In order to provide the best care possible for our patients, it is important that we as dental professionals do everything we can to ensure they are fully engaged in their treatment. When patients are more engaged in their care, they are more likely to comply with treatment plans and to see better results.
But what does it mean to be more engaged in their care? And how can we as providers better facilitate this engagement? Here are a few tips:
Benefits of Better Engagement
There are many benefits to having more engaged patients, both for the patient and for the provider. When patients are more engaged in their own care, they tend to be more compliant with treatment plans and take an active role in maintaining their oral health. This can lead to fewer missed appointments, lower treatment costs, and improved overall health outcomes.
In addition, patients who are actively engaged in their care tend to be more satisfied with their treatment and have a better rapport with their providers. Overall, better engagement leads to better patient outcomes and a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Automation
One way to improve patient engagement is by using automation. Automated appointment reminders, for instance, can help reduce the number of missed appointments. Automated billing and payment systems can also help patients stay on top of their financial obligations and avoid surprises at the end of treatment.
By using automation, we can free up time that would otherwise be spent on administrative tasks so that we can focus on providing quality care. In addition, automation can help us avoid potential errors that could adversely affect our patients' experiences.
Use Communication Channels They Prefer
It is also important that we use communication channels that our patients prefer. Some patients may prefer email or text messages while others may still prefer phone calls or face-to-face interactions.
By offering multiple channels of communication, we can make it easier for patients to get the information they need and stay updated on their care. We can also use these channels to send reminders about upcoming appointments or important changes in policy or procedure.
Begin Engagement Before The Visit
Another way to improve patient engagement is by beginning engagement before the visit. This can be done by sending new patients pre-visit questionnaires so that we can learn more about their medical history and what they hope to accomplish from coming in for an appointment.
We can also use this opportunity to educate them about what they can expect from their visit so that there are no surprises when they come in for their appointment. By taking these steps, we can start building a rapport with our patients before they even step foot in our office which will make them more likely to be engaged during their visit.
Make Decisions Together
Finally, it is important that we make decisions together with our patients rather than simply telling them what we think is best for them. This means involving them in conversations about their oral health goals and working together to create a plan that meets those goals.
It also means being open to hearing their feedback about our services and making changes based on that feedback. When we make decisions together with our patients, it helps them feel ownership over their care which leads to better compliance and overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
By taking a few simple steps, we as dental providers can encourage our patients to be more engaged in their care which will lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
When patients are more engaged in their own treatment, they tend to be more compliant with treatment plans and have a better overall experience with dental care. In short, better patient engagement leads to better patient outcomes. And that's something that we should all strive for!
And with Stynt, you can hire qualified staff that are able to help with patient engagement in your dental office. It’s easy to find and book the right talent for your unique needs!