Teledentistry is gaining traction among dental practices, but there are a few key questions that dentists must ask themselves to ensure it will be worthwhile.
According to Thomas Allen, DDS, dental director at Old Farm Dental in Salt Lake City, teledentistry should be viewed more as a way to bump your service up a notch rather than a clinical revolution.
There is a lot of good that can come with offering teledentistry services to your existing patients, as it can serve as another way for dentists to make their patients happy while improving efficiency.
“It is just a good service to offer existing patients, where they don’t have to come in, you can answer their questions and it’s an extra service that makes them happy with what you’re doing,” Dr. Allen told Becker’s. “It personalizes the service more, too. Instead of getting on the phone, talking to the receptionist, setting up an appointment, when connected face to face, it kicks the comfort level up a notch. I think it decreases no-shows and builds loyalty with patients.”
The calculus changes a bit when it comes to providing teledentistry for new patients. It is a great way to market your practice, but there is a time opportunity cost. A 20-minute call with a prospective patient who doesn’t convert into an actual patient is 20 minutes not spent in the chair.
“It’s a good way to market to a new patient, in that you’re getting face to face with them, you’re addressing their problem and you’re able to bring them into your practice,” Dr. Allen said. “However, if I’m spending like 20 minutes on a call that goes nowhere, I’d rather let my website market for me. I better be getting a significant number of new patients out of this, and I’d have to judge the cost, because I can make money just doing the dentistry instead of talking to people.”
Each teledentistry platform has a different business model, and it is important for dentists who want to add this technology to understand what they’re signing up for. States are also a bit behind in creating regulations for teledentistry, which makes the water a bit more murky.
With teledentistry still in its early stages, Dr. Allen is evaluating whether it makes sense for his practice. He does envision a way where the investment pays for itself through patient loyalty and referrals, and can be a smart way for newer dentists to build up their patient base.
“This can be a great practice building vehicle for younger dentists [who are] trying to build from scratch,” Dr. Allen said. “It’s a little too new to pick apart just yet, but I’d like to see what the successes and failures of it are in a few years.”
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.