The DO'S & DON'TS For Dentists During the Coronavirus
DON’T
Use The Word ClOSED
You shouldn’t be using the word closed anywhere in your posts, especially when there is no definitive time of return. If your patients have a need and you are “CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19” (flash to a closed picture), you are going to be disappointed when you return and discover that some of your patients have taken their business elsewhere.
Instead, use different phrases like: “ADJUSTED SCHEDULE”, “OPEN FOR EMERGENCY PATIENTS ONLY” or “CALL FOR EMERGENCY”.
DO
Keep Answering Your Phones
One of the most important things that you can do right now is to maintain a good relationship with your patients, which you can achieve by answering your phones.
Even if you aren’t seeing patients in the office, you should still be answering your phone as much as possible. Train your front desk to talk in a tone that is reassuring. If the person answering the phone sounds worried, then they won’t be able to help your patients. Your front desk can only give your patients reassurance if they receive it from you first!
DON’T
Go Against Your Local Government Suggestions
This is big! Now, most of you have been amazing at this, but there have been some offices that have totally blown off what’s been asked of them. Directions and guidelines set out by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for example, have been established for the well-being of our patients and community. If you choose to go against them, then you are putting your office and patients at risk.
Stay updated on the current news and guidelines. Visit the CDC, American Dental Association, and other websites for new information daily.
DO
Post Every Day
You should be posting something on social media every day from within your office or within your house. We have encouraged you to do this on a regular basis, but now it is more crucial than ever.
Why? It shows you are still in business and that you are available when the patient needs you most.
If you aren’t sure about what to post, here are some ideas:
- Post pictures or videos sending your well wishes.
- Highlight how your team is dealing with their kids being out of school.
- Share what your favorite Netflix series is right now.
- Play a quick game of trivia on Instagram by using polls.
Whatever you do, remember that your goal is to captivate your audience. Especially during this time, your audience will appreciate a little escape.
DON’T
Shut Down All Of Your Marketing
If you decide to shut down all of your marketing, you will be doing yourself a disservice. The truth is, this virus will eventually go away and when it does the need for marketing will be stronger than ever. However, if you completely shut down on your marketing, then it is going to be difficult to start it back up again.
Remember, other offices are going to try and use this time to take your patients from you and they will use marketing dollars to do so. Don’t be the one to fall behind!
DO
Think About Using TeleDent
If you have been watching our Federal Government, you will hear the term “Telehealth”. This is going to be vital for healthcare workers moving forward. Just like companies are going to be changed forever by this pandemic, we are going to see Telehealth explode. As of now, it is projected to grow into a $130 Billion industry in the next five years.
You should seriously be considering joining the trend and become familiar with the system now as it is going to become an integral part in healthcare from now on.
DON’T
Post Pictures Of Your Dentists With Masks On
For the time being, we strongly urge that offices do not post any pictures of dentists with their masks on. This is because of the shortage of masks. Plus, the image of a person wearing a mask has lately been more associated with fear and anxiety, which is the last thing we want patients to relate your dentists with. Moving forward, post pictures of your shining smile instead! A smiling face will be a welcoming sight for your patients.As the Market Continues to Change, We Need to Change With It!
There has never been a better time to capitalize on a shifting market than today. This is your opportunity! Become the leader that you have always wanted to be by taking these first steps. If you don’t, someone else will!