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How Orthodontic Practices Can Adapt to Modern Consumer Expectations and Thrive
As orthodontic practices continue to navigate the evolving landscape of dental care, one undeniable trend is the increasing demand for convenience. In a recent episode of The In Your Face Podcast®, host Dr. Blair Feldman and his guest Dr. Dustin Burleson dove into the significance of this shift and introduced solutions like Retainer Club to meet these growing consumer expectations. Here’s a deep dive into why convenience is paramount for modern consumers, how practices can adapt, and why programs like Retainer Club present an essential solution.
Consumer Demand for Convenience: A Paradigm Shift
Modern consumers live in a world where almost everything is at their fingertips. From online shopping to instant streaming services, the expectation for convenience has become ingrained in daily life. The same applies to healthcare, particularly orthodontics. Patients are no longer content with processes that require multiple office visits or lengthy waiting times. Instead, they seek solutions that offer flexibility, efficiency, and ease. Dr. Feldman highlighted in the podcast that most patients would prefer getting their retainers sent to them rather than coming into the office. This preference underlines a broader trend: consumers appreciate services that integrate seamlessly into their lives without causing disruption. Orthodontic practices that fail to recognize and adapt to this shift risk the loss of patients to offices that offer online services.
Adapting Orthodontic Practices to Meet Consumer Needs
For orthodontists, the challenge lies not only in providing high-quality care but also in aligning services with consumer lifestyles. Dr. Burleson emphasized the need for practices to become more open, collaborative, and less protectionist in their approach. Embracing new technologies and adopting flexible service models are critical steps in this direction. One key aspect is implementing systems that reduce unnecessary visits to the clinic. For instance, leveraging technology for regular wellness scans—similar to a 3D scan of the teeth—can help assess alignment, bite, and gingival architecture. These scans can guide the creation of personalized retainers while maintaining a long-term relationship that supports the oral health of the patient.
Retainer Club: A Game-Changing Solution
Enter Retainer Club—a program designed to provide precisely the type of convenience today’s consumers crave. Our doctor-centered model allows patients to order and receive their retainers without frequent office visits. With the advent of advanced technology, patients can effortlessly sign up at the clinic and manage retainer deliveries via an online platform. The Retainer Club model ensures that patients don’t have to carve out time from their busy schedules for repeated visits to the orthodontist on dentist's office. Instead, they can receive their retainers at home, aligning with the expectation for a hassle-free experience.
Financial and Patient Relationship Benefits
From a business perspective, Retainer Club presents a lucrative opportunity for orthodontists. Dr. Feldman shared revealing statistics: with a solid conversion rate and a fair sales price for retainers, practices could see substantial additional revenue—upwards of 6 figures annually for those with a significant patient base. Beyond financial gains, Retainer Club strengthens patient-practice relationships. Maintaining touch points through services like these keeps orthodontists top of mind for patients long after initial treatments conclude. This ongoing connection fosters loyalty and enhances the likelihood of positive referrals.
Educating Patients and Elevating Orthodontic Care
Dr. Burleson emphasized that providing continuous care through programs like Retainer Club not only meets consumer demand for convenience but also elevates the orthodontist’s stature in the eyes of referring dentists and patients alike. Much like providing a toothbrush is an inherent part of dental hygiene education, ensuring ongoing retainer care is crucial for maintaining the desired outcomes of orthodontic treatments. A significant insight from Dr. Feldman’s wife, a general dentist, highlights missed opportunities when orthodontists do not provide continuing care. Patients experiencing frustration due to lack of ongoing services often feel neglected, thereby diminishing the perceived value of orthodontic treatments.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Orthodontics
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, orthodontic practices must adapt to survive and thrive. Embracing convenience-driven solutions like Retainer Club can bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern demands. By offering seamless, technology-driven retainer programs, orthodontists can enhance patient satisfaction, improve long-term care, and unlock new revenue streams. In this dynamic landscape, flexibility and innovation are not just advantageous—they are essential.
Interested in learning more about Retainer Club? Schedule a demo today!