Dental anxiety grips\u00a0over 60% of people\u00a0<\/a><\/span>, and the implications ripple throughout our practices. We work in close, intimate spaces with our patients, and their anxiety can transfer to our own emotional state. But it also leads to no-show appointments, fear-based neglect, and dental emergencies. Every step we take to decrease anxiety counters these adverse effects. Patients feel more comfortable, keep their appointments, and reduce the risk of pain and swelling. That\u2019s a win-win for all of us.<\/p>\n As dentists, we prioritize patient safety and comfort. We may offer blankets, headphones, and music, or sedation. We design our offices to feel warm and inviting, and our teams share gentle words and warm face clothes. While we add small strategies along the way, we\u2019re using many of the same comfort tools we\u2019ve had for years.<\/p>\n Silver linings often show up when we look for them in the storm clouds, and COVID-19 brought a storm that wasn\u2019t in the forecast. Commerce, communication, and service channels evolved in a flurry, and many of them will stay once the pandemic fades. The CDC recently noted\u00a0telemedicine appointments increased 150%\u00a0<\/a><\/span>over the same periods in 2019. While usage rates may flatten,\u00a086% of people report satisfaction\u00a0<\/a><\/span>with their visits, and nearly the same number expect to use telehealth services in the future.<\/p>\n Virtual visits give us a rare opportunity to add something new to our anxiety-reduction protocol. A secure, virtual connection offers many ways to help our patients. Smile consults, post-op visits, and treatment plan reviews comprise a growing list of possibilities.<\/p>\n But few benefits outweigh the ability to dampen patient anxiety before they ever step in the office. And that\u2019s a plus that\u2019s easy to overlook. Most studies confirm that patients fear three primary things in our offices: loss of control, embarrassment, and pain. Plus, about\u00a025% of people feel anxious\u00a0<\/a><\/span>about the smell of chemicals and the sound of the drill.<\/p>\n Virtual visits turn the intensity dial down on patient anxiety. Here\u2019s a scenario that combines vital tools to create stepping stones to treatment with a new patient.<\/p>\n The options are endless!<\/p>\n Who knows what John does next. He may restore his entire mouth or choose an \u201call-on-4\u201d solution. He may become a consistent recare patient or go for Invisalign\u00ae to discover the smile he always wanted. But one action\u2019s a pretty safe bet:\u00a0John\u2019s going to talk!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n He\u2019ll probably talk to his family, friends, and co-workers. If you send him a text or email link with\u00a0Legwork Reviews\u00a0<\/a><\/span>, he\u2019ll tell the world about your office. And it all started by identifying opportunity in the eye of the storm. Open a virtual door with a low barrier to entry for anxious patients, and it\u2019s like adding another wing to your practice.<\/p>\n Teledental services give us an untapped opportunity to expand our patient base with just a few clicks. And when anxious patients experience a soft entry into our practices, they\u2019re more trusting and easier to treat. That helps more people get the care they deserve and increases the fulfillment in our days. Discover\u00a0Legwork Teledental\u00a0<\/a><\/span>and open up a new market for your practice!<\/p>\nA Perfect Anxiety Antidote<\/h2>\n
Follow John\u2019s Journey<\/h2>\n
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