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Want to grow your dental practice? Talk with any dental practice growth consultant and they’ll strongly emphasize the lasting value of creating a truly remarkable patient experience. That effort becomes your professional image and what patients ultimately remember.

The dental patient experience has a direct impact on their compliance to schedule 6-month dental checkups, retention, referrals and their enthusiasm to post amazing online reviews! Increased patient participation in any or several of these areas will definitely quicken the stride toward dental practice growth.

So what specific steps can you take to give your dental patients the memorable send-off feeling of their dreams? A part of the answer might reside in what German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, a pioneer in the study of memory, coined as the “Recency Effect.”  Dr. Ebbinghaus observed when his study subjects were asked to recall a list of items in any order he noted, “People tend to begin recall with the end of the list, recalling those items best.”

Holding to the idea of the “Recency Effect,” a dental practice owner might want to place greater, more deliberate consideration on the patient experience during and toward the end of the dental visit.

A few ways to demonstrate excellence in the latter part of the dental visit might be:

1. Memorable Comfort: Consider the “Wow!” factor of offering each dental patient a premium MediPosture memory foam neck pillow. There is no denying that such cushions offer enhanced neck support and comfort over factory chair configurations. At the conclusion of a dental visit, patients who’ve experienced the cushion, tend to feel more refreshed and less strained. As a hidden benefit, these cushions help increase the tolerance patients have to being reclined. Therefore, ergonomic work angles are often improved for the dental operator.
2. Loyalty Builders: Don’t underestimate the lasting value of investing in dental-specific patient giveaways that help support the message of dental health. Choosing products such as toothbrushes, dental floss or complete dental care kits will be a sure way to promote good oral hygiene habits. Your dental practice will further benefit with custom imprinting. Quantum Labs is the original designer of the dental Toothcase Supply Bag, which can be configured as a kit to include a toothbrush, toothpaste and brushing timer – electric toothbrush replacement heads are available too!
3. Digital “Nitrous”: Visit the OperaDDS VR (virtual reality) website if you wish to deliver a “Far-Out” experience that is sure to be remembered by dental patients. Designed by Dr. Bryan Laskin, these virtual reality headsets offer patients a variety of incredible virtual-reality experiences with scenarios of their choosing. According to Opera VR, the headset’s effectiveness in relieving patient anxiety has been documented to be as effective as using nitrous oxide.

Leverage the science behind the “Recency Effect” to make your practice’s unique patient experience and last impression, a positive lasting impression. Trying one of these suggestions during dental visits should create greater patient enthusiasm and long-term participation – and remember the old saying, “You’re only as good as your last performance.”

Dental care items given to patients to take home after the patient visit promote good hygiene. Many of these items are available with imprinting such as toothbrushes, floss and the supply bag they take them home in.  With imprinted products that receive daily use, you’ll be reminding clients of your name regularly. Increase your practice’s exposure with items like personalized toothbrushes and supply bags, while also providing people with a product that they’ll actually use. So, how can personalized toothbrushes, supply bags or other items help grow your practice?

Better than Business Cards

The days of business cards are not quite gone, but the main issue we have these days is that there are simply too many business cards. Where do you keep the business cards you are handed? In your wallet or in a pile on your desk? When was the last time you looked through them? Been a while hasn’t it? That’s why promotional items like custom toothbrushes or supply bags are the PERFECT replacement. By putting your practice’s name and logo on them (and even contact information), you are reaching out to current and potential future clients in a new and unique way, instead of just stuffing yet another business card in their wallet or purse. Some reusable supply bags even have a business card pocket that can be used for appointment reminder cards or information on referral bonuses.

Create Better Exposure and Recognition

When you pass out gifts that are going to be used, it allows your practice to really stick with people. You can also donate them to schools and events to be used in gift bags or simply as giveaways. Now you are reaching a lot of people you never could have going through traditional marketing channels. With a small investment, you will be able to hand out items to potential customers that have the potential to bring you continuous new clients for a lifetime. Even if they don't reach out right away, they will see the item you gave them and in time it could lead to inquiries which could lead to new patients, which is ultimately the goal.

Personalized Products from Quantum Labs

Maintaining your current patients and expanding your clientele is crucial to running a successful dental practice. One way of doing so is to give your patients high-quality gifts so they leave your office with a great last impression. We understand that while everyone values quality, not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend each year on giveaway products. Therefore, we introduced our own line of personalized or "Practice Building" products: high-quality toothbrushes, floss, goodie bags and even lip balm at a fraction of the price you would pay for the major brands. So, instead of an ordinary business card, give a gift of personalized toothbrushes or lip balm that customers will use and think of your practice.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us by phone at 1-800-328-8213 or online.