Skip To Content

Asking For Patient Referrals


Asking For Patient Referrals. Many dentists will shy away from asking patients for referrals because they might feel like it’s an awkward, pushy...
A+ A- A Main Content

Dental Patient Referral

Many dentists will shy away from asking patients for referrals because they might feel like it’s an awkward, pushy or tacky thing to do. This is not the case! In fact, word-of-mouth is the best way for you to bring in more patients; it’s the most valuable marketing tool for your dental practice. The trick is in knowing how to ask your patients to refer your office to their friends or family members.

Successfully Asking For Referrals

Below are three things to do when trying to gain patient referrals for your dental practice:

  • Put Yourself In Your Patients’ Shoes – From the second your patients enter your office until the second they leave, make sure that they’re having a good experience. In the procedure room, in the waiting room, checking in at the front desk, all of these stops during their appointment should be aimed toward providing your patients with a great experience. The happier they are with your office, the more willing they’ll be to provide a referral.
  • Provide Opportunities For Compliments – If your office and your staff are doing all they can to provide the best in customer service, the compliments may begin to roll in. If your patient tells you that your front office staff is kind and helpful on the phone, or that they hardly felt the shot you had to administer, use this opportunity to hand them a few business cards and ask them to pass the good word along!
  • Start Providing Take-Home Bags – If you aren’t already providing take-home bags for your patients, you may want to begin. Many offices include a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, a container of floss, a refrigerator magnet, etc. Whatever you choose to include in the bag, make sure you’re also adding a few business cards that your patients can share with friends and family.

Your patients will need to be reminded that you’re always accepting new patients, and most of them will very willingly provide a referral to your office! All you need to do is make sure you’re providing the reminder in a warm and tactful way.

For more tips on how to ask for referrals, or for any other dental marketing questions, please contact CTC Associates today. Your success is our success!

Posted on Feb 8, 2017
Image Credit:
File ID 65952070 | © Sepy67 | Dreamstime.com

Share:

Archived Articles


March 10th, 2025

For dentists ready to take the next step in their careers, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy an established…

February 24th, 2025

Selling a dental practice is a significant decision that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Many factors…

February 10th, 2025

Selling a dental practice is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a dental professional. Ensuring a smooth…

January 27th, 2025

Valuing your dental practice is a critical step in preparing for a sale or transition. A well-calculated valuation ensures…

January 20th, 2025

The dental industry is undergoing significant changes, shaped by shifting patient expectations, advances in technology, and…

Insights & Resources

Whether you're a seasoned dental professional planning your next big move or just beginning to explore the possibilities of buying or selling a dental practice, you've come to the right place. Our blog is designed to provide valuable insights, expert advice, and the latest industry trends to help you navigate the complexities of dental practice transitions. With decades of experience serving Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, we are your trusted partners in building successful dental careers. Explore our articles and discover how we can support your journey toward achieving your professional goals.