Happy New Year!
As 2012 begins, we begin by looking back at our work with dentists during 2011.
A review of the dental business measurements Clear Vision analysed for dentists across the UK throughout the year has been very interesting.
You’ll appreciate that one of the most powerful measurements you can monitor for your dental business is your patient recall rate. After all, without returning patients, your practice would fail pretty quickly. So recalls really is your ‘engine room’ system. Your approach to it, your attention to detail and your execution are all key.
Looking at the many recall figures we monitor on behalf of UK dentists reveals that the average exam recall rate during 2011 was 50.77%. Clearly the current climate can have an effect on patients’ recall habits. But the dental practices we see maintaining the strongest recall results are still dedicating the appropriate amount of time and attention to their recalls.
Here’s our top 6 tips for improving your recall system and maximising your recall rate in 2012:
TIP 1: Educate your patients to book in advance.
Simple but effective: when you working systems guide your patients back to your reception to book their next appointment – more of them do.
TIP 2: Invest time in it to see a great return
The practices we see get the best results from this fundamental business system use a range of approaches. But they all have one thing in common – they set aside time and resources to run their recall system well
TIP 3: Test and measure what works for YOUR patient base.
Looking for the one key ingredient which generates successful recalls across all dental practices is like searching for the Holy Grail. Our experience shows that every patient base is different. And the practices getting the best recall results have worked out what approach maximises the number of their patients returning in particular.
TIP 4: Be prepared to test different communication mediums
You have more methods of communication with your patients than ever.
Test the newer methods as well as the more traditional ones to see what works for your patient base.
TIP 5: Request and record each patient’s preferred method of contact
Simple and yet effective again – if you want your patients to recall successfully, ask them HOW they would like to be recalled. Then recall them using the method they have specified – time worth investing.
TIP 6: Make your communications effective
What you say and how you say it in your recall communications is like any other form of marketing – it can have the desired effect or it can simply disappear amongst the deluge of messages we are subjected to as human beings each day. When you use the right wording to motivate your patients, you get them to take notice and take the action you want them to take…booking again!
We expand on these points and also share our best advice on maximising your hygiene patients and treatment conversion rate in our Annual Dental Business KPI Report 2011. Call 01249 712074 or email me at: dee.gerrish@cvag.co.uk for your complimentary copy.
Wishing you every success in 2012.
