How to Keep Up with Changing Patient Demographics Using Digital Tools

Key Takeaways

• Dental practices need to adopt new patient communication software as technology evolves.
• Modern technologies allow practices to meet patients wherever they are and connect with them using tools they’re already familiar with.
• 98% of patients prefer texting because it’s less intrusive than a phone call and lets them respond at their convenience.
• Modern patient communication tools include two-way texting, digital intake forms, automated waitlists, and automated reminders for appointments and reviews.

Jessica had been visiting her dentist for years, but when her work schedule changed, she struggled to find time to call and book appointments. Frustrated by time spent on hold and missed callbacks, she started looking for a more convenient option.

Many dental practices have a Jessica or similar patient who, when their needs and lifestyle change, also change their dental provider. Like many patients today, Jessica wants to manage her healthcare on her own terms using the same technology she relies on every day. 

But when dental practices fail to adopt better, faster, more convenient patient engagement solutions, they risk losing loyal patients like Jessica.

Let’s explore how patient communication software can help dental practices keep up with changes in patient preferences and expectations.

Adapting To Shifting Patient Demographics

Patients today have expectations for convenience. They can order food, shop for groceries or goods, and even check medical records, all from their phones. They expect fast and easy ways to interact with all businesses, including their dentists. 

Offering Digital-First Patient Interactions

Solutions like online booking, digital forms, and text messaging allow practices to meet these expectations. Patients can use the technology and tools they use for other everyday tasks to take care of their dental health.

Studies show 98% of patients prefer texting, which they feel is quick and less intrusive than traditional phone calls.

‍

By automating patient communication, dental practices can reach patients in ways they’re familiar with and can easily respond to. This makes it easy to stay in touch and help patients continue their care while reducing the risk of losing them altogether.

Catering To A Tech-savvy Patient Base

Dental practices also need to consider that online reputation matters more than ever with digital-first patients. Nine out of 10 patients consider online reviews when choosing a healthcare provider. Your online reputation will evolve, with or without your help — which is why it’s important to be proactive in managing it.

Patient communication software can lend a hand to your online reputation. When you offer the convenience of online scheduling or can quickly fill last-minute appointments, you’re contributing to a positive image among younger, tech-savvy generations.

Using Digital Tools To Enhance Patient Engagement

Healthcare communication tools have expanded in recent years, offering practices a myriad of ways to stay in touch with patients using familiar technology. Let’s explore some options that enhance patient engagement.

Digital Forms And Patient Data Collection

Practices can streamline their intake process by having patients fill out forms before their visit. Digital intake forms send data directly into your patient management system, saving time for your patients and front desk staff. It also reduces human error by avoiding manual entry.

Automated Patient Reminders And Recalls

Automated reminders and messages can significantly reduce patient no-shows, leading to appointment adherence. Practices report filling up to 44% of last-minute cancellations by using digital waitlists. Patients on a waiting list will receive a text when an appointment becomes available, which they can claim via text or email. 

Automated patient communication can also keep patients engaged by reminding them to book their next visit. Practices can retain more patients and ensure patients continue their plan of care, both of which offer opportunities to bolster your reputation. 

Enhancing Practice Efficiency With Digital Solutions

Beyond catering to the patient experience, your employees can enjoy the same level of time-savings and convenience with the right tools. 

Here are some ways dental practice employees can save time and energy without cutting corners.

Two-Way Texting And Voice Reminders

HIPAA-compliant two-way texting enhances patient communication by reaching them on their mobile devices without being intrusive. Text messages can be automated according to a patient’s last visit date, plan of care, follow-up requirements, and patient preferences.

For older patients or anyone who prefers phone calls, practices can send automated voice reminders. Reminders help more patients keep their appointments, helping to reduce revenue losses caused by no-shows or last-minute cancellations. 

Automation also frees up time for office staff, as they can connect with patients at scale rather than reaching out one by one.

Filling Last-Minute Cancellations

Patients cancel for various reasons, leaving practices scrambling to try to fill the void. In the past, this meant manually searching your patient list and calling each one until you found a taker for the available appointment. Automating this process is a better approach, as it doesn’t require extra time and resources but still gets the job done.

One example is Doctible’s EasyFill waitlist. It automatically notifies patients of available appointment slots. This significantly reduces gaps in a practice’s schedule while also curbing revenue losses. 

How Doctible Can Help Your Practice Adapt

Practices that grow and evolve with their patients are better positioned to attract a new generation of decision-makers and cater to the changing needs and expectations of their current patients. 

In today’s digital-first climate, Doctible is helping practices adapt with comprehensive patient engagement solutions.

Doctible’s Patient Engagement Tools

Designed for dental practice growth strategies, Doctible offers a complete patient engagement platform to help you connect with patients at scale. Patients can choose how to interact with you (e.g., text, phone call), and you can personalize your outreach based on each patient’s needs.

Smart Messaging lets you send automated, personalized messages to patients about appointments, reviews, or after-care instructions. It adds a personal touch while using the power of automation, saving you time without sacrificing the patient experience.

Online reputation management features further enhance communication by helping you capture feedback from every patient. Automate review requests and improve your practice’s digital footprint without having to remember to ask every patient for their thoughts.

In short, you can meet every patient where they are, keep the conversation going, and stay top of mind — all while using healthcare communication tools and processes your patients are already familiar with.

Doctible’s Impact In Real Numbers

Real practices have reported saving over 100 hours per month using Doctible’s digital solutions. By automating things like appointment reminders, intake forms, and filling last-minute cancellations, practices can connect with patients at scale rather than calling each patient individually, a task that often requires multiple attempts.

By using Doctible, dental practices are increasing patient retention and filling more appointments. They’re turning last-minute cancellations into opportunities for care and revenue. And with more appointments come more online reviews to boost their reputations and attract new business.

Improve Your Practice with Doctible’s Patient Communication Software

Adapting to changing patient demographics requires embracing digital tools that your patients expect. Patient communication software can simplify outreach, improve efficiency, and meet modern expectations, especially as a tech-first generation enters adulthood and starts taking charge of their own care. 

Solutions like automated reminders, digital forms, and patient engagement tools can transform the way practices operate. Doctible offers comprehensive healthcare communication tools in a single interface, allowing practices to gain value from their tools with a shorter learning curve. 

Embrace automation, customization options, and integrations with existing tools and systems to get the full benefit of your patient communications.

Discover how Doctible’s patient engagement platform can help your practice thrive. Schedule a demo today.