Maintaining high standards for your dental health is essential for your overall health and well-being. However, sometimes scheduling a dental appointment can feel like a hassle, especially if you’re switching to a new dentist. The keys to making a dental appointment are research and preparation. Follow these three easy steps when booking a dentist appointment.

Step One: Find a Local Dentist

If you’re happy with your current dentist, feel free to move on to step two. However, if you’re unhappy with your current dentist, just moved to a new area, or want to get a new dentist for any other reason, you’re going to need to do some research. Your search for a dentist can start by asking friends or family members for a recommendation, reading online reviews, requesting a list of in-network dentists from your insurance company, or looking at a map for dental offices near you.

Take into consideration if you’ll need a specialist. For example, if you have gum issues, you may want to see a periodontist. People with children should consider using a dental practice that has pediatric dentists. Pediatric dental offices typically have waiting rooms with toys and offices designed to make children feel comfortable.

A 2019 survey told people to pretend they were searching for a nearby dentist online. They then asked if responders would choose the one with the best online reviews, the closest one, whoever ranked highest in search results, the cheapest dentist, or the one with the best website. The top choice was to use whoever had the best online reviews, so you may want to check dentists’ reviews before choosing one.

Many people consider one of the most important factors when choosing a dentist to be price. If you have dental insurance, make sure to find an in-network dentist that accepts your insurance. Out-of-network dentists will often accept your insurance, but this can still end up being more expensive than an in-network dentist. In-network dentists have already agreed on prices with your insurance company while out-of-network dentists have not.

Between all of the in-network dentists, choose one you can visit who is located close to your home or work. You want a highly qualified dentist with positive reviews, but if the best dentist is several hours away, you’ll be less likely to visit frequently and feel more frustrated upon arriving there. Take office hours into account as well. You need a dental practice that has convenient hours. Find out how they handle emergency dental needs that occur outside of their standard business hours as well.

Some questions you may want to ask the dental office include:

• How long has my dentist been practicing?

• Where did my dentist do her training?

• Can my bill be split into multiple payments?

• Who would I contact in the event of a dental emergency?

• Does my dentist offer free consultations?

Step Two: Prepare Your Information (And Any Questions)

Before booking your appointment, you’ll want to have certain information ready. If this is the first time you’re using this dentist, check to make sure they take your insurance (or dental discount plan) if you have it. They may need to collect basic information to coordinate pre-verification before your appointment, but remember your data will be protected under federal privacy regulations.

If you’re using a new dental practice, they will need the dental records from your previous location. Having the contact information of the last place you went to the dentist can help staff transfer records before your arrival. Getting your most recent dental x-rays sent over may allow you to skip having them done at your next appointment, but some practices retake x-rays anyway. You’ll likely be asked the reason for your visit, so be prepared to describe any dental issues you may be having.

Create a list with any crucial questions you want to ask. For example, if your primary language is different than what your dentist will likely speak, ask if any dentists speak your language or if any translation services are available. People who plan on driving might want to find out if the building is near any landmarks and whether or not there is ample parking. Is it a stand-alone building or on an upper floor of a complex? Inquire about any special accommodations you need to be made.

Whether or not you’ve been to this practice before, if you’re getting a procedure you’ve never had done, inquire approximately how much time it will take. For major operations, ask if you need someone to accompany you and if there are any post-operative guidelines you’ll need to follow. After an operation, you might want your fridge stocked up with soft foods and shouldn’t plan any strenuous activities. You may also want to know if you’re allowed to bring your own headphones or earbuds.

Step Three: Call or Book Your Appointment Online

If you have a lot of questions to ask, it’s better to book your dental appointment over the phone. Hearing a real voice confirm your appointment is booked can also feel reassuring. For other people, booking online is a better option.

How to Book a Dentist Appointment Over the Phone

You may have already called a dental office to confirm they cover your insurance or to ask other questions. If your questions were answered satisfactorily, you can request to book an appointment right away or call back later. Mention if you have a fear of dentists or severe dental problems that may require a specialist. It’s possible the receptionist may say they aren’t accepting new patients at this time. In the event this happens, ask for a referral for who to contact next.

Hopefully, your top dentist will be available and no referral will be necessary. When you’re ready to book your appointment, consider the time you choose to see the dentist carefully. Scheduling an appointment for early in the morning typically means you have less of a wait time. Keep in mind that some dental procedures will make it challenging to eat right after your appointment, so you may want to have a meal prior to arriving at the dentist.

Be realistic about how long your dentist appointment may take. If you only have an hour lunch break, the receptionist estimates your visit will take half an hour, and the drive is usually half an hour round trip, anything going even slightly over will cause you to return late. Choose a timeframe where you’ll feel unrushed and comfortable. If this is a new location for you, your first visit may require extra time for filling out forms.

Have a backup date and time (or a few) prepared. The dental office may be fully booked for a few days or weeks. If your top time slot is unavailable, it’s better to know another time you’ll be free rather than frantically flip through your calendar or having to call back later when you’re more organized. People with flexible schedules who want to get in sooner can usually be placed on a list to be called if another patient cancels their appointment. Many dental offices offer to call, text, or email you appointment reminders. You can also call them to confirm your appointment for a day or two in advance. Inform the dental practice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. The sooner a receptionist is made aware of your situation, the faster she can get someone else to take your time slot and the easier you can reschedule. It’s also polite to call if you’re running more than a few minutes late for your appointment.

What do you say when you call to make a dentist appointment?

Here is a list of a few things you can say to make your phone booking easier:

1. Tell them if you’re a new patient or a returning patient.
2. Let them know the reason for your visit: are you in pain? Is it just a routine cleaning? Suspect you have a cavity?
3. Any preferences you have for your visit to make you feel more comfortable: male or female dentist, days and times you’re available
4. Let them know who your insurance provider is or what your benefits plan is. It’s best to choose an in-network dentist.
5. Ask them if there are any specific medical records or information you need to provide before your visit.

How to Book a Dentist Appointment Online

There are several advantages to booking your dental appointment online. Some people feel anxious talking to others on the phone, booking online can be quicker, and you know right away whether your preferred time slot is available. When you make an online appointment, you will have to fill out a short form with basic information.

If this is a dental office you haven’t visited before, you can also check if there are other online forms you can fill out prior to your appointment. Additionally, you want to make sure your old dental records are sent to the new office. If you are asked for your email or phone number, it’s likely so they can send you appointment reminders over email or text message.

A receptionist may also call you to ask for additional information they need. Canceling a dental appointment online is usually even more straightforward than making the appointment. In the event you can’t make an appointment, go online to cancel as soon as possible so that another patient can use that time.

After you’ve completed your dentist appointment, you always have the option of booking your next appointment right away in person. The receptionist may or may not have an instruction sheet from your dentist. If not, tell him the type of follow up visit you need to schedule. This is also a useful time to ask any questions you have, such as payment procedures. Regular dental visits are one of the best paths to excellent oral health and the first step towards regular visits is getting used to booking your dental appointments. Scheduling your appointment becomes easier each time.

How early should you be for your dentist appointment?

The general rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early to your appointment to give time for check-in forms or any additional information your dentist may need.

Should I brush my teeth before my dentist appointment?

In short, yes, it’s a good idea to brush and floss a few hours before your appointment. Use your normal brushing routine, don’t overdo it.  This is optional but helps clear everything up and keeps your breath fresh for the dentist

Need help finding the right dentist?

Choosing a qualified dentist, who is a great fit for your personality, is the toughest step in making a dental appointment. If you’re still looking for your perfect dentist, sign up for Opencare today and find your match.

The post How to make a dentist appointment in 3 easy steps appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

Wondering how much do fillings cost, with insurance or without it? No matter how old you are, the mere thought of a toothache (and  its consequences) can send chills down your spine.

But let’s be honest, the problems that come with a toothache aren’t just pain-related. Some dental treatments can come with a hefty price tag too. It might even be heftier for those who don’t have dental insurance. Let’s discuss.

What is a cavity filling?

In many cases, the pain and sensitivity felt in a tooth are due to a cavity. That means you’ll probably need a filling.

A cavity is a decayed portion of a tooth. A dentist will need to remove the decayed part with a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. The type of instrument depends on the location of the cavity, the extent of the decay, and the dentist’s expertise. 

Once the dentist removes the cavity, he ensures the area is clean and free of debris or bacteria. Space is then filled with a protective material, known as a filling.  

Fillings are considered a “basic restorative service”. It’s important to make sure you don’t skip a filling. Your cavity or tooth decay can and will get worse with time. If that decay reaches the nerve endings in your teeth, the pain will worsen significantly and the treatment becomes more complicated, painful, and expensive. Don’t wait to fill your cavities.

Not sure if you need a filling? The best thing that you can do is consult a dentist. Your dentist can prescribe an appropriate treatment plan for your issue.

Is the cost of a filling covered by dental insurance?

Fillings are a standard service covered by most dental insurance plans. Like other types of health coverage, dental insurance benefits vary by plan and insurance company. For more detail on coverage, be sure to always check the plan benefits documents or ask your insurance provider.

Preventive care such as routine cleanings are usually covered without out-of-pocket costs. Dental cleanings (up to 2) are usually covered by your insurance (depending on your annual maximum).

Most plans typically cover 80% of the costs for certain procedures, including fillings. This cost applies after the annual deductible is met, which also varies by plan.

What types of fillings are there?

There are several types of fillings, each with a different purpose and price.

How much does a tooth filling cost?

There are many factors that can impact the cost. Below is a general guide for your average range, but cost can vary depending on your insurance plan and your treatment required.

Silver fillings cost

Silver fillings are also known as amalgams or metal fillings. They’re made from combining metals like silver, zinc, mercury, copper, and tin. A silver filling is quite durable and will last you 10 to 15 years when taken care of properly. This is better than the composite (tooth-colored) fillings.

Amalgams are typically less popular than other kinds of dental fillings. Their silver color doesn’t match tooth, making them more noticeable. Also, they require more space within the tooth to be secured properly. That means there’s a chance the metal filling may expand, causing the tooth to fracture.

However, it’s also the cheapest of all dental filling materials, meaning it’s a good choice for those on a tight budget. If you have dental insurance, amalgams can cost anywhere between $50 to $200 for one or two surfaces to repair. And of course, more surfaces will mean the cost will increase.

As for without insurance, these fillings start at about $150 and upwards, depending upon how much restoration work your dentist has to perform on the tooth.

Some patients may worry about the presence of mercury in amalgams. Rest assured the FDA considers these options safe for adults and children above the age of 6. Just remember that a small percentage of people (about 1%) have allergic reactions to mercury in silver fillings.

Gold fillings cost

Gold fillings are one of the most durable types of fillings, often lasting up to several decades. Though gold fillings still hold a cosmetic appeal to some people, they are less common these days. And of course, because they’re GOLD, they’re expensive. Further, it’s rare you’ll find a dentist that offers gold fillings.

Gold fillings can cost between $300 and $1,000 for one or two surfaces. Three or more surfaces will cost you $450 to $1,800. And patients without dental insurance can expect to pay up to $4,500.

Besides the price, some dentists discourage gold fillings if they’re installed directly beside a silver one. That’s because their proximity may cause a galvanic shock. This happens when an electric current forms due to the interaction of both metals and saliva. Not a great feeling.

Composite resin

A composite filling consists of a material that combines plastic and fine glass particles. Composites are a popular choice due to their matched color to teeth, making them an ideal option for front teeth or other visible surfaces. 

More importantly, composite resin bonds better to teeth. Dentists prefer to use it to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. And, the dentist removes less of the tooth structure to prepare the site for the filling. 

On average, composite fillings last about five years, and with proper care, up to 15 years. If you have dental insurance, a composite filling can cost almost $200. Without insurance, you’re looking at about $250 to cover one or two surfaces. (And up to $450 for a filling that covers three or more surfaces).

There are other dental filling materials such as ceramic and glass ionomer some dentists also use. Each comes with a different price range. Generally speaking, ceramic fillings are almost as expensive as gold ones. On the other hand, glass ionomers are comparative to composite resin. 

Why do dentists recommend different types of fillings?

Typically, a dentist will recommend the best dental filling material for you. However, you must understand that fillings are not only limited to treating cavities. A dentist may use them to repair a cracked or broken tooth as well. Depending on the type of treatment, a dentist will select the right kind of material for the filling. 

However, there are additional factors that determine the type of material your dentist will use, such as location of the cavity, extent of the decay, the cost of the material, and whether or not you have insurance.

What factors influence cost?

First and foremost, find a dentist who accepts your insurance. Dental insurance plans can cover the partial cost of your fillings or fully cover your care. But you’ll need to pay the deductible before the insurance company covers the agreed amount. 

Some factors that can impact the cost of fillings include:

• The number of cavities you have
• The size of your cavities
• Which teeth need filling. (Molars may require extra effort.)
• The material used
• Where you live. (It’s true, some cities will be more expensive than others.)
• And any additional treatments like anesthesia, root canal, or gum infection treatment

Should I just have this tooth pulled?

It’s always best to try and preserve the original tooth. Extractions are typically a good idea only if the tooth is too diseased, too weak, or too far decayed to save it. The filling will not make the tooth better.

While an extraction may seem cheaper than a filling, you must remember the dentist will have to replace it. An implant costs more time and money than a small filling done at the right time.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, it all comes down to preventative measures. For instance, visiting a dentist regularly can help detect cavities earlier on. A simple filling is considerably cheaper than other treatments such as a root canal. 

Most dental insurance plans typically cover 80% of the costs for certain procedures, including fillings. This cost applies after the annual deductible is met, which also varies by plan.

However, if you ignore oral health and only go to a dentist when a problem arises, you can expect an extreme situation. That small cavity progresses until the only course of treatment is a root canal, or worse, extracted and replaced with an implant.

Don’t let your negligence cause the cost of your dental bills to increase. It’s time to visit a dentist near you. After all, you want to save your original tooth and preserve that beautiful smile.

The post How much do fillings cost with and without insurance? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

Having a sore tongue is actually a common problem. In fact, most oral infections like blisters under the cheeks, tongue, and gums, are pretty widespread. Those inflamed patches of tissue and cracked skin on the corner of your mouth can be painful and hard to ignore. Sore tongue can also be caused by other underlying problems. 

Why do I have a sore tongue?

The tongue plays a fundamental role in taste, speech, and helping us eat. But it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for what’s making it hurt. It could be the result of trauma, oral thrush, mouth ulcers, or other medical issues. 

And when a disease affects food intake, it will deprive the body of the necessary nutrients. This link between the disease and nutrient intake could be causing the burning sensations and tongue fissures. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, a fissured tongue often suffers from furrows. They are not typically painful on their own, but, you can irritate them and then they will become painful. Reports show that the incidence of tongue fissures or trauma is 5%. 

However, when there is chronic trauma, the body could become vulnerable to tongue sores. The same thing can happen with vitamin deficiency. Anything from zinc, vitamins B12 and B2, and folic-acid deficiency can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation of the tongue. 

In other words, the sore on the side of tongue doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Something triggers it, whether it’s a fungus, bacteria, trauma, or something else. 

What are the symptoms of sore tongue?

Depending on what’s causing the problem, you may experience a range of different symptoms, including:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Uncomfortable sores
• Change in texture (with spots or patches)
• Burning sensation
• Complete / partial loss of taste
• Change in color and taste

These symptoms are rarely a cause for concern. But, when the body is experiencing a serious health condition that could affect your oral health, then you should seek treatment. In the short term, practicing proper dental hygiene may also help.

What are the causes of sore tongue?

There is a range of various triggers that can cause tongue problems. Most of them heal on their own and are not a serious issue. In other cases, however, the pain, discoloration, and change in texture could be a sign of a more complex health issue.

That includes vitamin deficiency, oral cancer, or food allergies. Therefore, it’s critical to find a dentist or consult with a GP to find the exact cause. Here are the typical causes of tongue issues. 

• Trauma

You can easily damage this muscular organ. It doesn’t matter if you are chewing and enjoying your favorite food; you can accidentally bite the surface and damage the tissue. Eating anything that is either too cold or burning hot can cause blisters. Clenching and grinding the teeth can also have a similar impact. 

Based on a clinical study, most people hurt the anterior dorsum (the back of their tongue). It will take a while for the pain to subside. But, when the injury is mild, it will only cause some minor discomfort and soreness. In cases such as these, it’s best to wait for the injury to heal on its own. 

• Smoking

Cigarettes have a drastic impact on tongue sores. It can make people vulnerable to cancer, as well as mouth and throat problems. But, surprisingly, quitting can also be problematic for the mouth, though in a different manner. 

Research shows that when people stop smoking, they are prone to developing a tongue ulcer. Scientists studied over 1,200 smokers who stopped smoking for one week. 40% of them experienced mouth ulcers, mainly in the first two weeks of abstinence. 

Most of them had mild ulcers, while only 8% experienced severe discomfort. In 60% of volunteers, it took them four weeks for the mouth ulcers to completely disappear. 

The goal of the research is to prove that these lesions are just temporary, but they are very likely to form in dependent smokers. It is critical that patients overcome this boundary and stop their smoking habit. 

• Canker sores

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are a typical problem. They cause soreness and pain. A canker is easy to recognize. It has the shape of a white, round, and tiny spot. Its border is red, and it makes it difficult to talk or eat. 

Studies show recurrent canker sores and aphthae (aphthous stomatitis) often form during adolescence and childhood. They affect 20% of the population and come in different types. Most or 80% of cases are minor sores. They are just 5mm in diameter and can heal in about seven to ten days.

The second is major sores. They take a couple of weeks to months to subside and could leave some scarring. The last canker sores are known as Herpetiform ulcers. They feature multiple ulcers and need a month to heal.   

There is no clear reason for what causes the canker sores. But it could be stress, large amounts of acidic and spicy food, illness, or hormonal fluctuations.

• Oral cancer

Mouth cancer can form on the tongue’s surface inside the squamous cells. It will form a patch or a sore on the tongue that is painful and uncomfortable. However, many sores from oral cancer do not heal on their own. Catch oral cancer early by consulting a dentist.

• Sjögren syndrome

This very rare autoimmune disorder affects 0.5% to 1% of the population. It is known for causing inflammation in the lacrimal and salivary glands that cause dry mouth. When the mouth is too dry, the tongue becomes fissured, resulting in damage and a higher risk of infections. 

• Inflammation

These red or white bumps, also known as transient lingual papillitis, cause discomfort and pain. They are usually the result of yeast or oral infection that’s affecting the tongue. It’s not uncommon to see white patches as well. Particularly if you have a poor immune system and regularly wear dentures. Some antibiotics and steroid inhalers can also cause oral thrush and tongue inflammation. 

• Food allergies and sensitivities

Some meals can do more harm than good. Being allergic to food or eating too many products with high acidity levels can cause tongue, mouth, and lip swelling. 

Reports show there are 32 million people in the US who have food allergies. 5.6 million of them are children younger than 18. It is critical to recognize the allergies and avoid foods that may trigger a reaction. 

According to a food allergy study from 2009 to 2010, 38.7% of 38,480 children had a severe reaction to allergic triggers. And in cases such as these, it is not uncommon to experience tongue sores. 

• Vitamin deficiencies

Vitamin deficiency, especially of folate, iron, and vitamin B12, can affect the color and texture of the tongue. When left unmanaged, it can cause a burning sensation and discomfort. 

• Burning tongue syndrome

This syndrome increases the sensitivity and sensation in your tongue. It can also affect the lips, gums, cheeks, and palate. Some people may experience a loss or change in taste. 

• Neuralgia

This condition is referring to the damage and nerve irritation that’s affecting the tongue. When you experience constant and recurring pain from an infection or trauma, it could be the result of neuralgia. The pain is usually intense. Whenever you try to swallow something, it triggers that discomfort. If you think you have this condition, it’s better to consult a dentist.

• Behcet’s illness

Behcet’s triggers inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the entire body. It rarely affects the tongue. But, when it does, people experience tongue sores that look quite similar to canker sores. Studies indicate that the primary cause for the illness is the genes and environmental impact. To manage the sores, you may need to control the illness. 

The treatment is different for each individual. Patients could use biological or non-biological therapies to control the health issue. However, to get rid of the illness, people will need to rely on non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.

• Lichen planus

This chronic skin illness can affect the tongue. When the condition is mild, it doesn’t cause significant discomfort. But, the longer it develops, the bigger the chances of it becoming painful and creating red gums. 

• Moeller’s glossitis

Commonly referred to as the smooth or bald tongue, this problem can cause irritation, inflammation, and burning. The tongue might develop a glossy and smooth surface. It often appears as a result of anemia, celiac illness, or lack of B-12. 

• Specific medicines

Using anti-inflammatory medication, particularly beta-blockers and naproxen, can irritate the tongue. They can cause sores and discomfort. 

• Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus typically appears in patients between the ages of 50 and 60. Even though it is a rare disorder, Pemphigus vulgaris can trigger tongue sores. It can also affect your genitalia. The sores will look like blisters, which could tear apart and ooze. This increases the risk of infection. 

Tongue conditions are typically diagnosed by your dentist, who will most likely suggest a blood sample to rule out any possible illnesses. After you get a diagnosis, you can find the ideal treatment. 

What are some home remedies for tongue conditions?

Oral hygiene should be on the top of your list. Brushing the teeth, flossing, and relying on a mouthwash can get rid of the sores and avoid infection. The key to soothing the soreness is to avoid using a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. Other than that, you can try:

• Avoiding hot and spicy foods
• Rinsing the mouth with saltwater
• Gargling aloe vera juice
• Rinsing the mouth with half a cup of water and one teaspoon of baking soda
• Using diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide in equal parts of water
• Rinsing the mouth with chamomile tea

When should I see a dentist about a sore tongue?

Most tongue sores are not caused by a serious problem. The sore on the tongue can heal on its own. However, if a condition last longer than two weeks, you should consult your dentist.

Dentists can spot oral diseases or problems early, and a sore tongue can be an early indication of something worse. So, look for a dentist near you who will treat and diagnose your tongue pain.

Final thoughts

Most tongue pains, discomfort, and swelling are not a big problem. You can ignore them and wait for them to heal slowly. But, when the sores appear constantly, it becomes difficult to enjoy a meal, let alone get some sleep. 

If you think there is an underlying health issue that’s causing the tongue problems, talk to your dentist. They will pinpoint the  cause of your problem and offer the ideal solution. What matters is that you maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your nutrient intake in check. With tactics such as these, you can drastically reduce the risk of sores.

The post Experiencing a sore tongue? 15 causes and treatments for tongue pain appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

As more patients use the internet to find a dentist, paid marketing methods like Google Ads are essential for practices to grow. But with limited budgets and a highly competitive marketplace, dentists need to be certain they are producing the best possible results.

The key to unlocking more efficient paid marketing is measurement – and the most important metric of all is return on investment (ROI).

What Is ROI (Return on Investment)?

ROI indicates the net financial impact of an investment. The simplest way to calculate it is to divide your total revenue by your total costs. If, for example, you spend $100 on paid marketing and generate $200 in new patient bookings, your ROI would be 2x or +100%.

Why is ROI Important for Dental Marketing?

Marketing is only worthwhile if it helps your practice generate more profit. But it’s easy to lose sight of the bottom line impact of marketing and focus on the visible benefits, such as how many new patients you’ve acquired. As a result, you might mistakenly assume your marketing is working well – even if it’s producing a net loss.

Measuring the ROI of your marketing helps ground your decisions in the reality of your business economics. It enables you to:

• Quantify how effective your current marketing strategy is
• Find ways to make your marketing spend more efficient
• Avoid overspending on strategies or tactic that don’t produce measurable results

Three Reasons ROI is Particularly Important for Paid Marketing

1. The impact of paid marketing is exclusively about your bottom line

While brand building or developing a website could be seen as long-term investment that produce intangible value by increasing patient awareness and trust, the only reason to buy Google Ads is to produce measurable results.

You can reasonably consider your website a sunk-cost – and therefore not worry too much about its short-term ROI. But paid marketing that produces losses should be dispensed immediately.

2. The ROI of paid marketing campaigns varies wildly between practices.

Research shows that top performing paid marketing for dentists produces results more than 10x better than the industry average – so there is a big gap between marketing strategies that “work” and those that produce a major competitive advantage. Measuring your ROI helps you benchmark your existing performance and see how much you could improve things with the right strategy.

3. The common errors dentists make in paid marketing are easy to mitigate

You could be overspending on keywords that don’t produce quality leads or simply bidding on the wrong keyword altogether. But these mistakes will quickly be revealed by a solid ROI calculation and can be fixed with relative ease. That means ROI is not just a retrospective measure but something that can be used to proactively improve your marketing within days.

How to Measure the ROI of Your Paid Marketing

A simple ROI calculation does not capture the full complexity of paid marketing. Instead, a truly accurate assessment of your marketing profitability should factor in:

• The cost of your total paid marketing spend
• The number of patients you generate
• And your average patient lifetime value (PLV)

But even that misses out key factors that determine the true impact of your paid marketing.

Why? Because every marketing channel and strategy involves opportunity costs. Your marketing budget is limited, and the true “cost” of your paid marketing is not just the price of your ads – it’s missing out on other marketing methods.

Dentists should always ask themselves: could we get a higher ROI from a different service? Because while paid marketing may produce positive ROI, you may still be making a loss if the opportunity cost is too high.

3 Ways to Fix Poor Paid Marketing ROI

1. Refine your keywords

Dental searches range from extremely broad (“dental practice”) to extremely specific (“root canal surgery in Casper Wyoming”). This creates a huge scope for dentists to bid on the wrong keywords that produce unsuitable patients.

Assess which keywords have produced the highest conversion rate and turned into actual patients. This will help you refine your strategy, remove underperforming terms and zone in on ads that actually produce a return.

2. Change your bidding strategy

The cost of paid marketing varies wildly depending on the level of competition for keywords. Many dentists assume that competitive keywords are inherently more valuable, but this is often not the case. In fact, most dentists are served by highly specific keywords that have fewer bids but more accurately capture your ideal audience.

Your best strategy is to determine the ROI of specific keywords and find a balance between volume and profitability. Get rid of ads that cost too much, as well as ads that are underperforming in terms of their CRT. This process of optimizing will quickly improve your overall performance and leave with only the most effective ads.

3. Experiment with new platforms

Don’t get stuck on one form of paid marketing. While ads can yield a strong ROI, you may be better served by a patient acquisition platform like Opencare that connects you directly with dental patients.

This doesn’t have to be either/or: you can experiment with both and compare the results. If you find one produces significantly higher or more reliable ROI, then you can progressively alter your digital marketing strategy to focus on that approach.

How Opencare Delivers Best-in-class ROI

No upfront fees

Our platform doesn’t charge set-up fees or fixed fees, and you won’t have to pay if a patient doesn’t show up or is under 18. This helps keep the initial investment low.

Zero-risk model

We only charge you when our platform produces a paying patient. As a result, you will only have to pay when you start producing revenue from our service, which removes the risks associated with lead generation agencies.

Extensive marketing

Our long-term investment in SEO, social media and content marketing has helped us build a strong brand and a reputation for expertise in the dental space. We rank for the majority of organic Google searches for local dentists, and our popular referral programs brings in a large volume of new users each month.

Long-term relationships

Not only do we help the average dental practice win 5-10 new patients per month (and some as many as 40!); the patients we produce are loyal. Our average rebooking rate is 85%, producing a high life-time value for every patient.

The result? A zero-risk, highly efficient service that helps you generate and retain lots of high-quality patients – and produce an average ROI of 640% within the first year alone.

Boost Your Bottom Line with Opencare

The average paid marketing campaign produces 200% ROI, but Opencare delivers considerably higher ROI – and is considerably more reliable. If you are currently using paid marketing but want to try a different approach, book your free Opencare demo today.

The post How to Maximize ROI From Your Paid Dental Marketing appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The post 5 Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Dental/Dentist in Your Area appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The post Affordable Dental Care Solutions for Canadians Without Insurance appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The post Why Top-Rated Dentists Matter: The Key to Quality Dental Care appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The post 5 Must-Haves for a Modern Dentist Office: Creating a 5-Star Experience for your Patients appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The post Finding the Best Dentists in Toronto – Comprehensive Guide appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The reality is many dental practices are actively losing new patients because their website is not properly optimized for patient acquisition. And in this article, we explore…

3 Important Aspects of Digital Marketing Most Dentists Miss

1. Visibility

Why it matters

The whole point of having a digital presence is to ensure more patients discover your practice. In fact, a recent survey found that 18.4% of patients are most likely to pick the dental practice which ranks highest on search engines.

But simply having a website is not enough to make this happen: most patients will still never stumble upon your website if the site isn’t optimized to appear high in search results, especially as the number of dental practices grows and competition online increases.

Even if a patient has heard about your practice from a friend or social media, they will still likely visit your website before booking an appointment. For many patients, this is a form of due diligence. And if your website is not easily searchable or doesn’t include key information such as insurance details and a list of your services, they will take it as a negative signal – and most likely go with a different dentist.

What you can do

Dentists need to understand that there are multiple ways for patients to find your practice. Generating more search engine traffic comes from Search Engine Optimization(SEO), where dentists improve the volume and quantity of content on your website which is essential to help your site rank. But you also need to think about the various other avenues through which patients might discover your practice.

A strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok can provide a huge boost to your overall visibility and brand recognition, as can being featured on dental discovery platforms like Opencare and Zocdoc.

Cover these bases and your practice will be far more visible than most competitors.

2. Easy Booking

Why it matters

Consumers expect online transactions to be easy, and 18% say they abandon a purchase because the checkout process is too complicated. This applies to dental patients too: most will simply go elsewhere if it is not quick and easy to book an appointment online.

What you can do

First, it should be extremely clear how to book an appointment through your website. There are a few ways to achieve this:

• Make your phone number visible on every page
• Use scheduling tools like LocalMed to make it easy to book online
• Include a link to your Opencare page

Second, you should ensure there is plenty of quality information about your practice and what patients can expect throughout your website. Most patients will not make a booking online if they are unsure about the quality, cost or people involved.

Your website should therefore list:

• Your services and pricing
• The length of appointment
• When you have available appointments.
• Which insurance you accept
• Profiles of your staff

High-quality images and case studies can also help boost confidence and entice patients to book an appointment, as can…

3. Social proof

Why it matters

With a large number of practices to choose from, patients need a way to determine which dentist will provide the best value – and which they can trust. One study found that 43.3% of patients choose the dentist with the best online reviews, making reviews the single most important factor in selecting a practice.

What you can do

Your practice needs to encourage as many patients as possible to write reviews and rate your service online. The best way to do this is by making it easy to post a review and prompting patients to do so immediately after their appointment. These reviews should then be showcased across your entire digital presence, from your website to your profile on Opencare and Zocdoc.

Enhance Your Digital Presence with Opencare

Having a quality website is essential, but a patient acquisition platform helps you connect with more patients and cover all bases in your digital marketing. Our extensive investment in SEO and social media marketing has helped us become the trusted source for quality dental practices.

We help dentists:

• Increase visibility via our popular marketplace. Opencare ranks highly on nearly all “dentist near me” searches and has a strong presence on social media, meaning your practice will be seen by far more people.
• Make booking simple with our intuitive user interface. Patients can find your practice, learn about your services, see your reviews and book an appointment with just a few clicks.
• Generate more social proof. Our system enables you to automatically request reviews after every appointment, increasing the total volume of reviews you get and helping you stand out online.

As a result, we produce up to 40 new patients each month for many leading practices.

Want to learn more about our zero-risk approach to digital marketing for dentists?

The post Is Your Website Preventing You from Acquiring New Patients? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.