App for your office

Clinical Significance.—The impact of words cannot be underestimated. When we pay close attention to what we say, we may be surprised at the mental pictures that are created. Using words that create positive mental images is the best way to get your message across. Each word we say creates a story, and we want our patients to become engaged in that story so they will choose the best treatments,

have the best outcomes, and keep coming back for care.

Hopkins T: How to speak so patients will listen. DentalTown August 2012 Reprints not available

Digital Technology App for your office Background.—We live in an app-driven world through our smart phones. From our morning fix of news and weather, to traffic information on the way to work, to electronic boarding passes when we fly, to the many apps where we lose weight, track our investments, and share with family and friends, our days often revolve around apps. So why not have an app for the dental office? The Dental App.—Dr Bob Marcus has an app available through the App Store for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry devices. Through it patients can get directions, call the office, request appointments, get maps, and find out about hours and services (Fig 1). There is even a beforeand-after tab. A Refer-A-Friend button sends an e-mail with office information to your friend in less than 10 seconds. Perhaps the most notable feature is an emergency button. Touching this button connects patients with the dentist or an answering service whenever they have an emergency. This emergency button shows the dentist is serious about customer service. Having this button set to the dentist’s cell phone underscores patient care as his or her priority while showing how technologically savvy the practice is.

Fig 1.— (Courtesy of DiTolla M: An app for dentists to ‘walk the talk.’ Dent Econ vol 102, issue 8.)

one that links you to your patients? Not only is it convenient and easy to use for the patients, but it raises patients’ estimation of the dental office and of you as the dentist. You look caring, but also on the cutting edge of technology.

Details.—Kick Your Apps is the company through which the dental app is available. A one-time fee of $899 is charged to set up the app, along with a $9.99 hosting fee. A promo code gets you a $50 discount.

Clinical Significance.—Apps link us to all the important areas of our lives, so why not set up

DiTolla M: An app for dentists to ‘walk the talk.’ Dent Econ vol 102, issue 8 Reprints not available

Volume 59



Issue 1



2014

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