9 Proven Ways to Keep Your Dental Office Busy

Insights from Dr. Brett Wells, Angie Coffey, and Ryan Vet

In recent months, many dental practices have experienced a noticeable slowdown in patient bookings. Between economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and increased cancellations, keeping your dental office busy and the dental chair filled has become a growing challenge for dentists everywhere. If your practice is facing similar concerns, you’re not alone. 

To help dental professionals navigate these challenges, DentalHQ recently hosted a powerful webinar titled “9 Ways to Keep Your Office Busy”, featuring insights from Dr. Brett Wells, Angie Coffey, and Ryan Vet. These three dental industry leaders shared practical, actionable strategies to not only fill schedules but to build a thriving, resilient practice. 

Want to get ALL the tips, tricks and good stuff? Watch the webinar replay!

Here’s a sneak peek at what was covered:

1. Expand Your Practice by Integrating New Services

One of the key things Dr. Wells recommends to add high-demand dental services to your offerings. Whether its dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, or sleep medicine, expanding your capabilities can dramatically boost patient numbers and revenue. Angie Coffey added how her practice leverages in-house technology – like 3D printers and scanners – to keep patients engaged and services streamlined. 

2. Discounts and Promotions – Strategically Used

While discounts in dentistry can be controversial, strategic promotions, especially around the year-end insurance benefit deadlines, have proven highly effective. Product-based discounts also provide benefits, and don’t compromise treatment fees.

Don’t forget the psychology behind promotions – particularly scarcity and loss aversion – which resonates strongly with today’s dental customers, especially Millennials and Gen Z. 

3. Elevate the Patient Experience

Patient loyalty hinges on a positive experience. Don’t forget the value of creating unforgettable patient interactions, from personalized greetings and birthday surprises to monthly walkthroughs from a patient’s perspective. Regularly review patient feedback with your team, turning even small moments into opportunities for improvement. 

4. Tighten Confirmation and Reminder Protocols

Reducing cancellations and no-shows requires robust confirmation systems. You can use multi-step reminders via text, email, and phone calls, reinforcing appointments as personalized reservations rather than mere bookings. Don’t forget the importance of personalized scheduling from hygienists, enhancing patient accountability and reducing missed appointments. 

5. Reactivation Campaigns That Work

Your inactive patient database can be a goldmine for practice growth. Leverage both traditional methods like personal phone calls and innovative AI-driven personalized video messages. These methods have proven effective at converting inactive patients back into regular visitors. 

6. Offer Flexible Financial Options

Economic pressures have left many patients financially stretched, often declining needed dental care. Clearly communicate multiple payment options – including monthly payments, third-party financing, and in-house plans. These options can boost treatment acceptance for cases like orthodontics and implants. 

7. Demonstrate Value Through Technology

Modern dental technology doesn’t just improve diagnostics – it dramatically enhances patient understanding and acceptance of treatments. You can highlight intraoral scanners, CBCTs, and AI-powered dianostics (such as Pearl) to visually demonstrate treatment needs. When patients see problems clearly, they’re more likely to prioritze necessary procedures. 

8. Harness Social Proof and Community Marketing

Patient testimonials, online reviews, and community engagement remain powerful, underused marketing tools. Community visibility is important – sponsor local events, schools, sports teams, and health fairs. Become the “go-to” dentist in your area. Community goodwill equals consistent growth!

9. Dental Membership Plans: A Win-Win for Practices and Patients

Membership plans can be the cornerstone of patient retention, particulary in challenging economic times. Membership plan patients visit more frequently, accept more treatment, and generate higher revenues. Membership plans effectively replace difficult insurance relationships, becoming invaluable to practice stability. 

Membership plans build practice value by building loyalty and transforming patients into ambassadors for your practice – echoing successful loyalty programs from leading programs like Starbucks and major airlines.

Don’t miss out on all of these tips and more, watch the replay of “9 Ways to Keep Your Office Busy,” today! Equip your practice for success, stabilize your schedule, and ensure your dental chairs remain filled – even in challenging times.