Increase New Patients By Reducing Dental Anxiety In Your Office

Many patients struggle with dental anxiety which can stop them from going to the dentist. There are a number of ways your dental office can create a comfortable environment for your patients to reduce their anxiety. Here are a few you can start implementing today!

1. Decor

The color of your office walls and the decor in the lobby sets the mood for your patient’s entire dental visit. Paint the walls a soft, pastel color as opposed to a bright red. A nerve-racking color like red can worsen your patient’s anxiety before even starting the appointment. Secondly, make the your office feel like home by encouraging your team to post personal photos of their families across the office. Patients not only want to know your educational credentials, they also want to know your family, morals, and lifestyle. Plus, family photos make great conversation starters.

2. Water Feature

For many patients, water creates a comfortable, soothing atmosphere. You can highlight a water feature in your practice by installing a fish tank in the lobby or putting a waterfall in the ops. Another way to accomplish this is by playing a video of a waterfall on your office TVs.

3. Personalize

Every patient is unique and utilizes different techniques to manage their dental anxiety. Offering a list of amenities is an easy way to meet your patient’s needs. To create an amenities checklist for your practice, simply laminate a printed checklist and ask patients to mark the items they want with a dry erase marker. A few items you can add to the list are warm blankets, headphones, sunglasses, and chapstick. An example from one of our Lucent Spot Marketing clients is below.

4. Music

Many dentists overlook the power of music in their practice. It is important to not only have music, but chose music that fits the overall theme of your practice. For example, if you have a fun, upbeat, happy-go-lucky practice, play pop and rock music. However, if your practice is relaxing and calming, play tranquil singer/songwriter music. Further, use a playlist or a streaming service without commercials to avoid interruptions in the music.

Sedation and Dental Anxiety

Lastly, don’t forget to offer sedation to patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. Sleep dentistry in conjunction with these tips will help patients stay relaxed during their visit. Not only will this increase new patient numbers and your bottom line, it will also help patients regain their oral health.

How Do You Reduce Dental Anxiety In Your Practice?

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