Be aware of odors that may turn off your patients

Patients look for reasons not to go to the dentist. They’re afraid of what you might find, or that any procedures they have to undergo might hurt or be too expensive. Don’t let unnecessary smells become another excuse for patients to avoid you.

And this doesn’t mean just the typical smells that come with a dental practice. If you or one of your staff members wears too much cologne, patients will notice and they won’t like it. Some might even have an allergy. Lingering cigarette smoke and over powering air fresheners also can make patients want to leave your office before you even get started on their appointment.

Keep cologne and perfume to a minimum, or consider not wearing any at all. Don’t go crazy with the air freshener and consider not smoking during the workday if you’re a smoker. If you’re telling your patients not to smoke and they smell it on you or a team member, they likely won’t take your advice very seriously.

Remember you have to make your office a warm, inviting place where patients feel as safe and as comfortable as possible. Don’t add unpleasant smells to the mix; look for ways to incorporate relaxing, soothing smells like lavender and your patients will thank you for it.

Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.

That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

The DPR Patient Tip of the Day is sponsored by Instrumentarium Dental, manufacturer of high-end systems and solutions for dental and maxillofacial imaging. Visit Instrumentariumdental.com to learn about the company's full line of imaging solutions, including the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH®OP300.