Building trust is vital in any business but especially crucial in growing a dental referral practice. Here are a few reasons why:
Firstly, trust helps to establish credibility. When referring dentists trust your practice, they are more likely to refer their patients to you, and their patients are more likely to accept the referral and trust the treatment plan. By building a reputation where you nail excellent patient outcomes, do exactly what is prescribed and provide good communication to the dentist, you can secure more referrals and grow your practice.
· Listen and understand potential referring dentists’ service needs
· Cohesively work well as a team/multi-disciplined approach
· Place treatment ahead of profits for the best outcome.
· Has highly regarded and widely admired clinical skills
You don't need a huge marketing budget – but you need to build relationships, and this can take time.
Secondly, trust helps to establish loyalty. You don't need 100’s referrals; just 30 dentists that trust your practice and you become friends, and then they are more likely to partner with you for the long term, making repeat referrals based on their positive experiences with your practice. This repeat business can create a steady revenue stream and help solidify your position in the industry.
· Treat only within the prescribed referral from the GDP
· Communication process so nothing gets missed
· Be 100% transparent and open to discussions with the GDP
· Socialise, mentor and support.
· Creates great educational programmes which positively affect the impact on local practices
Thirdly, trust fosters collaboration. Referring dentists who trust your practice are more likely to work collaboratively with you to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. This can lead to a more robust referral network and higher patient care.
· Provide the highest quality evidence-based treatment for patients
· Seen to be an innovator of new products and services
· Does it need saying?... Return every patient
· Highly regarded and widely admired
Finally, trust leads to positive word-of-mouth. When patients receive high-quality care from providers they trust, they are more likely to spread the word to their friends and family. This can help to increase your patient base, leading to more referrals and further growth for your practice.
Overall, building trust is an essential aspect of growing a successful dental referral practice. By cultivating a positive reputation for delivering excellent outcomes, building long-term relationships, fostering collaboration, and encouraging positive word-of-mouth, you can position your practice for growth and continued success.