For many practices, handing out a dental swag bag of some sort is routine. If your practice partakes, it is time to up your game? If you don't give patients a goody bag, what opportunities, if any, are you missing?
Posted in Risk Management on Thursday, October 1, 2015
Kindness Matters
It seems like businesses everywhere are cutting back while prices increase. It’s a jungle out there for your patients, and they will appreciate that you care enough to give them a little extra.
Plus, as their trusted provider, it reinforces the importance of good dental hygiene. You’re simply giving them some basic tools with the hope they heed your advice.
Brand It
This is a perfect opportunity to keep your practice name in front of your patients. You don’t have to brand every item in the bag, but try to have your practice name, logo, phone number and web address on at least one thing.
You want patients to think of you, your brand and your practice between dental appointments.
Get Personal
It probably makes sense to hand out the same items to most patients, but there will be exceptions. Be ready to switch out products for specific patient needs.
Keep a stash of toothpaste for sensitive teeth for patients who need it. If they asked about mouthwash, put a small bottle in their bag.
If you discussed and printed any educational materials or instructions during the appointment, include those. Same with their appointment reminder card. When they dig the card out of the bag, they can see what you gave them.
Cheaper isn’t Better
In the case of dental goody bags, quality counts over quantity. If you stock bags with a cheap toothbrush, they may end up using it to scrub grout instead of brushing their teeth. (This happens more than you think.)
Buy toothbrushes you’d actually recommend. Or better yet, have a few options for them to choose from. The same goes for other products, like floss, mouthwash, etc.
Ask for Feedback
Wouldn’t it be nice to know if your patients actually use what you give them? Ask! You don’t have to do this every time. Maybe at the beginning or end of the year. They’ll probably be surprised that you asked, and happy to give you feedback.
It’s the Small Things
If you don’t currently share swag bags with your patients, it may be time to reconsider. It’s an easy way to show goodwill, that intangible asset every practice owner craves.
If you do, but give every patient the same subpar toothbrush, it may be time for a change. (Unless you’re okay if they use it for cleaning.)