While dental care remains a luxury for some communities, others are seeing expanded access to care.
Dentists are now competing against fellow physicians and dental service organizations to increase patient volumes. Roshani Patel, DMD, treats patients in New York City. She recently highlighted emerging trends in dentistry and market forces.
Question: What issues do dentists face in increasing their patient volume? What market forces are at play here?
Dr. Roshani Patel: Market saturation in many urban areas across the U.S. is one of the most common challenges dentist’s face. With experienced dentists retiring later and new dental schools continuing to open across the country, this trend is going to create some challenges, especially for new dentists looking for opportunities as associates or as new business owners.
Q: What is one thing a dentist can do today to market their practice and increase patient volume?
RP: Building a positive relationship with our patients is the best thing we can do to market our practices. When it comes to something as important as picking a physician, patients will most often ask their family, friends or coworkers. Of course, the next thing they’ll do is Google you, so having a positive internet footprint is extremely valuable. So, don’t be shy. Get to know your patients. That 10 minutes you spent talking about their favorite band could not only result in a great word of mouth referral but also a great internet review.
Q: Where do you see the dentistry field trending?
RP: Many of the most exciting changes in dentistry are happening digitally. We’re able to redesign smiles digitally, transfer what we see in cone beam computed tomography to 3D-printed models and take digital impressions as well match shades effortlessly nowadays. It’s a great time to be in dentistry. We can offer high quality work, within predictable and efficient time frames, and that’s a win-win for everyone.
More articles on dentists:
Suspended Illinois dentist wins appeal to continue practicing: 5 things to know
Drs. Charles Weber, Anthony Mobasser & more: 5 dentists making headlines
Henry Schein to settle $38.5M proposed class-action lawsuit with Patterson & Benco
Dentists are now competing against fellow physicians and dental service organizations to increase patient volumes. Roshani Patel, DMD, treats patients in New York City. She recently highlighted emerging trends in dentistry and market forces.
Question: What issues do dentists face in increasing their patient volume? What market forces are at play here?
Dr. Roshani Patel: Market saturation in many urban areas across the U.S. is one of the most common challenges dentist’s face. With experienced dentists retiring later and new dental schools continuing to open across the country, this trend is going to create some challenges, especially for new dentists looking for opportunities as associates or as new business owners.
Q: What is one thing a dentist can do today to market their practice and increase patient volume?
RP: Building a positive relationship with our patients is the best thing we can do to market our practices. When it comes to something as important as picking a physician, patients will most often ask their family, friends or coworkers. Of course, the next thing they’ll do is Google you, so having a positive internet footprint is extremely valuable. So, don’t be shy. Get to know your patients. That 10 minutes you spent talking about their favorite band could not only result in a great word of mouth referral but also a great internet review.
Q: Where do you see the dentistry field trending?
RP: Many of the most exciting changes in dentistry are happening digitally. We’re able to redesign smiles digitally, transfer what we see in cone beam computed tomography to 3D-printed models and take digital impressions as well match shades effortlessly nowadays. It’s a great time to be in dentistry. We can offer high quality work, within predictable and efficient time frames, and that’s a win-win for everyone.
More articles on dentists:
Suspended Illinois dentist wins appeal to continue practicing: 5 things to know
Drs. Charles Weber, Anthony Mobasser & more: 5 dentists making headlines
Henry Schein to settle $38.5M proposed class-action lawsuit with Patterson & Benco