Keeping Up With The Latest Dental Trends
|Keeping Up With The Latest Dental Trends
The pandemic has plummeted our economy globally, and it was forecasted that the global GDP would drop to 2.9%. The sad news is that this forecast is now at 4.5%, a whopping 3.94 trillion dollars, if it were to materialize, according to Szmigiera (2021). It is an alarming fact. For those in the dental field, a guide to buying a dental practice might be a resourceful way to capitalize on market opportunities during these trying times. And to stay afloat, industries these days find ways to overcome such economic tragedy by employing ways to keep up with how to maximize their production.
It’s clear that people are still interested in dental procedures and are doing online searches for things like get your teeth straightened so make sure they are able to find you easily on the Internet.
In dental trends that maximize productivity, here is some news:
- Engaging And Satisfying Patient Needs
Dental appointments are fewer than ever because of protocols and social distancing issues. But with the advent of safety measures and vaccination, clinics are slowly opening their doors to cater to “some” patients. It is the main reason why the dental industry was one of the industries that experienced an extraordinary collapse.
But what about the majority? Well, to maximize productivity, dental clinics have to maintain patient engagement and satisfaction. Teledentistry is one way to keep the connection and be visible and reachable through social media platforms. For those who cannot visit a clinic on the spot, this would be a viable alternative. Smiles on Nashville in Nashville provides virtual dental consultations so you can address your dental concerns without leaving the house.
You can even choose to hire a dental virtual assistant to outsource tasks, so that you can focus on growing your dental practice instead of time-consuming admin.
- Efficient And Effective Supply Chain Management
One very high expense in a dental facility is associated with supply chain management. This is a cost that needs to be reduced, but how is it possible when the clinics have to provide n95 face masks, goggles, face shields, PPE, and everything for safety protocols? These are added costs but are necessary to operate. Clinics even have to provide movable air cleaners to filter the whole room from COVID-19.
With fewer patients and more costs, how can this be maximized with a positive output? It is by sourcing the lowest price for dental supplies, equipment, and protective gears, all in one shop, decreased delivery service fee, and quick transport. All is done online from ordering, checking out, payments, and logistics.
- Updates On Dental Insurance
For those with health and dental insurance in the HMO, they have hit the jackpot. Imagine, they are still employed and have dental insurance, to boot!?? That is amazing, considering we are in a pandemic. People with work these days are considered lucky, but not all have insurance. And when dental issues are at hand, this expense is burdensome. So, how can a dental facility assist in this?
Some facilities have asked their skeletal staff member or those working from home to double up on duties. For example, instead of being just an accounting officer, that same person can also be the clinic’s insurance coordinator. This will lessen the burden on the patient since the coordinator can work out all the necessary insurance details. It is more like an extension of the patient satisfaction trend. Dental groups now offer membership plans. This must be pitched to patients, as well.
- Consistency
The game has changed. Before, patients had to visit their dentists, and appointments would be difficult to place. There is a long wait. Now, patients are sacrificing their oral health because of the pandemic. In this light, dental facilities must keep in touch, initiate engagement, and forcefully express to their patients that they care for them and their dental needs.
Some consultations can be done online, which will not require going to the clinic at that moment, a contactless consultation. Prescription or offering dental care online is possible and follows safety protocols. Technology and cloud-based systems can provide that service which is a growing trend.
- True Dental-Related Story
Is it practical these days to go for expensive dental procedures? Only you can answer that and decide since this is an expense for the patient. You are the patient. If you read this Straight My Teeth review, aligners, however costly, are a necessity. Last month, my sister made a contract with her dentist for a $4000 dental braces procedure for my niece. Instead of upfront payment, her dentist agreed to pay the $4000 in installments for three years. If not for the pandemic, this type of patient satisfaction would not have been possible, but we are in this now. And for businesses like a dental clinic to stay open, every opportunity will have to be reviewed.
Collaborative Article.