We\u2019ve been riding a tsunami of change lately. It may take some time to process the seismic shift that\u2019s altered society, but we must keep evolving in our practices. Together, we\u2019re leading our teams through uncertainty and serving patients that feel the same forces. Some winds are against us, but others are behind us. Innovative practices that recognize and manage the changes keep growing, even as the storm brews.<\/p>\n
As dentists, we often get caught in analysis paralysis. We contemplate adding new business tools the same way we agonize over occlusion on an articulator. In a rapid-fire business environment that includes a projected 20% decline in dental expenditures in 2021, we don\u2019t have that luxury.<\/p>\n
A full set of contactless patient communication tools was needed yesterday in our practices. Implementing them may seem overwhelming, but it doesn\u2019t have to be a chore. While remodeling an operatory takes months to deliver, digital tools carry a massive impact that\u2019s felt within days.<\/p>\n
Telehealth visits are here to stay. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified this steady trend, but the momentum started before the crisis hit. In early 2020, telehealth visits had climbed 33% <\/a><\/span>over the previous year. But during the early days of COVID, half of patients reported using a virtual platform to consult with a provider.<\/p>\n The ripple effect has just begun in dentistry, and data is limited. But innovative practices started riding the wave this year and unearthing the benefits. One recent survey showed that only 20% of respondents had tried teledentistry <\/a><\/span>, but over 60% indicated they planned to use it in the next five years.<\/p>\n The writing is on the wall, and patients are knocking on the virtual door. So, how do you make virtual care work in our high-touch, procedure-based profession?<\/p>\n Teledentistry takes a paradigm shift, and that\u2019s not easy for us. Initial reactions include, \u201cThat will never work,\u201d to \u201cPatients won\u2019t use it.\u201d Both misconceptions have already fallen to the wayside, though. We\u2019ll never place a MOD composite through a mobile device, but we can accomplish specific tasks that incrementally improve the service we provide. A recent survey <\/a><\/span>showed that respondents felt the following issues could be handled by teledentistry:<\/p>\n These topics are starting points, and you\u2019ll find more possibilities once you start. For example, our practice found success in completing implant and Invisalign\u00ae screenings to ensure more chair-time makes sense. Some patients are more likely to take the first step when we gently introduce them to possibilities.<\/p>\n A virtual visit includes a confidential conversation between you and your patient, and HIPAA laws apply, meaning Facebook Messenger isn\u2019t the place to transmit that information. It\u2019s essential to choose a secure, stable platform that\u2019s easy for you and your patients to use. Talk to your staff about the types of visits you\u2019ll complete in a virtual space and decide how you\u2019ll schedule them.<\/p>\n Tools that integrate with your current software and vendors simplify the foray into the virtual consultation space. Complex electronic security and legal issues require attention to detail <\/a><\/span>, and top vendors make sure you\u2019re covered.<\/p>\n Teledentistry opens up new territory, and many practices haven\u2019t explored the possibilities yet. Let your patients know you\u2019re on the cutting edge and adding communication channels. Teledental may be new to many, but telemedicine is quickly becoming mainstream. Virtual visits shot from 11% in 2019 <\/a><\/span>to 49% in 2020, so the concept doesn\u2019t take much explaining. Consider a few ways to get the word out by:<\/p>\n The best brands relentlessly measure results, especially when investing in new technology. With virtual visits, you\u2019ll probably like what you see. Teledentistry opens up a new \u201cwing\u201d to your office without ever raising a hammer; the investment to get started is a no-brainer. An online workspace that\u2019s designed for dentistry leads to immediate benefits for your staff and patients. You\u2019ll find new ways to use this tool, but here are some measurements worth taking:<\/p>\n The first week that our office introduced virtual visits (in a low-key fashion), we saved 6 hours of clinical chair time. That translates into more time for productive appointments and better-informed patients when they schedule.<\/p>\n Introducing new technology often carries a little stress. But virtual visits create an opportunity to engage with patients who haven\u2019t spent 30 minutes in traffic getting to your office. They\u2019re more relaxed and less intimidated. You might feel the same way. I\u2019ve had some meaningful conversations with patients from the comfort of my private office. And I\u2019ve passed many of them over to the admin team for scheduling productive visits.<\/p>\n Virtual visits don\u2019t replace in-office visits; they enhance them. With new patients, you can establish rapport and fast-track the treatment process at the next visit. With existing patients, you can consult their x-rays and do more treatment planning than you might think. Of course, we verify everything when patients arrive. But the efficiency, service, and relationship possibilities with teledentistry open doors our team never anticipated.<\/p>\n Make virtual visits part of your expansion plan in 2021. Give patients what they want and lower barriers to treatment. Sometimes the most challenging step for patients is the first one. Teledentistry makes the initial move a little easier.<\/p>\n Legwork Teledental <\/a><\/span>fits into a single-platform solution that can\u2019t be beaten in today\u2019s climate. As a stand-alone offering, it would be enough. But the ability to promote virtual care with Legwork Campaigns <\/a><\/span>, measure with Legwork NPS <\/a><\/span>, and create more efficiency with Legwork Online Booking <\/a><\/span>is just one strategy for an exciting new frontier.<\/p>\n1. Define The Intent<\/h2>\n
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2. Choose The Platform<\/h2>\n
3. Notify Your Patients<\/h2>\n
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4. Measure Your Results<\/h2>\n
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5. Have Some Fun<\/h2>\n
Open Your Virtual Door Now<\/h2>\n