mouthguards, etc. Consider doing a drawing for a Backpack filled with school supplies. Contest: nominate your favorite teacher (use social media sites to promote), prize ideas for winning teacher: Breakfast/Lunch at the school, free teeth whitening, or team up with local businesses for prize donations.
Book Drive – Collect new or gently used books to donate to your local library or schools. Promote via social media sites, local newspapers, in-office fliers, on continuing care postcards and to your current patients.
Sponsor Local Sport Teams –Free or reduced pricing on sport mouthguards for local sports teams.
Referral Tracking – keep track of your events, the businesses you visit, all fulfilled requests for donations, etc. Put specific referral source codes into your software system, this way, when you ask “How did you hear about us?” you have the correct referral code to enter in and you’ll be able to acknowledge that source with a thank you as well as know what marketing is working to bring in new patients.
Are you ready for the #1 Way to Grow your Pediatric Office?
Consistently Exceed Parent & Patient Expectations by Consistently Being Great! Give your patients something positive to talk about to their neighbors, workmates, friends, and family members. Make it easy for them to refer patients to you.
I know this is a lot of information but if you’re serious about wanting to grow your practice, then it’s worth it to take the time to implement some or all of the ideas that I have shared with you today. Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to do this on your own, I’m here to help.
Doctors, if you’re struggling to reach your practice goals – feel free to contact me for a complimentary, no-obligation 30-minute telephone consultation at bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com to see if a coaching relationship is right for you.
Are you receiving my complimentary Dental Practice Management and Marketing Ideas in your email inbox each month? If not, please follow today or send me (bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com) your email address and I will send you an invitation to follow. This way, you won’t miss a single idea. Feel free to tell your dental friends all about this website so they can start benefiting from these dental ideas too.
I would love and truly appreciate for you to please leave a review/recommendation for me on GOOGLE and/or FACEBOOK.
