How to Have a Good Career As a Dentist

Customer service is key to a successful practice.

Getting through dental school and becoming certified is the beginning of a career in the dental field. Once you get past those requirements, you have a wide open future and what you do with it is up to you. Competition can be tough, but with the right tools you can have a very successful career as a dentist.

Things You'll Need

• Education
• Office
• Staff members
• Telephones
• Equipment

Instructions

1. Locate your practice in an area that will be easily accessible for your patients. Whether you are going to work in the city or go out into the suburbs, make sure that your office is in a place that is easily located and offers ample parking options.

2. Hire and train staff that will provide the best customer service possible. Staff members should all have excellent people skills, and the medical staff should have training in the latest techniques. Instruct your staff that patient comfort is more important than the number seen each day. If the patients believe your staff is relaxed, and not rushing them, they will in turn relax and feel comfortable having their teeth worked on. When it comes to customer service, encourage your staff members to memorize patient names and use them both on the phone and in the office.

3. Maintain an ultra-organized practice. People often become nervous when faced with a dental visit. They can arrive a bit harried and anxious, therefore will have a reduced patience when it comes to requests by staff members. Having an organized method of securing insurance information, making future appointments and getting into the dental chair once they have arrived will help them feel relaxed. If you can make them feel comfortable, they will come back to you and recommend you to their friends.

4. Keep your practice in the public eye. Join the local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and other civic and business organizations. Go to their events, and network by volunteering on committees and events. Offer to sponsor a marathon; in return request that your logo and the name of your practice be printed on all literature, t-shirts and other things attached to the event. Advertise in the local newspapers and on area billboards. Keeping your practice in front of the public will constantly remind people that you are there to handle their dental needs.

5. Offer contests and prizes to your patients. An example of this would be to tell patients for every person they refer to your practice, they will get their next teeth cleaning for free. You can also offer prizes for anyone who remains cavity free for three consecutive visits. Make the prize non-food-oriented, something like tickets to a ball game, or a gift card to a local department store. Encourage families to sign up together by offering a group discount to families who are with your practice for more than a year.

6. Maintain a computer data base of patient information including birthdays and anniversaries. Send out greeting cards on such occasions.

References

• The Street: Star Dentist Takes Unusual Route to Success
• Dental Success