First impression is the best impression as the saying goes . . .

The world of dentistry is constantly changing and over the years we have seen a shift to a more consumer-Oriented environment. Patients want more than they had past,therefore we should make our practice of dentistry more consumer friendly.

Patients now have more options as to who to see for their dental treatment.

Why does’nt your immediate neighbourhood know about you?

Advertising is one option,but we have found that by far the most effective form of marketing is internal marketing which in turn leads to word of mouth referrals. It doesn’t matter where you practice-the principles of creating a good first impression are the same.Not just to attract new patients but to retain your current patients.

The atmosphere of dental office encompasses a total experience-from the first phone call, to the reception area,into the treatment room and meeting the dentist, with interaction between patient and staff along the way.

Atmosphere is the attitude,enthusiasm and commitment that the patient percieves from the entire team.

The person answering the phone should have a helpful,caring attitude,and a pleasant voice with proper enunciation and emotional appeal.

First visit is designed to impress patients with

 Quality services rendered

 Our genuine concern for patients

 Our thoroughness

 Our organisation and efficiency

 Uniqueness of our office/ staff and doctors

It has been said that beautiful sorroundings are important for many people to gain health. Sunlight,fresh flowers,greenplants,music,color and laughter promote a sense of well-being and lesson anxiety.

The office environment should be consistant with your philosophy and the values of the patients you wish to attract. What the patient sees, smells and hears as he/she enters the reception area is a factor in accepting or rejecting your practice.

Comfortable chairs with arms, for ease of rising, should be arranged to allow freedom as people enter and leave the room. In addition to the soft room lighting, there should be sufficient reading light strategically located both the seating area. The décor of your entire office should reflect your commitment to quality.

Create a good first impression with

 Pleasant surroundings

 Well groomed staff

 Ambient music

 Absence of medical smells

 Sound proofing - no drill noises in the reception.

The philosophy behind creating the good first impression is to ensure that all our patients are treated as welcome guests. The full extent of our hospitality is given to them. They are greeted by name and made to feel comfortable.

Personel interaction with a warm and caring attitude on the part of the staff is valuable in relieving apprehensions and creating an atmosphere of trust. Every patient wants to be accepted by the group, cared for and made to feel important. When people sense a caring and affectionate attitude of the staff for each other, they feel comfortable. When they experience a positive, caring and helpful attitude from the staff they feel secured and reassured.

The treatment rooms should be large enough to prevent a closed in feeling and have enough privacy to insure confidentiality.The counter top should be clean and uncluttered.Tray setups with instruments, syringes and medicaments should be kept out of sight.

What the patient sees,hears and smells in the treatment room is a great influence on his/her anxiety levels and ability to relax and be cooperative during treatment.

Cleanliness is of prime importance in our practice.Our efforts to provide a pleasant experience,attractive décor,soft music,plants,flowers and well dressed staff.

First impressions are too important to be left to chance.The initial interview is important in establishing a meaningful and trustful relationship.At first appointment it is important toask enough questions and to listen.If we listen,people will tell us everything we need to know.Be sure they know you have listened.It is important they feel understood.

Doctor’s initial contact with patients

 Get acquainted

 Develop rapport

 Relax patient

 Share your dental philosophy

The rationale behind this approach is that our patient will buy us before they buy us before they buy our treatment.Very often the patient will see our staff,our reception area and our operatory before they see us-the dentist.A lot of their perception on the quality of the service and standard of dentistry they are thinking about receiving from you would already have been made by the time they meet you.

Total team commitment is essential in establishing that high trust,low fear relationship required for the patient to buy you and your dentistry.