Patient Education part 2

In relation to our last post about patient education. I want to turn the tables a little bit to force you to look at your office. What great educational material do you have readily available for patients?

Having been in over 250 dental offices across DFW, I see many dental offices eager to provide patients with the latest information on oral health education, cleaning and financial products, services, etc.

Meanwhile, coffee tables and end tables in the waiting room are cluttered with countless magazines some it seems from years ago.

These materials individually may be of great value or purpose, but let's take a minute to think about this from the patient experience.

As we discussed in our last post, dentists and office staff have the unique opportunity to educate patients throughout their entire visit.

Be selective in what materials are available to patients. Try when possible to keep all materials organized so that the office doesn't appear disorganized or chaotic. Also, find your artistic staff members and allow them to create ways to marry oral health education with "stuff" to help pass time in the waiting room. I have seen a few offices that put their magazines in a binder and then provide information on the front page about oral health. Televisions that run with educational programs are also great!

What is the goal: The goal is to share relevant information that encourages patients to receive needed treatment. To have them take full responsibility for their oral health and to drive behaviors that facilitate preventative care. In doing so remember, presentation is absolutely critical to success. Think about fine dining. They don't just carelessly place roast duck on your plate.

Best,

Nick Partridge
Pendant Health
nick@pendanthealth.com