You know how everyone wants to pick the right dentist for themselves? You’ve literally experienced this yourself. Well, picking a dentist is not like picking where to get takeout. It’s personal. People are trusting someone to get very, very close to their face with sharp tools and zero shame about awkward small talk while they’re drooling. So yeah, the bar’s high. Like, it’s really high too. And in a world full of dentists with polished headshots and spotless waiting rooms (and amazing marketing campaigns on social media), the one that sticks out is the one that feels right. Yes, there’s “the one”, and well, you need to be “the one” for some, right? Not flashy. Not over-the-top. Just right.
By Team Savant
Image: Filip Rankovic Grobgaard
The Vibe Starts the Second They Walk In
Well, it’s not about having mood lighting and a Spotify-curated playlist. It’s about not feeling like you’ve just stepped into a beige hallway of doom. So, friendly front desk? Well, yeah, that’s a big deal. Waiting area that doesn't feel like it’s leftover from 2003?
Also, a big deal. Bonus points if the pen on the clipboard actually works. But overall, people want to feel at ease from the get-go. Well, there are things like a clean space, a warm welcome, and zero passive-aggressive sighs from the receptionist that go a long way in making someone feel like they picked the right place.
Just Show You’re Not Stuck in the Past
Now, sure, by all means, that old-school charm is cute. But even so, well, that old-school equipment? Not so much. Actually, that gives a big ick. So, even if a patient can’t name what tools are being used, they know when something feels outdated. And when a filling looks weirdly gray or patchy, it’s not exactly boosting confidence.
Modern tools show you care about getting it right. For example, using something like Omnichroma dental composite means a filling actually blends in. It matches the natural tooth without weird lines or that dull grayish vibe some older materials give. Okay, this is just one example, of course, but people don’t want to go to a dentist and feel like they’re traveling back in time; it’s not fun, well, at least when it comes to their teeth.
Speak Human, Not Textbook
It should be easy enough, right? Well, no one wants to hear a paragraph of dental jargon when they ask about a filling. Most people just want to know: will it hurt, how long will it take, and how much is this going to cost? So, when you’re talking like a normal person, with zero judgment and a little humor, you build instant trust. Saying, “we’re just going to smooth this bit out, easy stuff,” lands better than a lecture about enamel erosion and occlusal forces.
Okay, but are you dumbing it down for patients? Are you talking down to them? Well, no, not really. Rather, you’re just keeping it human, and yeah, that alone can be pretty calming.
Convenience Isn’t a Bonus
Oh yeah, this is a major one. So, people are busy. Like, sometimes, really busy. They’re trying to juggle meetings, grocery runs, school pickups, and TikTok doomscrolling. If a practice makes them jump through hoops to book an appointment, they’re just going to bail on you. Because why should they put in extra work? If you don’t have online booking, well, it’s time to finally do just that.