Do's and don'ts for establishing trust with patients

The higher the level of trust patients have in the doctor and staff, the more successful the practice will be. Trust builds patient loyalty, ensuring lasting practice-patient relationships. It also makes patients far more likely to refer family and friends to your practice.

Build and transfer trust in the doctor's recommendations. Many patients feel uncertain about whether or not they're doing the right thing, especially when it's unfamiliar and expensive. For this reason, you should use all interactions with patients as opportunities to earn their trust and transfer it to the doctor. It's essential for case acceptance and patient satisfaction.

Don't forget to shake hands with patients. Upon meeting patients, shake hands — regardless of their age. This simple gesture creates a sense of connection, showing respect and encouraging trust. It's especially important for patients who are uneasy about seeing the dentist or are worried about experiencing pain.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the founder and CEO of Levin Group, the leading dental practice consulting firm in North America. For the complete list of dates and locations where you can attend his latest seminar, visit www.levingroup.com/gpseminars.

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