It’s no secret that patient retention is vital to the success of any dental practice. It’s simply not enough to just get patients to walk through the door. You want to ensure that they’ll return for future visits. What is it that motivates a patient to stay with a dentist? One aspect that often gets ignored is the role your office design plays in patient retention.

Here are a few things you can do to keep them coming back:

Make a Great First Impression

These days, more patients are visiting the dentist for cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of their teeth. Your dental office should reflect an upscale environment as well. Incorporate some modern, sleek elements into your dentist office design. Consider adding glass walls, shiny fixtures, as well as state of the art equipment.

Make Patients Feel Welcome

It’s no secret that many patients have some anxiety when visiting the dentist. One way to alleviate that stress and anxiety is by making patients feel welcome and relaxed, which will in turn, make them much more likely to return. The waiting area should be arranged in a way that provides plenty of privacy and space for patients, while still providing functionality.

Add in a small children’s area with a table and chairs, an art station, some simple toys, or even a gaming system. For the adults, include modern conveniences such as a coffee bar, comfortable, yet stylish furniture to relax on, and a flat screen TV.

Décor should match the style and personality of the practice. For some practices that may be a more modern, minimalistic vibe, for others it may be more colorful and fun. Adding those personal touches like artwork, natural elements, and good lighting will all add to the feel of your spaces.

Provide Patient Privacy

For the majority of patients, they truly love their privacy, so it’s important to keep this in mind while planning your dental office renovation. By providing patients some amount of privacy, they are more able to relax and feel comfortable conversing without everyone around them overhearing. This doesn’t mean that you have to close everyone in, but having some space or even a privacy wall between patients can help ensure their comfort, making them more likely to relax during their appointment, as well as feel more respected, which will make them more loyal to your practice.

Less is More

Nothing provokes more anxiety in some than being surrounded by clutter. Many dental offices today strategically design their spaces to avoid overfilling their surroundings with stuff. Not only is clutter an eyesore, but it can be a safety hazard as well. Keep storage options in mind throughout the dental office renovation process. While it may not seem like that big of an issue, for some patients, seeing unnecessary clutter could be enough to prevent them from wanting to return.

By ensuring that your patients have an exceptional experience at your dental office, you’re not only increasing the likelihood that they’ll return, but also increasing the chances of them referring your office to their friends and family, too. Contact HJT design consultants to start a conversation about your dental office design goals.