According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adult Americans think that a beautiful smile makes a person look more attractive. Even more, 74% think that an unattractive smile can jeopardize one’s chances of succeeding in their career. Yet, statistics show that around 65.8% of dental practices, especially orthodontists, don’t offer teeth whitening and refer patients to other professionals.
If your practice doesn't offer professional teeth whitening services, you might be missing out on a significant opportunity. This blog post will guide you through incorporating teeth whitening business into your practice, from understanding the benefits to ensuring patient satisfaction.
The Benefits of Offering Professional Teeth Whitening Services
By offering teeth whitening, you provide a valuable service that addresses a common patient desire. According to the ADA, around 40 million Americans seeked professional teeth whitening in 2023 alone, a 15% increase from the previous year. In other words, offering professional teeth whitening services can attract new clients seeking a quick and noticeable improvement in their appearance. Plus, offering a wider range of services encourages patients to return to your practice for all their oral care needs, fostering stronger patient-doctor relationships and loyalty.
Moreover, with minimal overhead costs and the ability to offer various treatment options, teeth whitening business can be a significant revenue generator for your practice. Teeth whitening is also considered an entry-level for other cosmetic services as patients become more aware of their oral health.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into more details, you need to select your business model. As you already have a running practice, adding professional teeth whitening service to your current offers is easy. All you have to do is to select the whitening option that suits your practice. Explore the different whitening methods available, either in-office treatments or providing at-home whitening trays with professional-grade gels. The best way to increase your revenue stream is to offer various options to cater to patient preferences and budgets.
You will also need to make a business plan, which acts as the launchpad for a successful business. Study the cost of the whitening products, equipment needed, and any necessary training for your team so you can estimate the profits and any challenges that may arise.
Integrating Teeth Whitening Services
Now that you’ve chosen your business model, it’s time to start incorporating and activating teeth whitening in your services menu.
Select the Right Product
While cost is a factor, there are other important considerations when choosing a teeth whitening system for your practice. Ease of use for you and your patients is part of the package. In addition, look for a safe, reliable, and effective system with minimal risk of tooth sensitivity. Consider maximizing your space, too – bulky equipment eats into valuable real estate. GLO POWER+ In-Office Tech boasts ease of use and unmatched results with a sleek, portable design that transforms any hygiene room into a whitening suite in seconds.
Motivating and Training Your Team
Discussing teeth whitening with every patient might seem daunting, but it can be easier than you think. Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to introduce the topic seamlessly. GLO's specialized training and certifications empower your team to navigate these conversations confidently. In addition, GLO’s motivational shade guide takes it a step further. It educates patients on their current shade in seconds and visualizes their potential whitening results, piquing their interest naturally.
Best Practices for Professional Teeth Whitening Services
Here are some key practices to follow to deliver exceptional teeth whitening services and build rapport:
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Build trust before the visit: facilitate the booking process by offering online scheduling. Personalize your communication with them and address any concerns they may have personally or in the intake form. Furthermore, send friendly reminders before the appointment.
- Create a welcoming environment: 70% of the population have dental anxiety. That’s why you need to create a calming atmosphere in your office. Avoid the sight of invasive instruments, the smell of disinfectants and dental materials, and use soothing scents. Additionally, train your staff to be friendly, and consider extending appointments for anxious patients.
- Educate Your Patients: Empower patients with knowledge about teeth whitening through visual aids and other materials, like GLO’s Motivational Shade Guide. This guide allows you to showcase whitening results visually and effortlessly introduce whitening to your patients.
- Standardized Protocol: This ensures you don't miss opportunities to discuss teeth whitening with every patient. In each hygiene visit, use the shade guide to show their current shade and record it. Then, let them choose their desired white shade and highlight the safety and efficacy of your whitening program and how it can transform their smile.
- Consistent Communication: Maintain the relationship with patients after their visits. Send personalized emails or social media messages about promotions and encourage feedback to improve your services.
By following these steps and prioritizing patient satisfaction, you can successfully incorporate professional teeth whitening services into your practice and offer your patients a valuable service that helps them achieve a brighter, more confident smile. A successful teeth whitening business is built on knowledge, quality products, a well-trained team, and exceptional patient care.