We read that 50% of the population never visit a dentist – and I wonder how many of them are simply afraid that, if they show up, they will be lectured to, ridiculed and HURT?
Let’s face it, a dental practice is not perceived as a fun place to visit.
Julie Webster, practice manager at S10 Dental in Sheffield and regular reader of this blog has suggested a postcard attack on non-attending patients as well as local residents.
They have printed A5 cards with their funky new corporate image (Nick and Julia Riley, the principals, have just rebranded from “Tom Lane Dental Practice” to “S10” – that’s the postal code for their area of Sheffield).
The cards will read as follows:
How long is it since you last visited the dentist?
Maybe youre thinking of having a change?
At S10 dental we wont bite!
Take advantage of our fantastic offer.
Complementary practice tour
Details of the practice membership
20% off your 1st consultation if this appointment is booked at your practice tour
Ask a member of our team for details
So what they are doing is to invite reactivated old or potential new patients to a 15/20 minute meeting with Julie (practice manager) to either:
- discuss their concerns about returning to a dentist/hygienist for the first time after a break and/or
- discuss their requirements from a new practice and discover whether the “offer” at S10 suits them
All of this without the need to use up the time of dentists.
If they are happy at the end of the complementary meeting, the KEDO (knock ’em dead offer) is to book for a proper first consult and a special price, 20% below the RRP.
Great idea – I’ll be interested to see how it works out.
