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In this episode of the GrowOrtho Podcast, Dr. Brice Gilliam, owner of Elevation Orthodontics and a recipient of America’s Top Young Dentist award, joins host Zach Dykes to discuss effective marketing, team management, and community engagement. 

There Are No “Bad Leads”

A common frustration for orthodontists is dealing with leads that seem unproductive. Dr. Gilliam reframes this issue, suggesting that there are no inherently “bad leads.” Instead, every lead is an opportunity.

  1. Practice Communication Skills: Even leads that don’t convert into patients allow your team to refine their communication. Polite and helpful responses leave a positive impression that can lead to future referrals.
  2. Engage Your Community: Even if a lead isn’t a good fit for treatment, you can use the interaction to connect with your community. Building goodwill often translates into word-of-mouth referrals.
  3. Shift Your Perspective: Train your team to see every interaction as valuable. This approach not only improves morale but also helps build a reputation as a patient-centered practice.

Preventing Team Overload Through Strategic Role Allocation

Team burnout is a significant challenge in fast-paced orthodontic practices. Dr. Gilliam emphasizes the importance of putting the right people in the right roles.

  1. Understand Strengths: Some team members thrive on interpersonal interaction, while others excel at organizational tasks. Assign roles accordingly to maximize efficiency and job satisfaction.
  2. Provide Scripts: Use standardized scripts for initial calls and common scenarios. This reduces stress for staff and ensures a consistent experience for patients.
  3. Leverage Technology: Implement tools like scheduling software and automated reminders to streamline administrative tasks and free up your team’s time for patient care.

Defining Your Ideal Patient

Successful marketing starts with a clear understanding of your ideal patient. Dr. Gilliam suggests creating a detailed patient avatar to guide your efforts.

  1. Build a Profile: Identify key demographics such as age, income, lifestyle, and values. For example, Elevation Orthodontics targets young professionals interested in aesthetics and wellness.
  2. Name Your Avatar: Personalizing your avatar with a name, such as “Betty” or “Brian,” can make it easier to conceptualize and tailor marketing strategies.
  3. Collaborate With Marketing Partners: Share your avatar with your marketing agency and evaluate their strategy to ensure they align with your goals. Proactive partners who continually refine their tactics are invaluable.

Community Involvement Is The Foundation Of Local Trust

Marketing alone isn’t enough to grow a practice. Dr. Gilliam underscores the importance of engaging with your local community.

  1. Show Up: Attend community events, sponsor local activities, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to build trust and visibility.
  2. Personal Connections Matter: Patients want to see that you care about more than just their money. Genuine relationships foster loyalty and referrals.
  3. Adapt to Your Environment: Tailor your approach to your location. Rural practices might focus on hometown connections, while urban practices might emphasize modern aesthetics and convenience.

Flexible Payment Options In Orthodontics

Economic fluctuations can impact patient decisions, particularly in practices that focus on adult patients or luxury services. Dr. Gilliam recommends offering flexible payment plans to make orthodontic care more accessible.

  1. Affordability Over Discounts: Instead of lowering fees, focus on making monthly payments manageable. A higher treatment cost spread over an extended period can be less intimidating to patients.
  2. Address Payment Concerns Early: Patients who default on payments typically do so at the start of their treatment plan. Offer clear, supportive financial counseling to reduce risk.
  3. Promote Value: Highlight the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as improved confidence and professional opportunities, to help patients see the investment as worthwhile.

Maximizing Branding Consistency And Patient Convenience

Your practice’s branding and patient experience should be consistent across all touchpoints, creating a seamless journey from first contact to post-treatment follow-up.

  1. Consistent Branding: Use the same colors, logos, and messaging across all platforms. This builds recognition and trust.
  2. Streamline Patient Experience: Simplify processes such as scheduling, payments, and communication. Patients value convenience, and meeting them where they are can set your practice apart.
  3. Flexibility Matters: Offering appointment times outside traditional hours or accommodating out-of-state patients demonstrates a commitment to patient needs.

Harnessing The Power Of Reviews And Local Search Optimization

Online reviews and search engine visibility play a critical role in attracting new patients. Dr. Gilliam provides practical tips for strengthening your online presence.

  1. Encourage Reviews: Actively ask satisfied patients to leave reviews. Simplify the process to increase compliance.
  2. Leverage SEO: Work with a marketing partner to improve your website’s search engine rankings. This ensures potential patients can easily find you.
  3. Build Momentum: High-quality reviews establish credibility and help your practice stand out from competitors, especially for startups and newer practices.

Delivering Value Through Care And Communication

Ultimately, the success of an orthodontic practice comes down to the perceived value of your services. Dr. Gilliam advises focusing on how treatment enhances patients’ lives.

  1. Emphasize Results: Show patients how a better smile can improve their personal and professional opportunities.
  2. Educate Patients: Clearly explain the benefits of your treatment options compared to DIY alternatives, reinforcing the value of professional care.
  3. Convenience and Quality: Patients are willing to pay a premium for convenience and quality. Streamline your processes and invest in top-tier patient care to stand out.

Building A Thriving Orthodontic Practice

The insights shared in this episode of the GrowOrtho Podcast offer a comprehensive roadmap for orthodontists looking to enhance their practices. From redefining leads and managing team roles to community involvement and leveraging reviews, these strategies are designed to help you grow sustainably in a competitive market.

Whether you’re a startup practice or a seasoned orthodontist, applying these principles can make a meaningful difference in your patient retention, team satisfaction, and overall success. For more valuable tips and discussions, tune in to the GrowOrtho Podcast and continue learning from industry leaders like Dr. Brice Gilliam.