7 Helpful Tools to Increase Case Acceptance
A while back, we talked about tips to get your patient to accept your treatment plan. While the right communication is key, you can use additional tools and aids to increase case acceptance. We’ve listed them here.
1. Intraoral Cameras and Scanners
An essential tool in diagnosis, intraoral cameras can also support case acceptance. Show your patients photos and 3D images of their teeth to see and comprehend your diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Large Monitor/TV
A large screen provides a better case presentation for your patient, as the patient will see the photos or X-rays clear and in high definition.
3. Teeth Models/Typodonts
Create opportunities to form relationships with your staff outside of business. Have lunch with your team to talk about non-work-related topics or sponsor an employee’s child’s soccer team for the year. Celebrate birthdays and other milestones. Find ways to help your team bond and enjoy working at your practice.
4. Pre and Post-Clinical Interviews
Pre and post-clinical interviews are a crucial step towards case acceptance. A pre-clinical interview will help you familiarize yourself with your patient and their needs. A post-clinical interview is when you explain your clinical findings along with your diagnosis. Some doctors find it better not to do the post-clinical interview in the dental chair, as it might be stressful for some patients. Set up a consult area in your practice, where you have comfortable chairs, water, and a monitor to show your patient the intraoral photos or X-rays. Help your patients feel valued as you educate them about their oral health.
5. Patient Financing Options
Dentistry can be expensive for many people and can be the main reason they refuse treatment. Offering a third-party financer option can solve this problem. Reassure your patient that cost is a common concern and that patient financing companies have helped people get the care they need.
6. Treatment Explainers
Your patients may forget the details of your consultation and will want to research it further at home. They made need guidance from another person (a parent or partner). Reading materials are a fantastic tool to help your patients understand the procedure and explain it to other decision-makers. You can also provide a few links to online content, such as Youtube videos.
7. Team Participation
A crucial step for case acceptance (and the success of all aspects of your practice). Your team should assure your patient that they chose the right practice for their needs and that you’re offering them the best treatment plan for their case. The treatment coordinator should provide their contact info in case your patient has further questions.
