Technology Can Make It Grow!
Posted August 31, 2017 by Natalie L.
There are thousands of articles written about how to grow your practice, expanding your patient base further into your community. Referrals are your best source of new patients, but when they walk into your office, will they feel that your care is top-notch and state-of-the-art?
The modern dental practice has seen remarkable advances in technology in recent years, but which ones make the most difference to your patients? And how much can new technology add value to your business?
Here are the technologies where you can expect the biggest bang for your money:
- Digital X-Rays
- Intra-Oral Cameras
- On Hold Marketing
- Online Access
- Tablet Computers
Digital x-rays have probably been the biggest game changer for offices in the past 10 years. X-rays have become portable, enhanced images that are easy to duplicate, and eliminate the handling of chemicals during maintenance. Of course, patients are getting up to 80% less radiation in the process, which is always a great selling point! ImageXL provides a seamless view of digital images from the patient chart. ImageXL includes enhancement tools to view images in a variety of ways and the ability to integrate most any digital technology. Cone beam x-rays have changed overall case management, taking a 3D approach to the teeth and jaws’ relation to the rest of the skull, though they are still a hefty investment for a practice.
Along with x-rays, intraoral photos have had a tremendous impact on both insurance approvals and patient case acceptance. “A picture is worth a thousand words” holds true here, and showing the patient the crack in their molar is so much more powerful than telling them it’s there, especially when it’s not hurting at the time. Patient education is the best tool we have toward fewer dental caries overall and raising awareness of the critical role that dental health plays overall.
Instead of sitting on hold with dull, muzak versions of old songs, your patients should be hearing about your services and approach to caring for their oral health. XLHold is a customizable solution that is designed to allow your style of dentistry to shine, while at the same time educating patients about the importance of their dental health. A simple piece of equipment that plugs right in to your existing phone system can get your practice started. A very small investment and a little technology with huge rewards!
The largest population group in this country, the “Millennials”, have come to expect 24/7 access to all the services they need for their busy lives. Add to that the challenges of starting their families and the need for an interactive presence; online becomes critical. XLPortal gives patients access to make payments, review their statements and treatment plans, and verify their next appointment, anytime, day or night. Almost all (93%) of Millennials in a recent poll said they preferred to work with the latest technologies, businesses with a strong mission statement, and great word-of-mouth referrals, which are also shared online.
Tablets are becoming ubiquitous in medical and dental practices these days, and with good reason. Simple to use, and so much easier than managing all the paper files of previous years. Information is at the ready, and the Microsoft Surface Pro offers your dental office multitudes of information at your fingertips, while allowing a paperless practice the ability to capture digital forms, a patient’s handwritten signature, and treatment plan acceptance, all chairside!
What technologies have you already invested in? With just a few short months to finish off 2017, if you haven’t taken advantage of any or all of these technologies, consider making the leap to grow your practice and set the stage for a running start to 2018.
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