The interactions between patient and professional will always be at the core of dentistry; however, as time progresses and patients become more technologically inclined, they expect more from their dental treatments in terms of in-office experience and out-of-office communications and engagement.
In-Office Experience
Many patients expect new dental technologies to play a major role in their in-office treatment. It’s the convenience offered by these innovative technologies that make them a must-have for practices looking to grow by attracting the ever-increasing number of digitally advanced patients.
Convenience is the major benefit across all consumer technologies that have become cultural staples over the past decade. Why boot up your laptop or desktop if you want to check emails or social media when you can look at your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch in a fraction of the time? With this mindset, it’s easy to understand why patients desire increased in-office convenience from various technologies.
Offering single-visit treatment is invaluable in attracting and retaining tech-savy patients. Patients are likely missing work or using their limited number of vacation days to attend dental appointments, and the prospect of using more vacation days for second or third visits is immediately off-putting.
Replacing a cracked or chipped tooth with a CEREC restoration in one-visit ensures a great patient experience, and an increased chance of referral where 91 percent of patients at CEREC practices said they would refer their dentist to family and friends.