Becoming a successful dentist depends on your definition of success. For some dentists it is having a practice with many patients and making a lot of money. Having two or more offices and several associates is another mark of success for some dentists. Other dentists may prefer a smaller practice where they get to know each patient personally and may treat all members of the same family. For still others, a successful practice alleviates the fear many people have of dentistry. However you define success, there are some things you can do to become a more successful dentist.
Instructions
1. Continue your education, even after dental school. New techniques, procedures and dental instruments are being added and improved upon on an annual basis. To offer your patients the latest innovations, you need to know what is available and use it. Conferences of the American Dental Association are good venues for learning the latest innovations. The website Dental Conferences lists seminars all over the world. (See Resource box.)
2. Write about dentistry. One way to establish yourself as an expert is to write about dental health. Some dentists have columns in local newspapers. Other dentists write articles for regional publications or post their articles on their websites. A few dentists write books. If writing is not your strong point you can hire a ghostwriter, who will create the content while you get the byline or credit. Elance is one place to hire a ghostwriter (see Resource box). Many people find dentists from reading their articles.
3. Have a friendly office. Many people are afraid of dentists. To ease a patient's discomfort, it's important to have a friendly, reassuring office staff. Be available to answer any questions patients may have to put them at ease about possibly painful procedures. Try not to keep patients waiting too long for their appointments. The dental office should be inviting and not sterile like an operating room. Having landscape paintings, soothing music and cool wall colors is a way to relax apprehensive patients. People are more likely to return to your office and recommend you to family and friends if they have a good experience while in your office.
4. Promote your dental practice. The best way to grow your business is to market yourself as a professional with expertise. Place ads in the Yellow Pages, because many people look for dentists in the directories. Advertising in the home or health sections of local newspapers is another good idea. Offering free exams or cleaning for new patients or other incentives is another way to get new business. Some dental schools offer a referral service for their graduates or for dentists on staff. Some dentists pay to get referrals from such services as 1-800-Dentist. It is a good idea to have a website for your dental practice that has a page about your services and your dental experience. Pictures seem to help people feel more at home with you which can help you to get new patients.
5. Give patients free stuff. After their appointment, give patients a free toothbrush, dental floss and small tubes of toothpaste. If you have brochures about proper brushing techniques or information about a few services you offer, such as teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry, this can bring in more patients. Word-of-mouth is a great form of marketing. This is especially true for dentists. Give your patients a few of your business cards and ask them to pass the cards out to co-workers, family and friends.
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