CrossCheck Blog

CrossCheck Blog

Check Processing & Payments Information

Create Patient Happiness on National Dentist's Day with MED-RDC

Posted by Genevieve LaBadie | Thu, Mar 06, 2014 @ 10:16 AM

Dentist Payment PlanDon’t you wish fewer of your patients dodged their dental check-ups? In honor of National Dentists’ Day, March 6, focus on helping your patients see you as a champion for teeth and gums. The last thing a champion wants is to scare or hurt his charge. Even though you provide all the little incentives, including a calming ambiance, a friendly smile, and small trinkets for children, many people still try to avoid their visits. Help your patients view you as more than a dentist, the person who invades their mouths twice a year and prescribes advice and procedures that can wrack up alarming costs. Every time you interact with your patients, you have the opportunity to ease their anxiety. Each happy patient is one who is more likely to return another day and recommend you to someone, ultimately increasing your revenue.

Healer – Take the Pain Away

With the invention of Novocaine, and other anesthetics, pain management is easier to regulate than ever. But it’s not just about numbing your patients so they don’t feel pain. Often it’s the anticipation of pain that is the worst part. Distract them so they are not focused on the pain by talking before they have their mouths full of instruments about their upcoming graduation or their recent trip to the Bahamas. A television above the chair so patients can zone out will also do the trick. Many patients grow weary when the syringe comes out, but now there are needleless options for anesthesia, such as numbing gels. You can heal their damaged teeth gently, with care, and as little pain as possible.

Friend – Respect Their Space and Smile

Americans are notorious for needing a bubble of space. It’s no surprise then that many patients feel their space is violated when your hands are inside their mouths. They can feel exposed or uncomfortable if they want to tell you “that hurts!” Being as gentle and respectful as possible is a good first step. Panic buttons are also a great addition to your office, which patients can press to get your attention. This can give them a sense of control over the situation, which will help relieve some tension during their procedures. By including options such as this, patients are likely to notice that you care and will feel more comfortable returning to your chair.

Mentor – Listen and Answer Their Questions

Adults, just like children, don’t like to be chastised. They are less likely to want to return if they feel guilty about not flossing regularly or embarrassed because you mentioned the yellow stains from drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. Often those little factoids, when regurgitated to your patients, will go in one ear and out the other. Here you have the opportunity to be the guide they look up to. People are typically more responsive and comfortable when they feel that they are listened to, and are told the truth about a procedure. So keep your ears open, and only provide simple, clear, honest solutions and suggestions. Make patients feel good about themselves, and hopeful for doing better at their next visits, without being condescending.

Leader – Ease Their Anxieties with New Technologies

Dental EconomicsMany medical devices, like the drill with its pointed tip, can look scary to your patients. Its buzzing is even louder inside their mouths, and the smell of drill against tooth enamel can make them cringe. Fortunately, advances in technology have spurred the creation of less intimidating gadgets. Lasers, for example, help dentists combat tooth decay or gum disease and assist in procedures like biopsies and teeth whitening. With the additional benefits of reduced pain, bleeding and swelling, lasers start to look like a pretty pleasant experience.

Protector –Create Pleasurable Memories

Pavlov demonstrated with his dogs that anticipation of pleasure or fear of pain can be conditioned reflexes. If this idea is applied to your patients, it means that many are discouraged from returning because they have bad memories from previous visits. They fear experiencing the pain or anxiety from before. Pavlov used a reward system to encourage positive responses in his dogs. For children, it’s as simple as letting them pick from a basket of temporary tattoos and plastic dinosaurs, with a pat on the head. Adults will probably respond better to friendly conversation, optimism about results, and compassion for their problems. Regardless of the reason for their visit, they will remember the pleasant encounter and be less likely to skip that next appointment.

Financial Advisor – Set Up an Affordable Payment Plan

Do you ever notice your patients grinding their teeth over the high cost of their root canal? Sometimes they opt out of getting braces because closing the little gap between their front teeth just doesn’t seem worth the price. Maybe they need to have a chipped tooth fixed right now, but can’t afford the full payment at that time. There are payment options available to help them afford those procedures. Investing in a payment service like CrossCheck’s MED-RDC, which offers a multiple check program, allows you to accept 2-4 checks over 30 days with an agreed-upon amount for each. Patients are able to pay on their own terms, and leave your office with a smile.

Avoid an empty schedule and canceled appointments by becoming more for your patients than the person behind the surgical mask. Let them know that you are a caring person too and they will begin to care for you as well. If they value you and your services, if they feel comfortable and respected, each return to your office may be easier and more pleasant. With the addition of a check payment service, such as MED-RDC, their final experience at the end of their appointment will likely be positive. To learn more about MED-RDC, click the link below: 

Medical Remote Deposit Capture Insider's Guide

Topics: Dentists, Remote Deposit Capture (RDC)

Written by Genevieve LaBadie