In an era where NHS appointments are increasingly scarce, and the costs of running a dental practice continue to rise, the demand for affordable private dental plans is growing. Dental plans have emerged as a valuable financial lifeline for practices and patients. They bridge the gap between patients’ oral health needs and their ability to afford treatment while also providing consistent revenue for practices. However, dental plans require careful management and guidance to thrive truly despite their tremendous potential.
The decision to shift to private practice can initially seem daunting. However, when weighed against the current state of NHS dentistry, it’s a decision that has proven to be life-changing for many dentists, professionally and personally.
The benefits of dental plans
Dental plans provide patients with an affordable and accessible way to maintain their oral health. They often cover regular check-ups, hygiene appointments, and discounts on more extensive treatments. Patients benefit from the peace of mind, knowing they have predictable costs and prioritised access to their preferred clinician. For practices, besides creating a steady cash flow, plans can also improve patient retention. It’s a win-win proposition.
Why dental plans need a helping hand
Whilst dental plans offer significant advantages, their success isn’t guaranteed. Without a clear plan of action, effective patient communication, team buy-in, and ongoing management, they can fall short of their potential. Here’s why dental plans require support and guidance:
1. Tailored to your practice
One-size-fits-all dental plans rarely succeed. Every practice is unique, with its own patient demographics, service offerings, and financial goals. Plans should be customised to meet these specific needs, balancing affordability for patients with profitability for the practice.
At Patient Plan Direct, our Business Development team specialises in conducting comprehensive viability analyses. They assess a practice’s dynamics, reviewing key indicators critical to successful plan implementation. Whether you’re launching dental plans for the first time, transitioning from NHS to private dentistry, or switching to Patient Plan Direct from another plan provider, we tailor plan solutions to meet the practice’s unique financial and operational needs.
2. Team training
Patients won’t sign up for a dental plan if they don’t understand its benefits. So, clear communication about the plan’s financial and health-related advantages is essential. At Patient Plan Direct, we provide initial training and ongoing refresher sessions to ensure every member of your practice team believes in the benefits of plans and is confident in discussing plan options with patients. The goal is not to push a hard sell but to genuinely communicate the benefits of dental plans in a clear, approachable, and patient-focused manner.
3. Promoting plans to patients
In the waiting room, outside the practice, on the practice website, across social media platforms, and more—there are numerous ways to promote your plans to patients. Delivering the right messages in the right format is essential to communicate their value effectively.
The Patient Plan Direct team provides clients with comprehensive promotional materials to put their plan information directly in front of patients. Our team also offers expert advice on effectively promoting your plans. Our promotional toolkit, honed through experience, is designed to showcase the benefits of your plans, making them more appealing to prospective patients and driving increased signups.
4. Streamlined administration
Managing dental plans can be time-consuming without the right systems (which is why we advocate using a plan provider rather than running a dental plan in-house – you can read more about this here).
Patient Plan Direct’s intuitive online portal streamlines the entire admin process, allowing you to manage all aspects of your plans efficiently. Key features include:
- Real-time reporting on your practice’s financials and plan performance.
- Digital patient signups are completed in seconds.
- Clinician net pay reports for seamless payroll integration.
- Data security and privacy to protect patient and practice information.
- Integration with third-party platforms for improved operational efficiency. Learn more about Patient Plan Direct’s innovative online portal here: Dental Practice Portal.
5. Ongoing monitoring and adjustment
A successful plan isn’t static. Regular reviews of signup rates, patient feedback, and financial performance are vital. Adjustments—such as annual fee increases, refining plan offerings, and enhancing plan promotion strategies—are necessary for continued success. That’s why we advise any practice to work with a dental plan partner to ensure your plan always works for your practice and your patients.
Making dental plans work for your practice
Plans can transform a practice by fostering patient loyalty and providing a predictable income stream. However, their success requires strategic guidance and support.
To explore dental plans with Patient Plan Direct, connect with our expert practice plan professionals today by completing our enquiry form. Together, let’s create a plan that strengthens the financial health of your dental practice whilst providing a budget-friendly way for your patients to access the best dental care.