5 Things Dentists Should Communicate To Their Audience During COVID-19

2020 brought a lot of changes for dentist offices, and with the way COVID-19 is going we can expect these changes to continue. In fact, the American Dental Association projects that U.S. dental care spending could decline by as much as 20 percent in 2021.

But pandemic or not, people still need (and want) their routine dental cleanings and other dental services.

The problem is, many current and prospective clients might be uneasy about visiting the dentist. Some may not even be sure if they can visit the dentist, depending on local or state regulations and mandates.

What this means is that it’s more important than ever to communicate with your customers clearly and frequently. Let them know what’s going on around your dental office and what you’re doing to keep patients and staff safe.

Need some ideas? Here are five things we think all dental offices should inform their customers about in the era of COVID-19.

1. Current Hours of Operation

Have your hours of operation changed recently? Be sure to update this everywhere customer inquiries may occur, including your:

• Website
• Social media
• Automated voice messaging services
• Search engine business info
• Email newsletters
• Physical signage
• Any paid advertisements

2. Changes in Patient/Visitor Policies

Let your customers know if you’ve initiated any new visitation requirements, such as pre-appointment quarantining or COVID-19 testing, restricted visitor policies, reduced in-office capacity, and more.

3. How Patient and Staff Safety is Being Optimized

Reassure patients and staff that you’re doing everything in your power to reduce the risk of infectious disease spread. Possible changes to highlight include:

• Updated hygiene and cleaning practices
• Updated aerosol extraction devices or technology
• Social distancing measures
• Additional in-office hand sanitizing stations

4. The Potential Risks of Delaying Dental Care

Putting off necessary cleanings and other types of dental care due to a fear of visiting the office can lead to costly consequences down the road for your patients. Now is a good time to encourage patients to seek care if they have any concerns.

5. Any Special Offers and Discounts

If your office offers discounts, promotions, or special packages, showcase them early and often on your website and social media accounts. Special pricing and services could be especially beneficial right now for any customers who are struggling financially due to COVID-19 but are still in need of dental care.

Stay relevant, stay visible, stay safe, and stay operational. Contact Digital Healthcare Professionals at 858-480-9804 if you’d like to discover how we can help you grow your practice, improve your website, and keep your community in-the-know during this rapidly evolving time.