Communicating With Patients During This Time

Dental practices have strong relationships with their patients. You get the opportunity to see patients frequently over the course of recall and restorative appointments.

Over my last twenty years working in a dental office, I’ve had the privilege of developing strong relationships with our patients. I’ve celebrated with them as they’ve experienced joys in their lives and sadness as they’ve experienced sorrows. I’ve watched children grow up in the practice. I feel honored to have shared our patient’s lives in this way and feel that these patients are a part of our practice family. As a dental office manager, I’m sure you feel the same way about your patients.

People all over the world are experiencing difficulties at this time and communicating to your patients that you are thinking of them and wishing them well, can help your practice to re-connect with them and develop an even stronger relationship.

Here are a few ways you can communicate with your patients during this time.

Handwritten Cards

You could send a handwritten note or card letting your patients know you are wishing them and their families well. Your patients are struggling too, and receiving a handwritten note could help to make someone’s day a little better. This method of communication would also allow you to write a personal message to each patient or family.

Custom Letters

You could also create a custom letter in Dentrix, if you would prefer to send a letter in the mail. You would need to create the letter template in Microsoft Word and insert Dentrix Letter Merge Fields. This letter can then be sent to a customized list of patients using the Patient Report (by filters) option within Letters and Custom Lists in the Office Manager. I would recommend sending the letter to all patients who have a Last Visit Date within the last twelve months.

E-mail Newsletter

Using Dentrix Patient Engage, you could send an e-mail newsletter to your patients. Let them know you are thinking of them during this difficult time and that you are there to help, should a dental emergency arise. You can give them information on how to contact you if they do experience a dental emergency. Let patients know when you are hoping to re-open and that you are looking forward to seeing them. 

Reach out to your practice family during these tough times. Let them know you are thinking of them and looking forward to seeing them when the office is able to re-open. Communicating with your patients can help to reconnect and strengthen your relationship with them. 

If you have questions, e-mail me at vectordentalconsulting@gmail.com.


Charlotte Skaggs, Certified Dentrix Trainer

Charlotte Skaggs is the founder of Vector Dental Consulting LLC, a practice management firm focused on taking offices to the next level. Charlotte co-owned and managed a successful dental practice with her husband for 17 years. She has a unique approach to consulting based on the perspective of a practice owner. Charlotte has been using Dentrix for almost 20 years and is a certified Dentrix trainer. Contact Charlotte at vectordentalconsulting@gmail.com.

from  The Dentrix Office Manager Blog https://ift.tt/3ahvLNn