Dentists are constantly trying to engage and make meaningful connections with their patients even when they are not in the office. In a time where an online presence is a necessity for dental practices, there are various forms of technology to keep patients up-to-date with the latest trends and policies in your practice.

The number one marketing strategy to reach patients is through applications that are on everyone’s smartphone. One of the best ways to engage patients is through email or SMS messaging. Over 77% of Americans own a mobile device and 95% of text messages are opened within the first three minutes of receiving them. When patients have constant access to their phones you can reach them directly.

Marketing expert Trevor Cox researched patient engagement when healthcare providers utilized SMS messaging. He found that it helped boost a practice’s revenue and improved patient interaction. Cox emphasized that this is primarily due to:

• SMS providing a powerful and unmatched tool to engage patients

• Engaged patients represent a 23 percent higher share in profitability, revenue and relationship growth

By using an email or SMS platform your dental practice can provide a personal touch by having a real-life person respond to questions, provide clarification of office policies and explain simple treatment questions. 

SMS and emails are also used to remind patients of upcoming appointments which can eliminate late cancellations and no-shows. When the ​​Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) conducted a survey in 2017, over 38% of patients reported that they preferred a text message to help remind them of their appointments.

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Today it is essential that you have a digital marketing plan mapped out to cover all areas of engaging patients through Google ads, Instagram videos, and Facebook recommendations. Email and SMS marketing are one of the simplest ways to make a connection to patients using a device patients constantly have their hands on.