Dos and don'ts for cosmetic dentistry: Give patients more to smile about

Cosmetic dentistry represents an untapped profit source. Incorporating more cosmetic dentistry into your practice is one of the best ways to increase revenue and boost profitability.

Start with whitening. Whitening can serve as a gateway to higher-fee aesthetic services. Patients who choose whitening treatment are usually more willing to be educated about other forms of cosmetic dentistry. The market developed by over-the-counter whitening systems targets millions of patients with a strong interest in improving the aesthetics of their smile. Knowing that this market already exists, dental practices should be doing everything they can to educate their patients on all of the options available.

Don't ignore your team's appearance. Nothing creates an enthusiastic attitude for increasing cosmetic dentistry like dental team members who have undergone aesthetic procedures and can share their positive experiences with patients. Most practices offer cosmetic services to team members free of charge or at extremely reduced rates. When staff members become a walking advertisement for cosmetic dentistry, patient awareness increases dramatically.