Email is a cheaper, quicker, more effective way of reaching
most patients now. Ideas to make certain
your patients receive and read email from your office include: collect or correct patients’ email addresses
at every contact. Assure patients’
attention with a subject line that uses a key word or phrase. Make emails newsworthy with oral health hints
for adults, children, and infants; advice about new treatment modalities,
materials, etc; and information about changes in your office, your range of
service, or the way you practice. Invite
patients to call or email your office with questions or concerns, and assign a
team member to follow up with each patient who responds. If any of this seems beyond the time or skill
level of someone now on staff, hire a professional copywriter or a part-time IT
person.