
When a patient looks for a new dental professional, oftentimes they don’t exactly know what they are looking for. Each has a specific need and requirement but choosing the correct fit can be daunting and overwhelming. They all want to be taken care of properly, but because it is difficult to know if this is possible, they tend to choose the most confident dentist.
As a dental professional, it’s important to realize that we walk a fine line between confidence and cocky, so it is important to be up front and honest about your capabilities. Don’t mislead your patients into thinking you can do a certain procedure if you are unfamiliar. Claiming you are confident in things you haven’t experienced much of will only affect their experiences with you.
It is also important to be able to pivot, as no two patients are alike. There are always basics to follow, but not all smiles can be treated the same. Be able to change treatment options to suit the patient and be confident enough to tell a patient a certain treatment option isn’t the right one for them. If you aren’t the dental professional for them, tell them. Patients need to feel a sense on control in a scary situation, so have the confidence to be able to present what you can confidently provide to your patients. Let them be a part of the process. Tell them what to expect and answer any questions they have with certain facts and calming poise.
In addition, having a confident, capable staff is just as important as how you present yourself. Pick your dream team, make each other the best and give your patients an experience that will keep them coming back.