Wednesday’s Patient Tip of the Day

Show some personality. All your patients are different. They each have their own personalities and fears. That means you can’t use the same approach for every treatment presentation; you need to adapt to their style, said Kathleen O’Donnell, director of consulting at Jameson Management.

If you’re an outgoing person who uses a lot of hand gestures when you speak, but the patient you’re talking to is quiet and a little on the shy side, tone down your presentation. Talk slowly, lower your voice and let the patient know it’s OK to think his or her options over. If you’re on the quiet side and about to present to a more talkative outgoing person, try to pump it up a little bit and match the patient’s enthusiasm.

Of course you can’t change your personality and no one expects you to, but taking the time to learn how to adjust to your patient’s personality type will go a long way in increasing your patient acceptance. A dental consultant can help you learn how to make these modifications, modifications that will make your patients feel more comfortable and more likely to listen to what you have to say.

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.

That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.