Community Connections: 8 Tips for Local Dental Marketing

Many businesses benefit from building relationships within their community, and dental practices are no exception. Whether leading in a small town or practicing in a busy city with many competitors, dentists who are involved with local affairs, events, and neighbors will enjoy more growth and patient loyalty.

Creating community connections is not just good dental marketing, but it can produce immeasurable benefits such as:

• Increased trust with current and prospective patients.
• Being identified as a local authority.
• Providing valuable oral health information.
• Energizing morale within the dental office.
• Name recognition.
• Sustaining growth in tough economic times.

Any one of these outcomes will empower your dental marketing strategy, whether organically or as a worthwhile investment. Let’s look at eight ways to be a more active member of your community while building your business.

1. Health & Education

Demonstrate your commitment to the community’s well-being by partnering with local schools to present oral health education programs or provide free dental screenings. Consider sponsoring health fairs or hosting free workshops at the local library and community center to establish you as a valuable resource in town.

2. Let’s Play Ball!

What better way to get your name out there and show your support for youth sports than providing team jerseys or funding equipment through sponsorship. It’s a positive way to associate your brand with fun, healthy, and active lifestyles, and can include adult leagues or community fun runs.

Speaking of sports, dental injuries can occur in all types of games at all ages, so educate prevention and promote emergency care through your practice.

3. Giving Back

Of course, reinvesting in the community that supports your practice is always good business. There are many philanthropic opportunities that include donating dental supplies and time to local shelters, organizing annual charity drives, or offering free oral health care to underserved communities. The best part – it feels good!

4. ‘Tis the Season

The holidays aren’t the only time of year to give back and connect with your neighbors. Consider hosting booths at community festivals or farmers markets, and offering free toothbrushes, dental tips, or basic oral health screenings. Halloween is always a great season to scare up oral hygiene advice and buy back candy for a good cause.

5. Senior Wellness

With the number of 65+ Americans expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, it benefits everyone to address the needs of the aging community. Dentists can partner with senior centers and assisted living facilities by offering education on:

• Oral health as we age
• Medicare dental coverage
• Denture care and alternatives

Seniors will appreciate accessible, relevant health information from a trusted local professional.

6. Collaborative Partnerships

Working with other businesses and professionals within the community can result in relationships that work in favor of all involved. Create partnerships with local employers by providing lunch-and-learn sessions that discuss oral health, stress-related dental issues, or the critical connection between oral and overall wellbeing. Collaborate with area physicians, pediatricians, and other specialists for referral opportunities.

7. Community Engagement

Additionally, it’s a great idea to join your local Chamber of Commerce and actively participate in networking events and community planning committees that are relevant to your interests. This also builds relationships with other business professionals who are potential referral sources.

8. Teamwork Matters

Building a strong, team-oriented work culture should include the community beyond the office. Participation in clean-up days, tree planting events, or recycling programs not only helps the environment, but demonstrates civic responsibility. Group efforts also allow staff members to interact with the community in a positive, non-clinical setting.

In Closing

The key to making successful connections in your town or city is authenticity. Promotion and marketing of your dental practice will follow naturally from genuinely helping and engaging with the community.

The marketing experts at RAMP understand the value of generating and building upon local relationships. We can help you find new neighbors and expand your reach through both digital and traditional marketing methods. Schedule a free consultation today and let’s connect.