My Top Tips After 20+ Years in the Game
Hey folks, it’s your pal Dr. Randall dropping some knowledge — straight from the trenches of running a dental clinic for over 20 years and counting!
I’ve picked up a few money-making tactics along the way, but be warned…no get-rich-quick schemes here. Just some common sense tweaks that gradually boosted my bottom line over time.
Offer Evening Hours
By staying open late one or two weeknights, we hooked patients who couldn’t make the usual 9-5. I’m talking busy professionals finishing up work, parents driving kids to soccer practice. Even just sticking around until 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays worked for us. Gotta experiment to find that sweet spot!
Promote Smile Makeovers
With social media and selfies all the rage, demand for Hollywood smiles has skyrocketed. Start actively offering treatments like professional whitening trays or clear aligners. Ease into it after proper training, of course — no use rushing into services willy-nilly. And remember the power of before-and-after pics on Instagram!
Start a Rewards Program
People love perks! Offer goodies like discounted treatments, gift cards, or electric toothbrushes to regular patients. Retaining loyal clients is way cheaper than constant new patient hustle. Send reminder emails before rewards expire. Small gestures go a long way in making people feel special.
Invest in Fancy Technology
I know fancy lasers and 3D imaging costs a pretty penny upfront. But reducing misdiagnoses and improving care makes the price tag worthwhile in my book. And don’t forget the long-term revenue boost by pulling in patients seeking high-end dentistry. Reduced discomfort is just icing on the cake—people might actually enjoy visiting you! Imagine that!
Host Free Dental Workshops
Make it a habit of conducting free community workshops about kids’ dental health or other topics. Yes, organizing these puppies takes effort, but man does it work wonders for establishing your practice as an authority in the community. Plus it organically brings in new families to the clinic! Aim for fun, holiday-themed events with giveaways if you can swing it.
Offer Virtual Consults
Virtual consults became huge during COVID, but I think tele-dentistry is here to stay—lets you accommodate out-of-towners or high-risk patients avoiding the clinic. There’s definitely technical hiccups to iron out. But once you find your groove, it opens up a whole new avenue of convenience for people. Just make sure to check insurance coverage.
Provide Payment Plans
Big treatments add up fast. Offer customized payment options so money isn’t an obstacle to top-notch care. You’ll wait a smidge longer for the final payment, but loyalty and repeat business makes it worthwhile. No one should be denied their dream smile due to affordability issues!
Expand Your Repertoire
Branch into pediatrics, orthodontics, sleep dentistry, whatever makes sense for your clinic. Getting properly trained and certified takes effort but it means you’re not just a one-trick pony anymore. Ease into it slowly, but a wider range of services draws in more diverse patients.
Optimize Your Online Presence
A stellar website, engaging social media, regular blog content—critical for growth in the digital age! Don’t neglect those Google and Facebook Business pages. Maintaining your online space takes continuous effort but it’s non-negotiable for reaching new patients.
Consider Eco-Friendly Changes
I know going green—reusable supplies, renewable energy, etc—has upfront costs and growing pains. But even small shifts help the planet. More importantly, it attracts patients who care deeply about sustainability. Start small, stay patient, build momentum.
Whew, that was a mouthful! Let me know if any part needs clarification. Change can be intimidating but take it step-by-step and before you know it, you’ll be rolling in rewards. Now get out there and make me proud!
