As a dentist, you may have noticed a significant shift in the dental industry over the past few years. As technology continues to advance and patients become more selective, private dental practices are increasingly becoming the go-to option for those seeking high-quality care and a more personalised approach to their dental needs. Whether you’re an experienced dental practitioner or just starting out in the field, understanding the future of private dentistry is essential for staying ahead of the curve and providing the best possible care to your patients.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key trends shaping the future of private dentistry, including the rise of online and AI technologies, the acquisition of private patients, and the transition from public to private dentistry.
1. Increasing demand for advanced dental procedures
During the pandemic, accessing public dentistry has been a challenge, leading many patients to seek emergency treatment from private dentists. This has caused a surge in demand for private dental services, which is expected to continue growing as patients become more comfortable with routine dental care. Additionally, there is a growing interest among patients in more complex dental procedures, often available only through private practices. A survey by the American Dental Association revealed that nearly 40% of respondents expressed interest in cosmetic dental procedures, which are typically provided by private dentists.
To take advantage of this market growth, private dental practices can expand their services, invest in technology, improve patient experiences, and focus on retaining patients through marketing and personalised care. By doing so, private dentists can attract and retain a loyal patient base and thrive in this growing market.
Find out 10 tips for improving the patient experience in dentistry.
2. Better technology for improved patient outcomes
Private dental practices will continue to lead the way in offering the latest and most advanced treatments through technological innovations, resulting in better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.
Top 5 technology advancements we may see in the future of private dentistry:
- Augmented Reality (AR) technology that can help dentists visualise and plan treatments in real-time, allowing for more precise and accurate procedures.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for faster and more accurate diagnosis of oral health conditions, enabling dentists to offer better treatment options and outcomes.
- Biocompatible and durable dental materials for longer-lasting restorations, such as ceramics and metal alloys.
- Robotics for minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as implant placement and bone grafting, resulting in less pain and faster healing times for patients.
- Advanced digital imaging technology for detailed analysis and custom prosthetics, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and 3D printing.
3. The power of patient feedback
Online reviews are becoming increasingly important in private dentistry as patients become more informed. In fact, research shows that 84% of patients trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations when selecting a dentist, making patient feedback crucial for the industry’s future success. Private dentists who prioritise patient feedback can better position themselves to attract and retain patients over the long term.
This is where Docitfy comes in. We help dentists automate their patient feedback collection, making it easy for them to gather feedback and monitor their online reputation. Our platform tags every review with relevant keywords, which dentists can then use in their widgets to advertise specific treatments and procedures, such as Invisalign or dental implants. By leveraging patient feedback, private dentists can increase their online visibility, attract new patients, and build a loyal patient base.
4. Attracting private patients
With the increasing demand for private dentistry, practices must develop effective strategies to attract new patients and stay competitive. This may involve building a strong online presence through targeted marketing campaigns and social media marketing, as well as offering flexible payment options and loyalty programs.
Top tips for acquiring private patients:
- Build strong online presence: Have a user-friendly website and active social media accounts to engage with potential patients and share valuable content.
- Collect, analyse and publish patient feedback: Prioritise patient satisfaction by analysing feedback. Identify areas for improvement and address any issues to increase satisfaction, positive reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals. Boost your credibility and transparency by sharing patient feedback on social media. This can give potential patients an insight into the experiences of others who have used your services and help build trust in your practice.
- Offer flexible payments and virtual consultations: Competitive pricing, flexible payments, and virtual consultations make your practice attractive to potential patients and provide more convenient and accessible options.
5. Shifting from public to private care
There is a growing trend towards private dental care, as patients seek faster and more personalised treatment options. The challenges faced by public dental services such as long waiting times and a lack of funding have made private care a more attractive option for many patients. This trend is particularly evident in countries like Australia and the UK, where public dental services are struggling, leading many patients to consider transitioning to private dental care.
One of the main reasons patients are choosing private dental care is the convenience it offers. Private practices tend to have shorter wait times, more flexible scheduling options, and access to advanced technology, which allows for faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, patients appreciate the patient-centric care and attention they receive in private practices, where dentists can take the time to understand their specific needs and concerns.
How Doctify can help your dental practice thrive
Doctify is an essential tool for dental practices looking to succeed in today’s competitive market. Our review technology is an essential tool that enables you to collect and analyse patient feedback with ease, helping you continuously improve your services and establish credibility with potential patients.
With treatment-specific reviews, you can showcase your expertise in specific areas such as veneers or Invisalign, while our widgets allow you to display patient feedback on your website, effectively highlighting your speciality and building patient trust.
In today’s world, where patients are increasingly seeking personalised care, Doctify’s ability to help you understand their needs and wants is critical to your success. But we don’t just stop there – our platform also allows you to build your professional profile and take advantage of an increased demand for private dentists.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Get in touch with us today to learn more or book a demo.
