Regardless of the industry, setting your business apart from the competition is an ever-present thought. But, when it comes to an oversaturated industry like dental, differentiating your practice can oftentimes be the key to your success. Questions like, what’s going to make prospective patients select your practice over another? and why should current patients refer your practice to their friends and family?, can be asked to help you hone in on how you want to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Possess impeccable customer service.
Let’s face it: people are busy. Finding the time for an appointment during the workweek is challenging. Offering unusual hours (early-morning, evening, and weekend) can appease patients. In addition, if you’re running behind, training your office manager to inform your patients beforehand, and offering to reschedule will go far.

Utilize technology.
Not only can technology help to streamline your managerial tasks, it’s a great way to stay in touch with your current and prospective patients. Consider sending email newsletters with relatable healthy content and practice updates. Creating social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn—are also valuable ways to stay in touch with your sphere.

Find a niche.
If you’re an expert in something—let it be known. Whether it’s impressive credentials or a cutting-edge service, be sure to include it in your marketing collateral. This can help not only retain your current book of patients, but also attractive prospective ones. In a sea of dentists, it’s best to be known for a specific skillset.

Build trust and relationships.
Brand trust is an absolute necessity. It has been estimated that 9­–15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. Keeping in touch with your clients and sending them informative and thoughtful content by way of Start Healthy magazine can help reduce your patients’ fears and garner those important relationships.

While differentiating your practice from others won’t happen overnight, it’s an absolute necessity if you desire to take your business to the next level.