Before we highlight the benefits of having a mascot, let’s answer a few basic questions about mascots in general…
What is a mascot?
A brand mascot is a character that represents your company, or ‘brand‘. Companies use brand mascots as a spokesperson to promote goods and services as a part of their marketing strategy.
What can a mascot be?
A mascot can take any form you want – a human character like a superhero, an animal like a tiger, a fantasy creature like a dragon, or an anthropomorphic character like a smiling tooth. A mascot should relate to your products, community, or clientele.
How can mascots help your business?
The importance of creating an emotional connection between your services and your customer via marketing has never been more critical. Customers are much more discerning having the world at their fingertips to find and compare services before making a decision. You need to resonate with your audience and make them think of and choose you.
Emotions are produced by the same section of the brain responsible for memory and decision-making. Advertising that stimulates emotions also stimulates memory which inspires your client to make a buying decision. Advertising should not be presented with reason alone. It is assumed that dentists have a similar level of education and expertise, so how do you make your dental office stand out?
But saying a mascot helps with your marketing and attracts clients because of emotions is a broad statement. Let’s dive deeper into how this works…
5 Benefits of a Brand Mascot for Marketing Your Dental Practice
1. Mascots Increase Brand Awareness
Memory for faces is a core capacity of the human mind. Mascots are memorable because mascots have faces. Your logo or business name may slip from memory, but a character will stand out.
Quick, name a brand of frozen peas… is it Green Giant? I certainly couldn’t name a single brand of vegetable if it wasn’t for the friendly face on the label.
Green Giant
2. Mascots Create a Positive Image for Your Business
As we just said, mascots help people remember your business, but they also help them remember you in a positive light.
Your brand is the thoughts and feelings people associate with you. If you’re a pediatric dentist, the brand you want to create can be summed up as a child-friendly dental office that goes above and beyond for their comfort and care. A friendly mascot effortlessly communicates to parents that you are catering to their children’s wants and needs beyond just focusing on their teeth. You are the dentist they should choose to go to because you also are looking after their emotional and mental well-being. You go above and beyond!
Here’s a famous example of a mascot putting a business in a positive light.
Thinking about car insurance doesn’t generate warm feelings, but the soft-spoken Geico Gecko stirs up feelings of charm and relatability, and that was a big win for Geico. The company itself became relatable and a trusted place to buy insurance from. The mascot worked so well that it spawned competition from other insurance companies including the Aflac Duck and Flo from Progressive.
Geico Gecko
When kids think of the dentist they definitely don’t get warm feelings, but you can change that with a welcoming character by bringing some humor and warmth into their visit. Tell people what your brand is with a mascot. The kids will love you, the parents will appreciate your effort, and your business will grow.
3. Mascots Appeal to Kids
Mascots indicate to kids that something is made for them. Kids are used to seeing mascots on their cereal boxes, sports teams, and schools. The Nesquik Rabbit and Tony the Tiger will forever be associated with a tasty (although not good for your teeth) breakfast. Kids will feel special and welcome because your dental office is meant for them.
4. Mascots Can Assist Your Staff
We don’t mean they’ll be in the office helping to fill cavities. But they really can help.
Your staff can use your mascot as a teaching tool or as a way to break the ice with nervous patients. Create a backstory for your mascot – maybe they were once nervous while visiting the dentist, but they knew that the dental assistant, hygienist, and dentist are there to help keep their smile bright, so they were very brave and let the friendly staff look at their teeth – can they be brave like your mascot too?
Using a stuffed animal or a coloring page with your mascot to convey this backstory can help visualize this story to your patients as well and get them on board for their treatment.
A mascot can be used in ways that a logo or your own name and face just can’t. A mascot becomes a simulacrum of you and your business. Creating marketing collateral becomes easier for your design team when there is a character with a personality to draw inspiration from.
Let’s look at all the ways you can utilize this great resource…
When and Where to Use Your Mascot
Incorporate your mascot into your logo.
Have a naming contest for your mascot on social media.
Use your mascot on building signage.
Place a 3D sculpted photo op of your mascot in your office.
Include your mascot on printed swag and shirts.
Create plush toys that look like your mascot.
Featured your character on coloring sheets for contests and prizes.
Bring your mascot to trade shows, community fairs, and educational presentations.
Include your mascot in commercials or TV interviews.
Create social media videos with tips and facts featuring your mascot.
This puppet mascot makes educational videos aimed at kids. Here kids are learning about healthy food choices.
Include your mascot during celebratory moments with your patients and staff.
Include your mascot during holiday celebrations.
Santa Claus, the mascot of the most wonderful time of the year, will be happy to team up with your own jolly character.
Don’t know where to start with creating a mascot for your office? One of our Creative Consultants would love to help. Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience. The IDS design team can create a mascot for you through logo designs and implementation in theming around your physical office space.
Our business friend Street Characters has helped make some of our designs come to life in the form of mascot costumes.
Check out these other resources on how to use a mascot as a promotional tool:
Striving to offer his patients the highest level of care possible, follow along as we touch base on how Dr. Bryan Morgan accomplishes this goal with IDS theming.
Dr. Morgan owns and has themed two offices through our team, Children’s Dentistry of Manatee and Children’s Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch. His interview touches on the impact of how theming has helped his offices grow, helped his patients feel confident, created satisfaction in the workplace, and stood the test of time.
IDS: Why did you decide to add theming to your second office?
Dr. Morgan: Well, Imagination Design Studios helped theme my first office and when we opened our second location it was only natural to work with IDS to theme that location.
The thought behind that was to continue to offer the same unique atmosphere as well as services to our children and their parents as we have been in the first location.
IDS: How has theming helped the practice in your opinion?
Dr. Morgan: It gives us a unique identity and it helps establish a brand. When people think of Children’s Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch, all of a sudden the logo, the colors, the characters… all those things are the first thing that comes to people’s minds. So it really helps us set ourselves apart from other dental offices in the area.
IDS: What do you feel are the most important benefits of the theming?
Dr. Morgan: When a child’s coming to the dentist it can be daunting and overwhelming. Having a unique theme that’s child friendly, that’s warm, that’s inviting, makes coming into the office feel like they are in a non-threatening area.
They’ve got gaming stations where they can immediately zone in and almost remove themselves from the fact that they are at the dental office. And so it really caters to making the kids feel comfortable right from the get-go.
IDS: Do you think that you are gaining new patients as a direct response to theming?
Dr. Morgan: Absolutely the kids love it, the parents love it – they talk to their friends at school, and the parents talk to their friends on social media as well as at gatherings. I have no doubt that we are gaining new patients as a direct result of theming.
IDS: What do you feel has been the staff’s overall response to the theming?
Dr. Morgan: They love it. As much as we do it for the kids, I am not going to lie and say that it doesn’t give us a certain level of satisfaction coming in, and a certain level of love for being in the office and providing our services in this space.
It adds that element of fun to what otherwise would be a run-of-the-mill, boring dental office.
IDS: Do you use the thematic aspect for marketing in the office?
Dr. Morgan: I do. It shows off tremendously in photographs and video. The individuals that manage my online presence and “searchability,” Google listings, etc., make it show off very well. The colors, the precision, and the characters – we use them in all aspects of marketing whether it be print or digital.
IDS: What’s your favorite character that you have here?
Dr. Morgan: My favorite area in the office (Lakewood Ranch) is actually the reception area. That’s where we have the most amount of our 3D sculptures. The Rabbit Sheriff guarding the jail next to the hay bale where our gaming station is located is definitely my favorite part of the office.
IDS: How do you feel that the theming has stood up over time? What do you think of the quality?
Dr. Morgan: It is exceptional in terms of quality. We’ve had no problem with any of the 3D structures, we’ve had no problems with the murals and the adhesion to the walls, and it’s all been extremely durable and withstood the test of time as well as the test of children.
IDS: Overall, how would you say your experience was working with IDS?
Dr. Morgan: IDS has been a phenomenal partner in my practice. I’ve been working with them for the better part of the last decade and they themed my first office in two phases and then themed my second office in a single phase.
I love working with super creative people, all I have to do is give them a direction, and all of a sudden they have a mockup, they have themes, they have colors, and they have characters. It’s really easy, low stress, and you know that you’re working with exceptional people who are delivering an exceptional product.
IDS: Would you recommend IDS to colleagues or friends or family in the future?
Dr. Morgan: 100% I would recommend. There’s nobody that I would want to theme additional offices other than Imagination Design Studios.
Dr. Bryan Morgan received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. He has a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Stony Brook University. He is a certified member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.
Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience. Or download our inspiring look book and start imagining the possibilities in your office.
Pandemic-induced life changes have promoted a work-life balance reset for many, leading to media reports of a ‘great resignation.’
– World Economic Forum
Is your dental office set up to grow with this mentality and cultivate a space that will draw in the best of the best to join your team and stick by your side?
Take a deep dive with us, and let’s determine how to:
Understand the current job hunter’s market
Review your company culture
Take actionable steps to generate an attractive work environment
It is no secret that in many professions the reaction to Covid-19 limited hours in the office, enforced work-from-home conditions, and even resulted in mass layoffs across the country. This was the new norm for anywhere from a month to the entirety of the last 2 years.
Now that we are slowly gaining traction back into a fully operating society, back to work is again an option. But it’s just that, an option.
As we said, many offices had temporary shutdowns. It was no longer the 9-5 life, so priorities in day-to-day routines changed. For workers it was now family time, taking on hobbies that they’ve always wanted to do, or placing value on exercising. Whatever it was, it became a standard practice for them and the thought of a full-time job taking that enjoyment away is less than enticing.
So the challenge for employers becomes making coming to work worth an employee’s time.
This difficulty is heightened in the dental and medical fields. It is a strenuous environment requiring dedicated attention and skill that needs to be regularly exercised. Let’s face it, people’s health is in your hands and that is not something you want to handle half-heartedly.
With that in mind, you have to consider this time away has also induced anxiety around the loss of knowledge or skill alongside new expectations.
2022 job hunters want an environment that supports them, is flexible, doesn’t take away from their external passions, and that they will genuinely enjoy going to every day.
What does this look like to employers?
Review Your Company’s Culture
Your company culture is what you make it.
It is how the execution of actions and values come together to make the experience people feel when they come to work every day.
It is how you manage your employees and set expectations.
It is the thing that people consider when asking themselves, “Am I going to be happy working here?”
Yes, coming in to work is about getting a job done, but to make it fulfilling to do that job, you as an owner and their boss should also:
Encourage employee wellness, both mental and physical. Dental and medical work is stressful on the mind and hard on the back. Losing employees to medical leave is avoidable.
Provide meaning and purpose in the work you are doing. Working in healthcare and helping children is a noble profession that truly helps people. Help your staff remember they are working towards a greater good.
Create goals and rewards for hard work. Feeling good about helping people is good, but you must also make the job rewarding in monetary ways as well – bonuses, small gifts, or time off add up to a happy, loyal worker.
Encourage positivity and celebrate milestones, both personal and professional. Show that you care by making your staff feel special and appreciated.
Foster social connections and build friendships among your staff. If your staff enjoys the company of the people they work with, that will build loyalty and lasting employment.
Listen to their feedback on ways to improve your existing culture. Part of today’s issue is keeping current staff. Make sure the people working with you are happy now and you can worry about hiring new staff instead of just replacing missing staff.
Make your business the type of place people want to work. If you are a leader of your company your behavior has the power to largely influence the essence of your company’s culture. Take a moment to step back and ask…
What Type of Leader Are You?
As a leader, you have the responsibility of managing people’s daily realities. And perhaps most importantly, you have the capability to make or break a person’s time spent with your company.
Consider the following questions and challenge yourself to look at the influence you have on your team from a third-party perspective to assess whether your leadership skills have been positively effective:
Are your morals visible in your everyday actions? Be your most authentic self. Authenticity inspires authenticity– Forbes. As a leader, be yourself and stand by your integrity. Your staff will appreciate knowing your expectations, and if positively applied this will incline them to conduct their efforts in the same direction.
Are you honest with your staff? The transparency and vulnerability that honesty reveals will let your staff know that they are trusted and that their insight is valued in the eyes of a leader.
How important is communication between you and your staff? Good communication can get the job done, but great communication can blow expectations out of the water. When people know what they are doing and what is expected of them it eliminates the middle man named ‘Confusion’ and productivity is increased.
How do you show fairness in your workplace? Be flexible with your staff’s needs both professionally and personally, award accomplishments, and address failure.
Unity in the workplace is established when a leader prioritizes creating an environment not only for the client but for the staff. A great leader can answer these questions with confidence that their staff will appreciate their answers.
One thing to remember is that being a great leader is not always a linear process, there will be ups and downs. But when you register that it takes a village to do the job, then you can start to adjust your approach to value this outlook.
What Makes a Company Attractive to Employees?
A Company with Good Reviews
We’re not talking about client reviews on Google and Facebook, although those can help potential employees get an overview of how your business operates when dealing with the public. There are also employee review sites that are great insights for potential workers. The two most popular sites are:
Search your name and find out what has been said about you. If there are any negative comments, now is a good time to address the issue. If there aren’t any comments at all, encourage your current staff to add on a positive review to make your business look more attractive to job hunters.
Prioritization of a Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment. Maintaining a work-life balance helps reduce stress and prevent burnout in the workplace.
– Forbes
A good way to understand what “work-life balance” means to employees is to recognize that it is going to mean something slightly different to each of your employees. Take a look at the following infographic.
The fact of the matter is that the life we live cannot be summarized down to simply work and ‘the rest’, and it is naive to think that when an employee walks into work ‘the rest’ simply disappears. Daily chores, family obligations, visiting with friends, going to the gym, travel, and hobbies add up to a lot of ‘life’ that people need to balance with their job, which includes daily tasks, training, learning new technology, and networking with peers.
There is something to be said that excessive focus on something can drain our energy and result in a lack of interest. Take the initiative to get to know your employees, take an interest in their passions, and consider how as an employer you might work to honor these passions. Give your staff room to balance their work and life by:
Reinforce daily breaks to prevent burnout and injury.
Encourage vacation time to recharge.
Support personal expression.
Exercise compassion when ‘life’ creates personal struggles.
Prioritize health with competitive benefits packages.
Set up out-of-office events and team building during work hours.
Create a safe space for your employees to say no (i.e. no to overtime, or no to a promotion that will take up more of their time).
Be Your Staff’s Cheerleader
Part of being a good leader is generating confidence amongst your staff and in turn, they will feel their work is appreciated and their presence is valued – a recipe for an employee who is happy to come to work every day. Follow these three steps to cheer on your team:
Be a mentor: Be someone your team can turn to for direction. When you establish an environment that supports your staff’s curiosity, then this positive reinforcement will incline them to continue developing their abilities in the workplace.
Offer conducive training: Whether an employee is brand new or transitioning to a new role, ensure proper measures are taken for them to receive detailed training. This will prepare them to deliver on what’s expected and mitigate confusion.
Provide an opportunity for professional development: Provide goals for your employees to work towards. For some, routines can get mundane. Entice your staff to grow with your business by awarding them for their hard work and offering incentives to take their skills to the next level.
Offer Competitive Salary and Benefits
As the ADA has uncovered, many offices are experiencing a staff shortage.
That being said, to attract and keep your employees you need to offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Do your research:
What is the cost of living in your city?
What are other offices in your area paying their employees?
What personal/professional sacrifices might people be making to join your team?
This statement puts the power in the job hunter’s hands, but when you invest in your employees, your business grows.
Design an Enjoyable Workspace
Your office atmosphere can have a direct impact on the appeal your employees have towards coming to work.
Just like you don’t want to go home to a dingy, cold, dark basement, your employees don’t want to walk into a workspace that is anything but inviting.
Like the saying ‘look good, feel good’, coming to work in a space that is enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing will have your employees feeling empowered and motivated. It will also generate a sense of respect for the space and a desire to maintain order.
What can you do to your space to spruce it up?
Bring in some greenery to boost the mood.
Encourage employee workspace personalization to promote pride and ownership.
Provide ergonomic work areas to promote health.
Apply theming to create a friendly space that will make working with children easier and more fun.
What Does Coming to Work in a Themed Space Look Like?
Theming your space can bring magic to your business and joy to your guests.By putting young patients at ease appointments become easier, children become more cooperative, and the stress of a fussy patient is no longer a daily battle for your employees.
But it won’t just wow your patients, it will draw in and retain your staff too.
Imagine walking into work every day and being greeted by a giraffe holding a welcome sign? Well in this custom Imagination Design Studios safari-themed pediatric dental office the staff is privy to seeing it every day.
Fresh out of University, Dr. Jensen didn’t just want to go to work every day, she wanted to spend her time somewhere that was going to bring a smile to her face day-in-day-out.
The theming definitely played a role in terms of my decision to join the practice. I came to visit the office, opened up the front door and it was just like a theme park.
I love working here, truly – it is a very well put together office. We know every other dental office tries to stay clean and organized, but I feel like having properly placed theming in an office gives us that edge where every day is fun and interesting.
Or consider what it’s like for an interviewee to walk into a vibrant and exciting reception area with a parachuting gorilla to welcome them.
My first expression walking into my office for an interview was WOW!! I wanted the job at first sight just by how the office appeared.
– Candace Chavez, Practice Administrator
When you have a unique space, people will fight to work in one of your themed offices.
Every time I open a new office, every one of my employees wants to work in the new office. They’re always so cool and so different.
– Scott Savel
Theming will help you find the right people with your same core beliefs.
Hiring pediatricians is no longer a challenge – once they set foot in the facility they want to work here because the decor speaks to our philosophy and dedication to helping kids.
– Mawish Baber
There’s no easy answer to finding good employees during a worker drought, but there is a secret weapon in making your office stand out to job hunters. Being surrounded by colorful and friendly elements in your workspace that you know will bring a smile to your face can set the tone for the entire workday.
I used to come into work through the back door and now I come in through the front door because it makes me happy for the rest of the day.
– Dr. Bill Martin
Use your office in your job postings. You’re not the only office hiring right now, and what better way to stand out than with your inviting, friendly workplace. You are offering a unique and exciting opportunity – something future employees will love to brag about. Don’t let it go unnoticed.
Adjust to New Expectations
Today’s economy is tough, it’s as simple as that. As we navigate through a post-pandemic reality and, dare I say, the horizon of a potential recession, the workplace looks different for most. Expectations around what ‘work’ means and why employees should want to spend their time with your business has drastically shifted. Shift with this mentality and win them back – you run an exciting, fun, friendly business – show them what that looks like!
You see and hear about it everywhere: children and adults alike are nervous about going to the dentist. In fact, in many cases, they’re more than nervous. They have dental-related anxiety.
Dentophobia, or simply dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is incredibly common, not only in North America, but also around the world. According to various studies and reports, 74% of children and adolescents report anxiety, and one in ten of them suffer from a severe phobia that almost entirely inhibits them from going to the dentist’s office at all.
There are different reasons why kids might be scared of the dentist. Many of them are similar to the reasons that adults are scared, including being self-conscious about their oral health and a generalized fear of needles. Other concerns are more child-specific, like the fear of the unknown, having never actually been to the dentist before, and a general feeling of powerlessness.
Whatever the reason, as a dentist, it’s important that you do your best to alleviate your patient’s concerns.
Here are a few tips to help kids deal with their dental jitters for any procedure, and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone!
Communicate with Kids
The most important place to start is by talking to the kids themselves. By nature, kids are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. Here’s are some examples of ways you can ensure you’re communicating clearly and effectively with your young patients:
Talk to your patient directly, not “around” them. While communication with parents is important too (see below), it’s important that the child be at the center of your attention.
Ask them about their life and hobbies! Get them comfortable and laughing before you get down the the serious business.
Speak calmly and use more simple words that kids understand in order to help them relax. Don’t overcomplicate things, medical words and confusing terms can be scary and cause their imgaintions to run wild.
Be the “hype-wo/man” so to speak, and praise them throughout the appointment. Positive reinforcement is absolutely key, and works wonders on easing stress. You can always promise them a trip to a prize cabinet or treausre drawer as a fun reward to look forward to.
Talk to Parents
Almost equally important to helping kids deal with dental procedure anxiety, is establishing and cultivating a strong relationship with their parents. Research suggests that parental dental fear is a key factor in whether or not someone will develop dental fear and anxiety of their own.
Consider the following when talking to parents:
Provide them with some key “talking points” in advance. A great guide that you can provide parents is The Kids’ Guide to the Dentist, a fun story that takes kids through their first dental visit and what they can expect.
Address their own concerns. As mentioned, parental dental fear is a strong indicator for dental fear in their children. By easing their own anxieties, parents are better able to ensure that their kids don’t repeat similar habits.
Give them some key resources that they can take home and share with their kids before their first visit, or in between subsequent visits.
By communicating clearly with parents and providing them with the resources that they need, you can take another step in reducing overall dental anxiety with your young patients.
Create a Welcoming Space
On top of open communication with your patients and their parents, one of the most important things you can do to help with dental anxiety is to provide a welcoming and friendly environment.
A welcoming environment can take a few different shapes. Some suggestions include:
Books that kids and their parents can peruse while waiting for the dentist— particularly if they’re dentist-themed!
Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can help make all the difference. Within a general practice, consider a colorful children’s play and activity area. Playgrounds are always bright and colourful, so painting a special space for kids in a colour they know if meant for fun and play eases them into your environment.
Create a space made just for kids. A private room or even just a corner that acts as a welcoming space for children to hang out in before their appointment makes kids feel special.
If your practice is primarily focused on kids, you might want to consider going beyond just one designated play area, and set up a whole themed office. This ensures that kids are interacting with a dynamic and exciting space every step of the way. By transforming a space into a magical destination kids will be excited to go to the dentist, competely eliminating that pesky dentophobia.
By helping kids deal with dental anxiety at a young age, you will instill healthy habits within them, helping to ensure that they don’t grow into overly anxious adults that avoid proper oral health solely out of fear.
For more ideas on how to transform your dental office into the most welcoming space possible for kids, contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to talk to a creative consultant today.
For dental offices big or small, using each square foot of your space to its full potential is a top priority to ensure the comfort of your patients (we all want to avoid dental crowding after all). Knowing just how important efficient use of space is, it can sometimes make bold theming feel difficult due to floor space restraints, low ceilings, or even just logistics of people coming and going – but we have good news! You can have an efficient practice AND have a fun theme by utilizing functional decor to transform your space!
What do we mean by functional decor?
Any piece of decor in your office with a purpose beyond just being a nice decoration is considered functional decor. Functional decor can be a sculpture that doubles as seating, adorable characters that hold wayfinding signage, or a playful reception desk that is a great social media photo op.
Curious how functional decor can fit into a complete themed practice? Explore how IDS Kids creates custom pediatric dental office design and decor using murals, themed seating, wayfinding, reception desks and interactive elements.
Here are 5 functional decor ideas to get you inspired to re-imagine the potential of your office
1. Brushing Mirrors
Brushing mirrors are a practical addition to many pediatric dental practices, so why not maximize their impact with themed brushing stations that transform mirrors into playful wall art? Adorable characters like smiling fish or grinning tigers can contribute to a fun jungle theme while helping coach kids on their tooth-cleaning technique.
2. Themed Seating
Reception area seating is one of the bulkiest and most space-consuming elements in any office. Since seating is non-negotiable, why not use custom themed seating to make it the centerpiece of your office theme?
Wrap incredible centerpiece sculpture in round plush seating…
Add a grinning photo op to a long bench seating…
Or even transform your seating into themed props, like these cute mushrooms fitting in perfectly with this woodland office…
You can even add book and toy storage in to your themed benches…
Themed seating is uniquely suited to immerse guests into your decor, making your environment even more impactful. The space would already be taken up by chairs or other seating, so why not transform it?
Plain directional signs can make a practice feel cold and clinical. Custom signs and wayfinding can feature whimsical characters, themed graphics and colors that help visitors navigate while carrying the office theme throughout the space.
Hanging signs for the ceiling is a great space-saving option. You are really theming every square inch of your space when you take advantage of your ceiling tiles to direct traffic.
Wayfinding is more than just a sign or arrow – it can consist of colors and themes to separate areas. Decorating each treatment room with a different theme is a great way to create an information system that guides people through your physical environment. It enhances visitor’s understanding and experience of your space.
4. Storytelling Reception Desk
A custom themed reception desk is often the first thing patients see when they walk through the door, so make it work for you. Welcome families with signage, a smiling character or a themed scene that begins telling your story as soon as they arrive. Kids will know they are about to go on an adventure when a waving elephant or friendly otter is waiting to greet them.
5. Self Check-In Stations
A bit of modern technology can stick out like a sore thumb in a themed office but when it’s built right into a sculpture, bulky screens can be transformed into FUNctional hardware. We love the way these tiki-inspired sculptures blend seamlessly into this jungle theme while still allowing easy self-check-in.
Your office space truly holds endless potential when you begin to factor in the addition of functional decor. Whether your office is big or small, we can theme it all!
To become the #1 choice in your community, it is imperative that your dental practice is welcoming to everyone, no matter their age. While appealing to the adult crowd has its own set of essentials, the needs and wants of your pediatric guests require a different, more careful approach that can at times be difficult to navigate.
To ensure that you and your practice are truly creating a comfortable and welcoming place for children, we’ve assembled 6 simple tips to make your practice more inviting for pediatric patients. Parents and kids alike will thank you!
UNDERSTANDING DENTAL VISIT ANXIETY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
It could be their first appointment or their tenth; the amount of visits doesn’t really matter. The feeling of anxiety being in an unfamiliar place is a constant reality for kids. This anxiety could stem from a bad experience at a previous office, feeling the nervousness from a parent, or just the apprehension that comes with a new and unfamiliar experience – and this anxiety is a sliding scale. From a bit of hesitancy all the way to downright dread, kids experience it all.
Providing a safe space and rolling out the welcome mat for kids requires sensitivity, kindness, and strategic planning. It’s about creating an environment that everyone will feel relaxed in, and let them know they’re with a trustworthy adult. It’s easier than you think!
Tip #1: Transform Waiting Time into Fun Time at Your Pediatric Dental Office
The hardest part of a dental visit for many families is the minutes before the appointment itself. Since the wait is often unavoidable, use it to your advantage by setting the tone with a wow-worthy reception area. Think helpful, fun, and welcoming!
Distractions are a must. Hands-on activities like gaming stations, books, coloring pages, or I Spy murals are enjoyable and distracting. If you have a designated play area – even better!
Playful colors in the reception area can make the experience feel less daunting by creating a bright space. When paired with a fun sculpture, the decor is a great way to make your practice feel less like a medical office, and more like a fun day at a theme park. (Tip: Check out our blog on ideal dental office color schemes!)
Arrange seating so parents/accompanying adults can stay engaged with their kids. Low seating can keep adults and kids at eye level, encouraging a feeling of security and comfort.
Tip #2: Building Trust and Rapport with Young Dental Patients
From the moment a child walks in, a compassionate front staff member should take on the role of “Kids Concierge” to bring them in on the experience. If the reception staff extends less attention to the child over their accompanying adult, it can sometimes make them feel left out or ignored. The Kids Concierge is a quick fix to this problem.
Encourage your Kids Concierge to step from behind the counter and physically greet pediatric patients. Getting on their level to exchange a fist-bump or handshake is a great way to build rapport and comfort, and make kids feel like they have a friend in the office. This staff member can engage with children from the moment they walk through the door, through the waiting process, and walk them to their chair.
Establish trust by including the child in the conversation about their appointment. If they feel like they are part of the process, it can eliminate some of the fear of the unknown.
Tip #3: Confidence is Key in Pediatric Dentistry
When children are anxious, they may not be overly enthusiastic to comply with directions. Be prepared! The right way to respond to “no” can be the difference between a negative and a positive experience.
Be kind and patient.
Be confident. Children will sense uncertainty and are looking to your team for guidance.
Tip #4: Simplifying and Explaining Dental Procedures for Children
Most children come to an appointment with a preconceived notion of what a visit to the dentist entails. Media, stories from friends, or even anecdotes from parents can really impact a child’s perception negatively, so it is up to you and your team to put them at ease
Provide a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of each step of their appointment.
Avoid clinical dental-speak. For example, call an x-ray image just a “picture of a tooth” or something else that makes sense to them.
Brainstorm with your team various creative words and phrases you can use to describe equipment, treatments, procedures etc.
Tip #5: Encouraging Curiosity and Questions in Child Dental Patients
Giving children the freedom to ask questions is imperative. Kids are curious, and one of the ways they get comfortable in an uncomfortable situation is by asking their own questions and satisfying their curiosity.
Establish permission to ask questions from moment one.
Be curious about each of your pediatric patients. Ask about their hobbies, passions, games, sports – anything they’re interested in to open the conversation to inquiry.
Be prepared! Find a way to get in the “know” with what the youth are into, so you can have engaging conversations and include references they’ll recognize while answering their questions.
Tip #6: End Dental Appointment Visits on a High Note with Prizes
Reward good visits and soothe tougher visits with prizes! Place a visible prize box or toy vending machine near the front desk and have your Kids Concierge mention to the pediatric patient that after their visit they’ll be able to choose whichever prize they’d like. The simple fixation on a small but meaningful item will make the visit go by in a flash.
A tangible reward they can take home is also something they’ll remember long after the visit – creating a positive association with the dentist as opposed to a negative one. Parents can then lead up to their next appointment by reminding them of the awesome toy car or pretty ring they got the last time they saw your team.
Make Visits More Inviting by Creating a Welcoming Environment in Pediatric Dental Practices
An outstanding patient experience for kids may seem difficult, but it’s all about making them feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door to the second they leave. Anxiety-free dental visits are priceless for families and parents, so we hope that these tips will help you create streamlined dental visits for all comfort levels.
Looking for more info? Check out more of our resources!
The secret to successful dental practice marketing is more than just the flash and fanfare of one single eye-catching campaign. Yes, bright colors and bold text are vital to grabbing people’s attention, but a truly great dental practice marketing campaign requires more than just a few social media posts.
Common Mistakes
Take a look at most dental practice marketing content and familiarize yourself with the competition. You might notice a few repeated things if you look with a critical eye.
It’s feature-heavy, meaning it suffers from “-est syndrome” (think greatest, latest, best, etc.)
It’s often loaded with dental jargon. Your colleagues will love it, but the public? Not so much!
It’s crowd focused, not individual focused. The text reads like you’re speaking to the masses instead of being too “you” – writing to the reader.
Those three observations alone are the relative norm for dental practice marketing. While this may not be the case for all practices, most could improve their marketing with a focus on:
Benefits over features.
Content that’s conversational.
Speaking to “one” person, making the text feel more personal.
Rethink Your Creativity
What ties together these three fixes? A focus on being yourself! The key is positioning your dental practice marketing in a way that feels unique and personal.
While it may seem like common sense, it takes some major courage to step away from the crowd and try something new and different. Sure, it’s easy to use templated marketing strategies and follow how-to guides line by line but if you want long-lasting results you need to get personal. These are for the offices that want more than one-and-done visits. You want long-term referrals from devoted patients!
There’s so much dental practice marketing “noise” out there, that it is essential to carve out your niche in the industry with personal touches. This need is also incredibly timely.
COVID-19 changed the marketing game for us all over the last year and a half, as well as the way dentistry is done. Stop us if you’ve had these conversations with your team this year.
“We have to start doing dentistry differently.”
“We need to find new ways to engage with our patients.”
Sound familiar? Not only have you had to make major changes over the last few months, but you’ve also had to evaluate the best way to appeal to the public need and desire for dental services. With all these changes in the marketing sphere and our world at large, it’s safe to say we’re in a new era of dentistry.
How do you use that to your advantage? Let’s focus on a few core ideas!
SOME BASIC YET CREATIVE DENTAL PRACTICE MARKETING IDEAS
Idea #1: Add Some SEO Muscle to Your Dental Practice Website
It’s not an over-exaggeration to say that your practice’s website is perhaps the most important tool in your marketing toolbox. Now more than ever, your website is the first thing a potential patient will ever see or know about your team – however, setting up a website is more than just purchasing your domain (as much as we wish it was that easy).
You have to optimize! If you’ve heard the term SEO (search engine optimization) before, then you know the tip of this marketing iceberg. It’s part – but not all of a healthy website.
Optimizing your site requires some serious creative thinking.
See your website as an entire usable platform rather than a simple IP address on the internet.
Maximize your website environment just as much as your office environment. Just like your in-person space, your website is where people and patients connect, interact, and engage with your services. Take the same time and care with your website as you do with your office.
Offer free downloadable content and resources to your website for your existing and potential patients, just as you would have brochures in your office. Name the content after key search words that patients would be searching for online.
Have a FAQ or question and answer area that you can fill with SEO-friendly keywords along with helpful info for your patients.
Write a blog full of useful knowledge and keywords to help your website rank higher in searches.
Idea #2: Constantly Evaluate Your Web Design
Evaluating your site is where your creativity can be applied!
Design your website around visitor appeal. 90% of web based users form their opinion about a website based on design, so this step is critical[1].
Make sure your site is uncluttered and easy to navigate. Is the phone number and address easy to find? Is there a big call to action directing patients to book an appointment? Make the most important info the most obvious and easy to find.
Confirm that your site is up to date with both desktop and mobile capabilities. Google will penalize a website that is not optimized for mobile and you will not rank highly in searches.
Remember! 38% of site visitors will click away if the website design is difficult to navigate or looks unappealing[2].
Idea #3: Engage Your Site Visitors and Current Patients with Patient-relevant Solutions
Before you create and publish content, ask yourself: is this useful to my patients? This will help you answer real questions and solve common problems a regular visitor may have about their oral health.
Add an online scheduling portal. This addition is time-saving and convenient and will make appointment requests easier than ever. Eliminate all the barriers you can!
Give your readers a reason to care about oral health benefits with attractive images and fun video content. Visual media is powerful so be sure to use it to your advantage!
Provide patients the opportunity to securely make payments, request prescriptions, and complete necessary appointment forms online.
Increase visitor and patient communication access with real-time chat and messaging apps built into your site.
Add or update your Google My Business profile to give the public and patients another online access point.
Idea #4: Define Yourself as an Industry Leader with a Dental Blog
Fresh, useful content published on a routine schedule will set your dental practice website and marketing apart from your competition.
Why?
Creating original content takes time that many other practices are unwilling to invest. While it may seem daunting, the long-term payoff is worth your investment! Coming up with topics to write about is the biggest roadblock for many practices. Be creative and leverage these blog content ideas:
Confront current events, myths, inaccurate data, and the numerous assumptions about dental care. Search newsfeeds, popular opinion articles, etc while bringing your own expertise to the narrative. People love relevant content – so keep on top of the news!
Share tips on routine dental topics like whitening, brushing, or flossing. Look for a fresh angle or technique on each and give your website visitors something they can use to improve their health or lifestyle.
You’re the expert, so make a FAQ section! Answer common and routine questions that the public and your patients are often searching for or asking about.
Idea #5: Make Friends with Your Community on Social Media
Social media is the modern day gathering place. Not a moment goes by that your “audience” (you included) isn’t checking one or many social media channels.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Youtube, Reddit… The list goes on! It’s where people go to hang out, read their news, form opinions, show off their skills, communicate, comment, and generally interact with each other in our modern world.
Using social media in a creative way needs to be a major factor in your dental practice marketing. Your patients are online, so you need to be too if you want to maintain a lasting, relevant connection.
Use your fresh blog content (or a newsletter) and provide teasers on your practice’s social media feed. This will draw your community back to your website.
Post attention-grabbing statistics, visuals, infographics, or short videos. We are a visual species, so take advantage of it!
Tell a compelling dental success story using “before and after” images of a client.
Encourage more dental reviews for your practice by sharing recent positive testimonials.
Host Facebook “live” events on specific dental topics.
Show your local community vibe by sharing local milestones, events, and more. Remind your patients that you’re a part of their community.
Let your social media community see the real you by posting team pictures and videos.
… And that’s just a start!
As you create, never forget:
Your desire for long-term patient loyalty should be the engine that powers your dental practice marketing creativity.
Check out these related resources to generate ideas and create a dental marketing strategy for your practice:
How can you build influence and trust amongst your patients when they only come in once or twice a year for a cleaning? By utilizing email marketing that includes your valuable expertise, of course!
Staying front of mind via a dental newsletter will help nurture your relationships with your current patients. By providing valuable content, their trust in you as a provider will deepen.
INVEST IN YOUR CURRENT PATIENTS
While the majority of your marketing spend list probably includes new patient acquisition, don’t overlook your current patient base!
Your patients have already given you their consent to contact them because:
You’ve already treated them.
You’ve established trust.
You’ve answered their questions about dentistry.
You’ve provided a solution to their dental issues.
You’ve formed an emotional connection with their oral health goals.
Your current patient base is full of opportunities to encourage lifelong dental health, not just dental appointments for emergencies.
HOW A DENTAL NEWSLETTER BUILDS AND SUSTAINS PATIENT TRUST
You rely on patient trust for referrals and ongoing loyalty to your practice. Patients trust your expertise as a source of useful information about their oral health and related lifestyle.
Consider these examples:
A Dental Newsletter Provides Consistent Marketing
Content marketing works because it creates a long-term connection. It beats an often costly, one-and-done marketing campaign.
Again, patients have given you permission to communicate with them. You can use that permission to create and deliver useful content to maintain the relationship outside of appointments.
A Dental Newsletter Preserves Inbox Trust
They’ve said it’s okay to communicate with them, but NOT spam them. Preserve your patients’ trust by emailing valuable content, like:
Tips for good at-home oral hygiene
Blogs about popular/interesting topics, like teeth whitening or the value of braces
Brushing calendars for kids
Good food for oral health
Appointment reminders or follow up
Patient loyalty rewards
and more!
A Dental Newsletter Creates an Influential Connection with Your Patients
Face-to-face communication is preferred during appointments and consultations, but what about those weeks or months between appointments? Your dental newsletter keeps them connected with your expertise (and practice) until their next visit.
HOW TO CREATE A DENTAL NEWSLETTER THAT KEEPS YOU CONNECTED WITH YOUR PATIENTS
1. Theme It!
Brainstorm all the themes that come to mind about dentistry. Include those “seasonal” or monthly themes that occur annually.
For example, since we’re on the subject of “seasons” and “months”, you could build your publishing themes on a quarterly timeline.
January to March “New Year…New Goals” themes: Promote annual examinations and check-ups. Encourage consideration of treatment that has a longer timeline such as orthodontics or dental implants.
April to June “Spring” themes: Build on the “new beginnings” vibe. Direct attention to cosmetic dentistry for feeling more confident at weddings, reunions, and vacations.
July to August “Summer” themes: Encourage relaxation and good oral health habits. Cover back to school preparations with general dentistry, ortho follow-ups, dental examinations, fluoride, sealants, etc.
September to December “Fall” themes Focus on the holiday season and end-of-year. Share tips for taking advantage of unused insurance benefits. Promote cosmetic dentistry for holiday parties. Remind them to complete unscheduled treatment.
2. Curate It!
Topic ideas can be a challenge, so curation is a good place to start.
Curating content is about scanning relevant sources for useful information. It’s information you can turn into a topic or theme for your dental newsletter.
Search content around dental topics your patients ask questions about. Provide answers via your dental newsletter.
Scan social media feeds for what’s trending – especially on topics or questions that involve health, wellness, oral health trends, or controversial topics (you can provide helpful insight about).
Curation is about being socially aware. Use your dental newsletter as a platform to build your influence among your patients and subscribers.
3. Promote It! (Without Being Salesy)
First and foremost – a dental newsletter is content based. Sure, you can promote your services or a current offer but lead with valuable content first!
Remember to keep any promotional emphasis natural, conversational, and somewhat connected to your newsletter theme. You want to maintain the integrity of your dental newsletter and not make it a deal-of-the-month promotional tool.
Lead with a theme. Stay in context if you want to promote a specific treatment or procedure. For example, if you’re on a cosmetic dentistry theme close the newsletter with a compelling teeth whitening promotion, etc.
Give readers an opportunity to respond. A strategically placed CTA (call to action) like “Click Here” or “Read More” will compel a response if the reader chooses.
Above all, your dental newsletter is about consistent communication. It’s a strategic way to stay front-of-mind while building patient relationships around your expertise.
BUILD YOUR INFLUENCE AND CREATE LIFETIME PATIENT LOYALTY
Content that connects will ultimately be the result of leveraging your patient conversations and communication.
And remember – it’s not about a one-and-done tactical approach. The best strategies (like a dental newsletter) create lifetime patient value: loyal patients who trust you for solutions to problems and answers to questions.
Check out these related resources to generate ideas and create a dental marketing strategy for your practice:
Pivot – that word has been used a lot in 2020, but we’re not talking about maneuvering a couch up your apartment complex’s stairs with Friends! We’re talking about pivoting your marketing strategy for your dental practice to include digital marketing.
So, why should you shift away from your traditional dental marketing to include more digital plays?
1. IT’S HARD TO ARGUE WITH DATA
Gone are the days of relying on Yellow Pages ads and billboard displays. Up to 85% of consumers rely on the internet, whether through a Google Business listing or a social media page, to find a local business. Can you remember the last time you used a phone book for something other than a handy paperweight?
Radio advertising can be cost-prohibitive due to an overcrowded ad space, unless your ad really stands out. Then, when you consider the high percentage of people streaming music on their smart devices, they probably aren’t hearing mainstream radio ads anyway.
As for direct mail, you can miss an entire younger demographic who live online or only check their mailboxes once a month to recycle their “junk” mail.
Digital marketing is the new age billboard. Digital ads stream 24/7 at a lower cost investment than most traditional marketing approaches. The benefits of digital advertising stand out immediately:
Larger audience reach.
Targeted messaging to specific demographics.
Easily change your messaging on the fly to improve audience response and engagement rates.
2. TYPES OF DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
There are many types of digital campaign strategies, so you’ll have to determine which one is right for your business. The most common digital strategies are:
Pay-per-clickads – position your business on search engines and business directories where people are actively searching for your services
Display ads – create awareness when people visit local news websites, streaming services, etc.
Targeted/re-targeted social media marketing – share useful information and stay front-of-mind in social timelines and news feeds
Let’s test a digital ad strategy out with a real-life scenario!
There is a family in the town next to yours (or in the same city) that is frustrated with the care or experience they’re receiving at their current dental office. They’ve been thinking about switching to a new provider for a while now and may have done some preliminary searching online. Thanks to things like browser cookies and search history, your ads will now start to target them! There is a good chance they’ve never heard of you before seeing your ad, but thanks to the specific targeting parameters you used, they’ll start seeing your name appear on their social feeds.
After seeing your ad(s) peppered throughout their timelines, they might pick up the phone or create an appointment online at YOUR practice instead!
Pretty cool, right?
How Much Does Digital Advertising Cost?
By now, I’m sure you’re now curious about the cost of an ad like the one in the example. The good news is that you create your own budget! That budget will help determine when and how often your ad shows up. You can get an analytic breakdown on your social or search engine ads to show how much you’re paying per person who has interacted with your ad – known as cost per click.
It will also show you how often your ad has been viewed in a feed – aka the number of impressions. Your cost-effectiveness will rely on how well you rank on specific search phrases as well as how targeted you make your ad campaign. Once your budget is used up, the ads stop rolling until you replenish your budget.
If this all sounds a little confusing, it’s okay, because digital marketing is a brave new frontier!
There are plenty of marketing specialists and social media experts you can hire that will help you with all your planning and execution. They will ensure you are using your budget appropriately by targeting the right markets with the right messaging at the right time.
3. DIGITAL MARKETING OUTPACES TRADITIONAL MARKETING
Digital Marketing Produces Fast Returns
The best part about digital advertising is that you can see in real time how effective your advertising dollars are being used, or ROI. Sure, traditional channels such as radio, television, and local newspapers create awareness about your practice, but you will likely not experience an immediate revenue boost.
You’re investing a large percentage of your marketing dollars when it’s likely only a few people are searching for a dentist at the moment your ad hits the airwaves. Traditional marketing is great for establishing brand awareness, but incorporating digital marketing will create sustained awareness.
Sustained awareness will lead to more patients, which means more revenue for you.
Digital Marketing is Relevant
Offline advertising can have a short shelf-life. Imagine investing a substantial percentage of your budget in a campaign to discover that your narrative is outdated before it’s even delivered.
Change happens fast in today’s culture, and the pace of change is often unpredictable. A digital marketing strategy is customizable, so you can pivot your tactics when necessary to make sure your campaign is evergreen and relevant. This adaptability gives you a huge advantage when targeting your campaigns.
Traditional advertising also has a very broad reach, but it isn’t as targeted as digital marketing can be. Running a radio or TV ad for your dental practice will reach a number of different demographics each time, such as:
Non-patients who aren’t even looking for a dentist.
Non-patients who might be looking for a dentist.
Those who are already current patients of yours.
Those who are satisfied with their current dentist.
Inactive patients who haven’t scheduled in your office in a while.
Digital Marketing Creates and Nurtures Relationships
People have dentistry on their minds routinely in some form or another. They could be thinking about a toothache while brushing or be reminded that they want whiter or straighter teeth.
Whatever their dental issue is, they will almost reflexively search online for a related answer to their question or a solution for their problem.
Employing a digital marketing strategy allows you to be a front-runner to help solve their problem.
Organic, targeted online content also gives you an advantage. When people search using questions about a particular issue, your website/blog content (if it’s adequately crafted) will appear in their search feed.
The more frequently you publish content, along with the relevancy and quality of your content, the better your organic digital strategy will be. That’s the power of digital content!
Not sure where to start with a blog or original content for your website? Try some of these examples:
Publish content that answers the questions and solves the problems online searchers are looking for.
Attach value to your content using a relevant promotion or a resource (i.e. an ebook, etc) that further helps them with answers and solutions.
Link your content within your email communications and on your social media channels.
Nurture the relationships built around your content with consistent “touches” that help you stay connected (i.e. automated email, social media posts, surveys, etc).
Digital marketing has the staying power that many traditional marketing approaches do not. It’s a pivot that can and will increase your ROI.
If you’re considering making upgrades to your office, or you’re opening a new clinic, the best first step is to create a mood board of inspiring spaces.
To help get you started, we put together a collection of interesting interior design ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t forget to use a photo-saving site like Pinterest to keep your ideas organized.
TRANSFORM YOUR DENTAL OFFICE: INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IDEAS AND TIPS FOR CREATING AN ENGAGING PATIENT EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS
As you browse through the following dental office design and decor pictures, keep in mind that choosing a theme is personal and relative to what you want to convey with your business. These are some of our top choices for you to be inspired by and reflect on the designs to see which would work best for you.
1. Retro-themed Vignettes for Your Dental Office Design Ideas
A retro theme creates a feeling of nostalgia. It also enhances that sense of familiarity patients can identify with. It’s the brand of design you might associate with a Disney theme park. Each area you encounter transports you physically and emotionally to another “world” of sorts. Choose a design expert who’s equipped to design around your vintage vision!
When designing your retro-themed dental office, consider incorporating elements reminiscent of iconic eras such as the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s. This could include retro-inspired furniture, decor accents, and color schemes that capture the essence of the chosen time period. Think bold patterns, vibrant colors, and iconic motifs like jukeboxes, vinyl records, or mid-century modern furnishings.
2. Theme Your Office Green with These Dental Office Design Tips
A cause or strong belief in something such as the environment or being “green” can prompt your dental office theme.
This theme could begin with your choice of building and marketing materials. Many people are attracted to this level of social awareness – especially those with an environmentally conscious mindset.
Beyond that, patients could appreciate your “clean-and-green” approach to their care. Your “green” dental office becomes more than just a place for dental care—it becomes a symbol of your dedication to making a positive impact on the planet.
Consider options like:
Incorporating live plants into your dental office design not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also improves indoor air quality and creates a healthier environment for patients and staff.
Promote environmental sustainability by choosing and highlighting recyclables, etc for your construction and design.
Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs within your practice can help minimize the amount of waste generated and promote sustainable practices.
3. All-in (and Out) Theming for Your Dental Office Design Strategy
From the exterior to the interior, the “wow-factor” happens when you go all-in on theming. The built-in appeal has the potential to draw people in as they drive by and enter your facility.
A compelling themed space creates a marketing buzz. A complete commitment to your theme makes a greater impact on the patient psyche more than random, piecemeal theming.
When patients pull out their phones to snap an image or two – you’ll know you’re onto something!
4. Create the “Spa Factor” with these Dental Office Design Recommendations
What is it about the word “spa” that creates a vibe? It appeals a bit more to an adult demographic, but even so, a pediatric dental office can apply the principle to its overall environment.
A spa-themed dental office provides a premium feel through its services. Clean, streamlined features add to the ambiance you will want to generate.
Other amenities could include:
Water features.
Soothing images and sound effects.
Complimentary “anything” from beverages to Wi-Fi, etc.
Spa theming goes beyond the use of the word in your branding. It promotes luxury, relaxation, and a top tier brand of services that attracts a particular patient.
5. A Cast of Characters Adds Personality to Your Dental Office Design Inspiration
If you’re looking to add some creativity to your office and you can build an “immersive” world of characters to drive your brand with a mascot to represent your business. Fantasy and education can be combined with your themed characters to help provide care.
Begin with a costume, a toy, or a sculptured character to represent your mascot and then transform your space to match you character. Kids will identify with your brand as each character promotes a positive dental image. This character can appear in your promotional materials and in your interior design, and really define your office theme. With the help of professional designers and artists, go to the drawing-board and create your own cast of characters!
6. Color Scheming and Color Psychology in Your Dental Office Design
Most dental offices default to whites or earth tones in their practice. While it’s a very clean and neutral look, those can be a bit mundane and typical.
There’s a psychology to color selection. Color scheming takes it up a notch by going with specific colors that elicit an emotional response from your patients.
For example, orange increases confidence and joy while reducing the feelings of loneliness or fatigue. Meanwhile, the color blue can bring feelings of calmness and serenity.
White isn’t the only color that promotes the sterile, clean environment you desire. Ask a design professional to suggest a color scheme to brighten your office and your patient’s mood.
Different colors evoke distinct emotional responses, making them powerful tools in shaping the atmosphere of your dental practice. For example:
Blue: Often associated with calmness and serenity, blue can help patients feel more relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. It promotes a sense of trust and professionalism, making it an excellent choice for treatment rooms or waiting areas.
Green: Symbolizing growth, renewal, and harmony, green can create a sense of balance and tranquility in your dental office. It’s also associated with nature and health, making it an ideal choice for practices that emphasize holistic or eco-friendly approaches to dental care.
Yellow: Yellow is known for its uplifting and energizing qualities, making it a great choice for areas where you want to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. However, it’s essential to use yellow in moderation as excessive exposure to bright shades can be overwhelming for some individuals.
White: While often associated with cleanliness and sterility, an all-white color scheme can sometimes feel cold and clinical. However, when used in combination with other colors or softened with warm accents, white can create a modern and sophisticated look that exudes professionalism and hygiene.
Warm Neutrals: Shades of beige, taupe, and ivory can create a sense of warmth and comfort, making them popular choices for dental office interiors. These colors provide a neutral backdrop that allows other design elements, such as artwork or furniture, to stand out.
Accent Colors: In addition to main color schemes, incorporating accent colors can add visual interest and personality to your dental office. Bold accent colors like red or orange can inject energy and vitality into the space, while muted tones like mauve or sage can create a more subdued and calming atmosphere.
7. Genre-Themed Decor Transport Your Dental Office Design to Another World
Introducing a genre-themed approach to your dental office design can revolutionize the patient experience. By immersing patients in imaginative worlds such as outer space, underwater realms, or rustic farm environments, you elevate your practice from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Genre themes create an engaging and memorable experience for your patients, which are especially popular in kid-friendly or pediatric clinics for reducing appointment anxiety.
These immersive themes not only captivate patients’ imaginations but also serve to alleviate any apprehension or anxiety they may have about dental visits. By transporting patients to alternate realities, you create a sense of wonder and excitement that distracts from the clinical nature of the environment.
8. “Stay and Play” is the Most Kid-friendly Dental Office Design Strategy
Kids want to play! Encouraging children to play and providing interactive experiences can significantly enhance their dental visit. Research shows that when kids are engaged in play activities, they’re more likely to feel comfortable and cooperative during their appointments.
Entertaining wait times and healthy distractions can help get some kids and families off the fence about a dental visit. Offering safe and risk-free play options allows kids to release excess energy and divert their attention away from any nervousness they may be feeling. This not only helps them feel more at ease but also allows parents to relax knowing their children are occupied and content.
Ultimately, by recognizing the importance of play and incorporating it into your dental practice, you can create a positive and memorable experience for young patients and their families, fostering a lifelong commitment to oral health.
These dental office pictures represent being intentional about office design. Use them to spark ideas or adapt them for your new or upgraded design.
