The June issue of Dental Economics highlights Dr. Paul Kraisinger, a Pennsylvania dentist who makes a dental visit "an experience." By emulating Walt Disney’s philosophy, Dr. Kraisinger’s office features music in the parking lot, fountains inside and out, colorful operatories, a daycare center, and most importantly, an unforgettable experience for every child. It’s a strategy that Dr. Kraisinger calls "dentertainment." How do you cater to kids? Here are a few tips – some old, some new – for family dentists:
~In the Office: You may already use flavored sealants, or if you offer braces, your younger patients may choose colorful brackets or bands. These little touches give kids a role in their dental treatment and get them excited as active members of their oral healthcare team. Do you have a cavity-free club? It’s as simple as posting kid’s names on a board when they have a cavity-free visit, then letting them choose a trinket from a treasure box. You’ll be a superhero in their minds.
~At Home: Products for kids’ oral homecare abound. As the family dentist, give parents good information on how to choose the best products for their family. What you take for granted as common knowledge may be new information to young parents! What toothbrush, mouthwash, and floss do you recommend? A tip sheet for parents could include your product referrals, as well as little tidbits like: Never send your child to a sleepover without a toothbrush, but make sure it’s a spare becuase it may not make it home. Think about things like…Should kids use toothbrush holders, or are they a haven for germs? Print your tips on colorful paper and send a copy home with every child you treat!
~Online: Times have changed, and these days, kids are totally computer savvy. Have you seen the Colgate Kids site (http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/HomePage.cvsp)? Fun educational games abound. Check out Lost Tooth Corner, Smart Snack Orchard, Attack of the Plaque Monsters, and Tell the Tooth. If you’re fond of old-school pinball machines, try Toothpaste Tower. Your team can print brush charts and coloring pages for your little patients, too! The ADA also features great resources for kids’ dental education (http://www.ada.org/public/games/index.asp), including experiments and certificates at www.MouthPower.org and Visit the Dentist with Marty as a precursor for that first dental visit. You can even link to these fun sites from your practice website. (Don’t have a practice website? Visit www.TNTDental.com!)
~In the Community: Don’t forget to schedule speaking engagements at your local elementary schools and childcare centers. Not only will you be performing an invaluable community service by teaching kids how to care for their smiles, but you can use the events as a marketing tool. The best way to a parent’s heart is through a child. Give away brush charts, toothbrushes, and little logo’d items, like pencils with tooth-shaped erasers, so kids can take your information home to their parents. Don’t forget to give the school nurse a good supply of plastic tooth boxes for kids who lose teeth at school! For just $4.95 you can purchase 144 pieces at http://www.orientaltrading.com/. Just add a sticker or tag with your phone number for parents – talk about inexpensive advertising!
~About Referrals: Never feel bad about referring a child to a pediatric dentist. Position the referral as the best option for the child, and schedule the appointmet as a service to the parents. But remember, if you can cater to kids with fun stuff, they may welcome dental visits!