Asking Patients for Referrals

Many dentists find it awkward to ask their patients for referrals. They feel like it makes them seem pushy and tactless. However, this does not need to be the case! There are ways to alleviate the anxiety that can sometimes go along with asking your valued patients for referrals to your office!

How to Properly Ask Patients for Referrals

The first thing to do is put yourself in your patients’ shoes. Do a walkthrough of your office from the perspective of your patients, from the second they enter your office to the minute they walk out the doors! Consider a time when you recommended a service or business to your family and friends. Think about what made the experience an excellent one and how you can provide a similar experience to your dental patients. If they have a great experience at your office, they’ll be happy to recommend you to their family and friends.

Next, provide your patients with every opportunity to compliment your dental practice. If you receive a compliment about how wonderful your front desk staff is, or how little pain they felt during their procedure, use this time to hand them a business card and let them know that you’re always accepting new patients.

Lastly, a take-home goody bag can be a great way to let your patients know that you’d be open to referrals. In addition to anything else you provide in your goody bags, slip in a few business cards or even the details of a referral incentive program.

The very best way for you to market your dental practice is through word-of-mouth. It’s imperative that you remind your patients that you’d love referrals to your office, as they simply may not be aware that you’re accepting new patients.

For more tips on bringing in new patients, or for anything else our dental consultants can assist you with, please give CTC National a call today. We specialize in dental start-up consultation, educating dentists, dental marketing, and much more.