Survey: Patients want to hear about your safety protocols

Just because the world is more than five years out from the start of COVID does not mean your patients are any less concerned about safety in the dental office.

A recent survey of 1,000 people revealed that a whopping 98% of patients surveyed feel it’s important for instruments and operatories to be thoroughly cleaned between patients. While 57% of them are concerned about germs at the dental office, the good news is that 76% feel comfortable visiting the dentist, and 94% trust their dentist to keep things properly sterilized.

The survey was recently conducted and released by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Do patients know about your safety protocols?

Dental teams know everything they’re doing behind the scenes to keep themselves and their patients germ-free and safe. But are patients aware?

Only 28% of the patients surveyed said that the team at their dental office has talked to them about how they keep treatment areas disinfected and safe. But 52% of patients would like to have that conversation with their dental team. Are you among those who are having that conversation?

If not, you’re missing a good chance to open more communication with your patients, as well as missing a great marketing opportunity. Following the survey, DANB provided some ideas on how to start conversations with patients and how to market your practice in this area.

To start, you could perform some of your infection control protocols in front of patients, such as washing your hands and putting on clean gloves and masks in front of them. Signage is another good tool. You could post something like, “This room has been disinfected for your safety.”

Another idea is to display credentials of the staff members in charge of infection control, whether they be hygienists or assistants, in the reception area. These can include infection control certificates and OSHA compliance.

You could add an infection control section to your practice’s website, and train staff to briefly explain the team’s infection control protocols to each patient. All team members should be able to confidently discuss what they do in the area of infection control to keep patients safe.

Even though your dental team has been taking precautions and following protocols for ages, your patients may not be totally aware of all that’s involved. They’ll appreciate your efforts to communicate with them.

All of this is one more strong thing that will set your practice apart from the others.

DANB has provided resources to help you get started.

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