A dental bone graft is a common procedure in implant and restorative dentistry. It helps rebuild bone when there isn’t enough to support teeth or implants. The material used for grafting is carefully chosen to restore strength, stability, and long-term oral health.

For dental practices, understanding bone graft types and materials is essential to selecting the right option for each case and achieving predictable, long-term patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Dental bone grafts rebuild bone volume and stability, making implants and other restorations possible when natural bone is insufficient.
  
  

• Different materials such as autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic grafts each offer their own benefits and limitations.
  
  

• Bone grafts come in various forms (granules, putty, blocks, mesh), chosen based on the defect size and surgical needs.
  
  

• Successful outcomes depend on correct material selection, surgical technique, and proper stabilization of the graft site.

Quick Overview of the Bone Grafting Process

The bone grafting process typically follows four main steps:

Evaluation: The dentist reviews medical and dental history, takes X-rays or scans, and checks if the gums and jawbone are healthy enough for grafting.

Preparation: On the day of surgery, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

Placement: The dentist makes a small incision in the gum, places the graft material in the bone defect, and applies protective medication if needed.

Stabilization: A barrier membrane is used to hold the graft in place, allowing the site to heal and regenerate bone over time.

Types of Bone Grafting by Application

Ridge Augmentation Graft:

When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone in that area resorbs and becomes thinner. Ridge augmentation adds width and volume to the jawbone, creating a strong base for implants or other restorations.

Socket Preservation Graft:

After extraction, the tooth socket contains both bone and soft tissue. Since soft tissue heals faster, it may fill the socket instead of bone, leading to problems with future tooth replacement. Placing a graft right after extraction helps bone heal properly and prevents the socket walls from collapsing. This is also called ridge preservation.

Sinus Lift Graft:

The maxillary sinuses sit above the upper back teeth. When these teeth are lost, the sinus can drop into the empty root space, making implant placement impossible. A sinus lift raises the sinus and places a bone graft underneath, building a stable foundation for implants.

Periodontal Bone Graft:

Gum disease can destroy the bone that supports teeth, causing them to loosen. A periodontal graft is placed around the tooth to restore support and reduce mobility.

Bone Graft Materials

Autograft

According to the US National Library of Medicine, autografts are considered the gold standard because the graft comes directly from the patient’s own body, often from the hip, chin, or jaw. This ensures complete biocompatibility, eliminates disease transmission risk, and provides living bone cells and proteins that actively stimulate new bone growth.

Their main drawback is the need for a second surgical site, which can increase discomfort, healing time, and surgical risk.

Allograft

Allografts are obtained from human donors and processed in tissue banks to remove cells that could cause rejection while preserving bone structure. They are biocompatible, widely available, and eliminate the need for a second surgical site.

While they provide a strong scaffold for bone growth, they lack living cells, meaning they rely on the patient’s body to populate them with new cells. This makes them less biologically active than autografts but still highly predictable and safe.

Xenograft

Xenografts are sourced from animals, usually bovine or porcine bone, and processed to remove proteins and cells, leaving a sterile mineral matrix. Their structure closely resembles human bone, offering excellent long-term scaffolding for gradual bone regeneration.

However, they tend to integrate more slowly than autografts or allografts, and some patients may decline their use for cultural or ethical reasons.

Synthetic Materials (Alloplasts)

Alloplasts are man-made substitutes, often using ceramics like hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, bioactive glass, or polymers. Their porous structure supports blood vessel growth and bone regeneration while completely avoiding risks of disease transmission. They can be mass-produced and are often combined with natural grafts for added strength.

The limitation is that they lack living cells or natural growth proteins, which can slow healing compared to biologic grafts, though ongoing advances are improving their performance.

Appearance and Common Forms of Bone Grafts

Bone Graft Granules

Bone graft granules are small, irregular particles ranging from less than 1 mm to a few millimeters in size. They are usually white or off-white with a grainy texture and are made from materials like hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or bovine bone (Bio-Oss). Some products, like Pro-Osteon, come from sea coral converted into hydroxyapatite.

Granules are popular because they easily fill irregular defects and act as a scaffold for bone growth. They are highly osteoconductive and integrate gradually with natural bone, restoring strength and density. Their versatility makes them suitable for many grafting procedures.

Bone Graft Putty

Bone graft putty is a smooth, moldable material often used for smaller bone defects or areas needing precise contouring. Its viscous texture allows it to stay in place more easily than granules, making it useful in socket preservation after extractions.

Some putties combine multiple materials for added benefits. For example, Allomatrix blends calcium sulfate with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to form a pliable putty or injectable paste, improving handling and bone healing.

Bone Graft Blocks

Bone graft blocks are solid pieces of graft material, usually rectangular or square, that can be trimmed during surgery. They are used in larger bone defects or for ridge augmentation, where significant volume must be rebuilt.

Blocks are typically made from donor bone or hydroxyapatite ceramics. They provide strong support and hold their shape well, though they integrate more slowly than granules or putty. When stabilized with tools like titanium mesh, they can restore major bone loss and prepare the jaw for implants.

Dental Bone Graft Mesh

Dental bone graft mesh is a thin, perforated sheet placed over graft material to keep it stable and maintain the surgical site’s contour. Most meshes are made from titanium or resorbable polymers and allow blood vessels and bone cells to grow through, supporting osteoregeneration.

They are used in procedures like ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Mesh ensures graft stability, especially in complex defects, but non-resorbable types may require later removal.

Conditions Managed With Bone Grafts

Bone grafting has a wide range of indications in dental practice. Some of the most common include:

Implant site development: A graft can build up bone volume to securely hold implants, especially after long-standing tooth loss.

Ridge preservation after extraction: Bone resorbs quickly after a tooth is removed. Placing graft material immediately in the socket preserves shape and volume for future implants.

Periodontal disease management: Grafts help regenerate bone lost to periodontal disease, improving tooth stability and long-term prognosis.

Sinus lifts: In the posterior maxilla, grafts are placed beneath the sinus membrane to create enough vertical bone height for implants.

Trauma repair: Accidents or surgical resections can cause bone loss, which grafts can help restore for both function and esthetics.

Supplies and Dental Products Used in Bone Grafting

Performing dental bone grafting requires a combination of graft materials, barrier systems, and surgical tools. Commonly used products include:

• Bone graft materials – autograft harvest kits, allograft granules/blocks, xenografts, and synthetic grafts (hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, bioactive glass).
  
  

• Barrier membranes – resorbable (collagen-based) membrane or non-resorbable (PTFE or titanium mesh) to stabilize and protect the graft site. A laminar graft/membrane hybrid also works.
  
  

• Bone graft handling aids – syringes, spatulas, or delivery systems for granules and putty.
  
  

• Surgical instruments – bone mills, drills, surgical curettes, elevators, and microsaws for graft preparation and placement.
  
  

• Fixation systems – titanium screws, tacks, or mesh stabilization tools to hold blocks and membranes in place.
  
  

Explore Safco Dental Supply today to find the right products you need for efficient bone grafting procedures!

FAQs

How long does it take for a dental bone graft to heal?

Healing varies, but most grafts integrate within 3–6 months before implant placement.

Which type of bone graft material is most predictable?

Autografts offer the best predictability, but allografts and xenografts are widely used due to convenience and good long-term success.

Are synthetic grafts as effective as natural ones?

Alloplasts provide strong support and eliminate donor risks but may integrate more slowly compared to autografts or allografts.

Can bone grafts fail?

Yes. Failures can occur due to infection, poor vascularization, contamination, or inadequate stabilization. Proper technique reduces these risks.

Do bone grafts hurt?

Discomfort is typically manageable with medication. Pain is usually higher when harvesting autografts due to the second surgical site.

Can graft material be stored long-term?

Yes. Commercial graft materials have long shelf lives if stored under manufacturer conditions, but always check expiration dates.

Safe dental practice depends on infection control. It safeguards patients, clinicians and staff against unnecessary risks by limiting the transmission of pathogens. In dental offices or clinics, the ability to follow infection prevention guidelines carefully is critical to both results and reputations.

Here are the 10 main principles of infection control:

• Standard Precautions
  
  
• Risk Assessment
  
  
• Hand Hygiene
  
  
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  
  
• Safe Instrument Processing
  
  
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
  
  
• Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette
  
  
• Aseptic Technique
  
  
• Education and Training
  
  
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

Keep reading to explore insights on why they matter, how they apply in clinical workflows, and the standards that guide them.

1. Standard Precautions

In dental practice, the principle of standard precautions is based on the assumption that every patient may be contagious, even if no symptoms are present. This removes uncertainty and promotes consistency in infection control. Key measures include thorough hand hygiene before and after each procedure, correct use of gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, safe handling of sharps, and proper disposal of clinical waste.

Applying these protocols universally helps dental teams reduce the risk of cross-contamination and build patient trust by demonstrating that safety is always the top priority. These precautions also serve as the foundation for additional measures, such as airborne or droplet protection during dental treatments.

For detailed, evidence-based guidelines tailored to dental settings, practitioners should refer to the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA), both of which provide comprehensive best practices and training resources.

2. Risk Assessment

In dental practice, an effective infection control program begins with regular risk assessments. These evaluations help identify potential hazards such as cross-contamination from dental instruments, improper sterilization of handpieces, inadequate chairside surface disinfection, or lapses in sharps disposal. By systematically reviewing these risks, dental teams can anticipate issues before they occur and implement preventive measures.

Risk assessment should be a continuous process, not a one-time effort. For instance, introducing new dental equipment, modifying sterilization protocols, or addressing emerging risks like aerosol transmission during high-speed procedures may create fresh challenges. 

Embedding risk assessment into routine workflows ensures compliance with infection control standards while safeguarding both patients and staff.

3. Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods of breaking the chain of infection. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand rubs in the case of non-visibly soiled hands, effectively reduces microbial transmission.

In dentistry, where practitioners have to deal with patients and equipment regularly, hand hygiene is not optional. It should be done by the staff before and after contact with the patient, after removing gloves, as well as after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Visible reminders and training increase hand hygiene compliance and keep safety at the forefront of the mind.

To shop for hand hygiene compliance, check out Safco’s gloves catalog for high-quality products.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In dental practice, PPE serves as a critical protective shield between clinicians and potential contaminants. Essential components include gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, protective eyewear, and disposable barriers for dental equipment such as chairs, light handles, and x-ray units. These layers of protection guard against bloodborne pathogens, splashes, aerosols, and surface contamination.

However, protection depends not only on using PPE and barriers, but also on proper donning and doffing techniques to avoid accidental exposure. Consistent training and adherence to protocols ensure safety for both patients and providers.

Safco supports dental teams in maintaining compliance by supplying reliable PPE, from secure, comfortable procedure masks to durable gloves and barrier film, so practices can confidently uphold the highest standards of infection control.

5. Safe Instrument Processing

Reusable dental instruments are among the highest-risk sources of infection if not processed correctly. A well-structured system ensures every tool is safe for patient use, beginning with a designated sterilization area that clearly separates the “dirty” zone (used instruments) from the “clean” zone (processed instruments). This separation minimizes cross-contamination and maintains workflow efficiency.

The process starts with instrument cleaning, where enzymatic or detergent solutions are used to remove organic material and debris prior to sterilization. Next, instruments are prepared with appropriate sterilization packaging, such as autoclave pouches, wraps, or cassettes, that maintain sterility until use. Autoclaving remains the gold standard for sterilization, combining heat and pressure to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

Equally important is sterilization monitoring, which includes mechanical indicators (time, temperature, pressure readings), chemical indicators (color-changing strips), and biological indicators (spore testing) to validate effectiveness. Comprehensive monitoring and documentation ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

And of course, instrument storage in clean, dry, and designated areas protects sterility until the instruments are needed. Adhering to CDC and OSAP best practices, along with regular equipment maintenance, safeguards both patients and staff against preventable infection risks.

To enhance your instrument processing practices, check out Safco’s catalog of affordable, high-quality sterilization pouches.

6. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

Pathogens can live on surfaces for hours or even days, so environmental cleaning is an essential component of infection control. Areas that need to be disinfected between patients include dental chairs, countertops, and light handles as they are high-touch surfaces.

The specific disinfectant used is important. Hospital-grade disinfectants that have been registered with EPA are preferred because of their demonstrated effectiveness against many types of microorganisms. Along with that, it is also important to set cleaning timetables of both clinical and non-clinical areas to make sure that nothing is missed, including operatories and waiting rooms.

7. Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette

Respiratory infections can be transmitted very fast in common areas, and that is why respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are essential. Incentivizing patients and staff to cover their coughs, use tissues, and wear masks when they are symptomatic will help decrease airborne transmission.

Additional precautions may be required in dental practices where aerosols are commonly produced during procedures. Mouth rinses that are used before the procedure and high-volume evacuators can reduce the microbial loads in the air considerably, making the environment safer to all.

8. Aseptic Technique

The aseptic technique reduces microbial contamination of clinical procedures to a minimum. It entails the use of sterile equipment, clean fields and avoiding contact with sterile surfaces where not necessary.

In dental practice, this may imply the use of sterile gloves during an operation or opening instruments only when needed chairside.

Consistency is important here. Even less significant breaches, such as the use of ungloved hands on sterile items, can compromise patient safety. Training and vigilance make aseptic practices second nature to all staff and minimizes risks that can be avoided.

9. Education and Training

Infection control is only as effective as the people implementing it. Ongoing education and staff training keep teams up to date with CDC guidelines, OSHA standards, and OSAP best practices. New staff should receive comprehensive onboarding, and all team members should participate in regular refresher sessions.

Interactive training methods, such as demonstrations, simulations, and scenario-based drills, reinforce knowledge better than lectures alone. Practices that prioritize education foster a culture of accountability, where every team member understands their role in protecting patients and colleagues.

10. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

The last principle is that infection control is an ongoing process and not a mere checklist. Compliance monitoring, documentation of processes, and breach reporting make it accountable. Regular audits can detect gaps, and feedback loops encourage growth.

A culture of continuous improvement also enables healthcare teams to maintain a lead with risks and changes. Safco can assist in this principle by making access to infection control supplies easier, allowing you to stay compliant and efficient as they focus on patient care.

Check out our range of sterilization pouches and disinfectant wipes, that will help you in your everyday dental practice.

Final Thoughts

Infection prevention and control in dentistry goes beyond regulatory compliance: it directly reduces the risk of dental-associated infections, lowers costs linked to preventable complications, and builds trust between patients and practitioners.

By applying the ten core principles of infection control, such as consistent hygiene practices, proper use of protective equipment, and continuous training, dental professionals demonstrate a commitment to patient safety and quality care. This not only safeguards health but also strengthens the reputation of a practice.

Safco supports this mission by providing reliable infection-control supplies like gloves and disinfectants, helping dental teams maintain the highest standards of hygiene and patient confidence.

Explore our full infection control catalog to find the best products for your dentistry.

FAQs

Which organizations regulate infection control products in dentistry?

The EPA regulates disinfectants, the FDA oversees sterilization equipment and PPE, while the CDC, ADA, and OSAP provide evidence-based guidelines for safe dental use.

Who provides infection control guidelines for dental practices?

The CDC issues core recommendations, while the ADA and OSAP deliver dental-specific protocols, training, and best practice resources.

What are the key infection control requirements in a dental laboratory?

All items, such as impressions, prosthetics, and appliances, must be disinfected before transfer, per CDC, ADA, and OSAP guidelines, to prevent cross-contamination.

How often should sterilization equipment be monitored?

Dental practices should perform mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring routinely, with weekly spore tests as recommended by the CDC and ADA.

Why is staff training important in dental infection control?

Regular training ensures all staff follow proper protocols. CDC, ADA, and OSAP stress onboarding and refresher courses to maintain compliance and patient safety.

Gloves are a major line of defense in the field of dentistry, healthcare, or any other sphere. They protect both professionals and patients against infection risks, cross-contamination, and hazardous chemicals.

Nitrile gloves are one of the most dependable and multi-purpose gloves available these days.

But what exactly are nitrile gloves made of, how do they compare to other types, and why are they the standard in modern dentistry? This blog will break it down for you, so let’s dive in!

Why Nitrile Gloves Are Widely Used in Dentistry

Nitrile gloves have become the go-to choice in modern dental practices due to their combination of strength, safety, and flexibility. For clinicians, they provide a reliable barrier during exams, treatments, and sterilization tasks, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring patient safety.

Their puncture resistance and close fit allow practitioners to work with confidence, even during highly delicate procedures such as restorative or surgical treatments.

In dental laboratories, nitrile gloves are equally essential. Technicians handling impression materials, acrylics, or polishing compounds benefit from nitrile’s superior chemical resistance compared to latex or vinyl. This protection ensures that gloves withstand solvents and abrasive agents commonly used in lab settings, while still offering comfort during extended use.

By covering both the clinical and laboratory sides of dentistry, nitrile gloves provide a versatile, one-solution approach.

If you want to simplify your dental purchases as well, look no further than the comprehensive supplies catalogs at Safco!

Nitrile Gloves vs. Latex Gloves

For many years, latex gloves were the default option in dentistry. However, by the late 2000s, the industry had largely phased them out in favor of nitrile due to several key factors. The most pressing concern was latex allergies: the proteins in natural rubber latex often triggered reactions in both dental professionals and patients, ranging from skin irritation to more serious complications. This risk became unacceptable in environments that demand patient trust and safety.

Beyond allergies, nitrile gloves offered clear advantages in strength and chemical resistance. Dental professionals regularly handle sharp instruments and chemical disinfectants; nitrile’s puncture resistance and durability provided greater peace of mind compared to latex, which was more prone to tearing.

At the same time, advancements in nitrile formulations closed the comfort gap, offering excellent elasticity and tactile sensitivity essential for precision-based procedures.

Ultimately, the combination of safety, durability, and comfort made nitrile the superior choice. The shift away from latex wasn’t just a trend — it was a necessary step to protect patients and practitioners while maintaining the high standards of modern dental care.

To learn more about the differences in various glove types, check out Safco’s detailed guide on choosing the right type of medical gloves.

Nitrile Disposable Gloves in Dental Practices

In the field of dentistry, nitrile gloves play a special role. They are not mere compliance issues since they directly affect workflow efficiency and patient trust.

Barrier protection: Nitrile gloves provide protection against blood borne pathogens, saliva, and aerosols produced during dental procedures, making both the practitioner and patient safe.

Tactile sensitivity: A tight fit that is secure and comfortable allows clinicians to have dexterity in delicate procedures like restorations, scaling, or impression-taking. Nitrile is flexible and fits the hand without sacrificing accuracy as compared to bulkier options.

Grip and control: Most nitrile gloves have textured fingertips to provide additional grip, even in wet conditions. In the case of dentists working with delicate instruments, this aspect eliminates accidents and makes work more precise.

Thus, nitrile gloves allow clinicians to provide care with confidence knowing their PPE not only supports safety protocols but also patient outcomes. These have been the top-selling product for the last decade and continue to be the standard today.

What are the Key Benefits of Nitrile Gloves?

The benefits of nitrile gloves go much beyond mere protection. They are safe, efficient and practical, which makes them the most desirable:

Excellent puncture resistance: Nitrile is up to three times more puncture-resistant than latex, reducing the chance of glove puncture when handling instruments or sharp objects.

High chemical resistance: Nitrile offers a high degree of protection to disinfectants, sterilants, and other chemicals frequently utilized in dental offices and laboratories.

Allergy-free: Nitrile gloves do not contain latex proteins and therefore do not cause allergic reactions in practitioners and patients.

Comfort and less fatigue: Nitrile gloves are now designed to minimize hand fatigue even during prolonged procedures. Soft material and adjustable fit allow practitioners to concentrate on patient care and not on their discomfort.

Practical Applications and Efficiency in Dentistry

The true value of nitrile gloves in dentistry lies in their balance of barrier protection and tactile sensitivity. Unlike industrial gloves, which are too thick for clinical use, dental professionals rely on exam-grade nitrile gloves that typically measure around 3–4 mils (0.08–0.10 mm) thick. This thickness is ideal: thin enough to preserve fine tactile feel for handling delicate instruments, yet strong enough to provide a reliable barrier against fluids and contaminants.

When compared, latex dental exam gloves average a similar 3–4 mils, but nitrile offers better puncture and chemical resistance without the risks of latex allergies. For procedures requiring even greater precision or durability—such as oral surgery—surgical gloves are often used, ranging from 5–9 mils (0.13–0.23 mm), ensuring maximum protection while maintaining dexterity.

Nitrile gloves are also designed with efficiency in mind. They are easy to don and doff, even during back-to-back patient appointments. Textured surfaces improve grip on both wet and dry instruments, helping dental teams work quickly and confidently. In busy practices where time and precision matter, these small efficiencies translate into smoother workflows and safer care.

Safco is dedicated to making high-quality PPE accessible to all practitioners. Check out our premium Nitrilex gloves that make your dental practice easier and safer.

Final Thoughts

Nitrile gloves are thin enough to provide excellent tactile sensitivity yet strong enough to ensure reliable barrier protection. In dentistry, where careful work with small instruments must also guard against fluids and germs, nitrile gloves offer the best of both worlds.

Discover Safco’s collection of high-quality dental gloves at affordable prices, and shop our gloves catalog to choose the right fit for your needs.

FAQs

Are nitrile gloves safe for people with latex allergies?

Yes. Nitrile gloves are fully synthetic and free of natural latex proteins, which makes them a safe option for both clinicians and patients prone to latex allergies.

Can nitrile gloves resist dental chemicals and disinfectants?

Absolutely. Nitrile offers superior chemical and puncture resistance, making it highly suitable for handling disinfectants, impression materials, and other dental lab substances.

Should I use surgical nitrile gloves instead of exam gloves for precise tasks?

Surgical gloves (5–9 mils thick) are sterile and offer higher precision, ideal for oral surgeries. For routine dental exams or procedures, exam-grade nitrile gloves (around 3–4 mils) balance dexterity with protection.

Are nitrile gloves easy to put on and take off during busy appointments?

Yes. They’re designed to be easy to don and doff, and textured fingertips improve grip on instruments even when wet, helping speed up patient workflows.

Can nitrile gloves be reused or washed?

No. Single-use nitrile gloves should not be washed or reused—they lose their protective integrity and risk contamination.

Dental assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks that enable the dental team to provide high-quality, focused care. Beyond technical skills, dental assistants are key to creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients.

In this important role, women have long been the backbone of the profession. At Safco Dental Supply, we proudly support and celebrate women in dentistry, recognizing their contributions across all areas of the field. 

Importance of Dental Assistants in Dental Practices

Dental assistants are integral to the smooth functioning of dental practices, providing critical support that allows dentists to focus on patient care. Their responsibilities are multifaceted, ranging from preparing patients for treatments to managing tools and equipment and ensuring a sterile environment, which is crucial for patient safety and infection control.

Additionally, dental assistants handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and managing billing and insurance paperwork. They often act as a bridge between the dentist and patient, offering reassurance and guidance to help ease any anxiety patients may feel during visits. This dual role of clinical and interpersonal support helps ensure that both the dentist and the patient have a positive experience, making dental assistants vital to the success of any dental practice.

In 2022, 93.5% of Dental Assistants Were Female

According to Data USA, women made up an overwhelming 93.5% of the dental assistant workforce in 2022. This significant gender disparity may stem from historical and social trends within the healthcare industry, where support roles have traditionally attracted more women. The role aligns with career preferences some women may prioritize, such as work-life balance, steady demand, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on patient experiences.

Furthermore, educational pathways into dental assisting are often more accessible and shorter in duration than other dental roles, making it an attractive option for women entering the healthcare field who may also be juggling the task of family management. 

Key Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant

So, what are the duties of a dental assistant? 

Dental assistants are typically responsible for a wide variety of duties in the dental clinic, both clinical and administrative in nature. In the following two subsections, we will break down those duties.

Clinical Duties

Clinical duties of dental assistants include:

• Preparing patients and operatories for procedures 
• Assisting the dentist during exams and treatments by handling tools and instruments
• Sterilizing and organizing dental instruments 
• Taking and developing dental X-rays 
• Providing post-procedure care instructions to patients
• Mixing and preparing materials for fillings, crowns, and impressions

Administrative Tasks

Administrative duties of dental assistants include:

• Scheduling patient appointments
• Maintaining and updating patient records 
• Ordering and managing dental supplies and equipment inventory
• Communicating with patients to answer questions and manage follow-ups

Skills and Qualifications Required

To become a dental assistant, individuals typically need a mix of education, certification, and practical skills.

Educational Requirements

Educational requirements may vary from state to state, though dental assistants typically must achieve the following to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA):

• High School Diploma or GED: The minimum education requirement to start a dental assistant program.
• Dental Assistant Training Program: In order to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), many dental assistants complete a formal program at a vocational school or community college, often lasting 1-2 years.
• Certification: In many states, certification (such as the Certified Dental Assistant, or CDA, credential) is required. Certification typically involves passing an exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) in order to be certified to take X-rays.

Essential Skills

Dental assistants rely on a diverse skill set to excel in their roles, supporting both clinical procedures and administrative tasks within a dental practice. Key skills include:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Dental assistants interact closely with patients, often being the first and last point of contact. They need to communicate clearly, especially when explaining procedures, answering questions, or providing post-treatment care instructions. Empathy and active listening are crucial for building trust with patients and easing anxiety.
• Attention to Detail and Organizational Abilities: This role requires precision in preparing instruments, mixing materials, and following sterilization protocols to maintain a safe environment. Strong organizational skills are also necessary for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and maintaining supplies.
• Technical Skills and Proficiency with Dental Software: Dental assistants must be skilled in using dental tools and equipment, including X-ray machines and impression materials. Familiarity with dental software (like Dentrix or Eaglesoft) is essential for managing patient records, scheduling, billing, and charting. 

Work Environment and Conditions

Dental assistants typically work in dental offices. Their environment is designed to be patient-friendly and hygienic, adhering to strict infection control standards. The role involves spending long hours on their feet and assisting dentists during procedures while maintaining a sterile workspace. 

Typical Work Settings

• Dental Offices and Clinics: Most dental assistants are employed in general dental practices, where they assist dentists with routine examinations, cleanings, and basic restorative procedures. 
• Specialty Practices: Dental assistants may also work in specialty practices such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry. In these environments, their duties may vary according to the specific procedures involved, such as taking impressions for braces in orthodontics or assisting during surgical extractions in oral surgery.

Working Hours and Schedules

Most dental assistants work standard business hours, though some dental offices may offer evening hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients, which can require dental assistants to work flexible hours. 

Additionally, those employed in specialty practices or hospital settings may have different schedules based on the nature of the services provided. Part-time opportunities are also common, allowing for work hours that can suit individual preferences or commitments.

Career Growth and Opportunities

With experience and additional training, dental assistants can pursue specialization in areas such as orthodontics or oral surgery. They may also advance to roles like lead dental assistant or dental office manager, overseeing operations and staff. 

For advancement in your knowledge of dentistry, check out Safco Dental Supply’s Courses & Webinars

Advancement Options

Continuing education can enable dental assistants to transition into higher-level positions, such as expanded-function dental assistants, dental hygienists or dental therapists, providing a dynamic and rewarding career path for those seeking professional development.

Potential Career Paths

• Transitioning to Dental Hygienist: This transition typically requires completing an accredited dental hygiene program and obtaining the necessary licensure. As hygienists, they can perform more advanced clinical tasks, such as scaling and polishing teeth, administering local anesthesia, and providing patient education on oral health.
• Moving into Administrative or Managerial Roles: Experienced dental assistants can also shift their focus to administrative or managerial positions within a dental practice. Roles such as dental office manager involve overseeing the daily operations of the practice, managing staff, handling patient relations, and coordinating scheduling and billing. 

Challenges and Rewards of Being a Dental Assistant

While the job of a dental assistant can certainly be quite a challenge both mentally and physically, there are notable benefits that come with the position, as well.

Common Challenges

Dental assistants face several challenges in their roles, including:

• Managing Stress and Patient Anxiety: Dental assistants often encounter anxious patients who may be fearful of dental procedures. Providing reassurance and support can be emotionally demanding, requiring strong interpersonal skills and patience.
• Coping with Physical Demands: This job involves long hours on your feet and often requires maintaining awkward positions while assisting dentists during procedures.
• Challenges for Women in the Field: Despite the high representation of women in dental assisting, they may still face challenges such as balancing work and family responsibilities and navigating workplace biases.

Rewards and Job Satisfaction

Below are some notable rewards that come along with being a dental assistant:

• Contributing to Patient Care and Oral Health: Dental assistants play a crucial role in promoting oral health, helping patients achieve better dental hygiene and comfort during procedures. Their contributions directly impact patient outcomes, leading to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
• Building Relationships with Patients and Staff: This role allows dental assistants to form meaningful connections with patients, often being a source of comfort and support. Additionally, working closely with dentists and other staff fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, enhancing job satisfaction and camaraderie within the team.

There are many things you can do to increase your patient numbers. Potential patients will find your practice through many different avenues and they will be looking for a variety of features or conveniences. Read on to explore how you can attract them to your business and meet their expectations and needs. 

Build A Website Optimized to Meet Your Patient’s Needs

Your website is not only your digital front door, but it is also a source of information and a powerful tool. Your online presence will represent your business and should be attractive and inviting. The information presented should always be well-organized and clearly written. 

Design Mobile-Friendly Website

As of May 2022, 52.79% of all web visits are mobile, compared to the 47.21% that are desktop visits; your site should be optimized for mobile and allow the same sort of navigation and use as the desktop version. 

It’s important that any forms are easy to use and allow for autofill on both platforms. People are increasingly using their mobile devices to conduct searches, do research, and communicate with service providers, so it is important that all of the features of your site work exceptionally well on mobile.

Consider Online Appointment Booking & Chat

Usability and purpose will drive patients and prospective patients to your site. Allowing patients to request or confirm appointments, view or pay bills, or contact the practice via chat or message will encourage patients to continue to engage with your practice. In today’s tech-driven society, these are all small yet crucial details for the average individual.

Live Chat Apps We Recommend

• • Crisp Chat
  • Help Chat
  • Live Chat
  • Zendesk

Optimize Your Content for Search

SEO is the best way to understand how your target audience searches for your services. By creating content using keywords your audience searches for, you are more likely to show up in the search results.

Publishing blog posts or articles about various dental-related topics will ensure that you appear in the search results for informational searches. Blog posts help improve your brand awareness and attract traffic to your site that may not be searching for a dentist however, blog posts will encourage readers to see you as an expert in the field. They instill confidence in your dental practice and build trust with your audience.

Be sure to promote your business hours, maps, address, phone number, and email contact information throughout your site. Google uses this information to determine when it should display your practice for local searches.

Differentiate Yourself From The Crowd

There are a lot of choices when it comes to dentists. Making your practice stand out to potential patients in your local community is the key to growth. 

Ask yourself these questions:

1. 1. What makes your office different?
   2. Is there something that you offer that others don’t?
   3. Why would someone choose your practice over another?

Here are some ways you can differentiate yourself from other local dentists.

Find Your Niche

If your office has a specialization that is not offered at other practices in your local community, be sure to capitalize on that.

Becoming friendly with nearby dental practices that don’t offer that particular service will create goodwill and referrals.

Post informative blog posts about your specializations to generate traffic and inform prospective new patients.

Focus on Customer Service

Customer service and a positive patient experience go a long way. You’ll find that if your team places a focus on patient satisfaction and experience, patients are likely to write positive reviews and refer friends or family. 

If you take the time with your patients to ask about what makes them comfortable and reduces their anxiety while in the chair, such as earphones and video, warm blankets, or even pre-procedure medication or sedatives, this is likely to make a lasting impression. Making your patients feel as if they are treated as individuals can only improve your patient numbers and reputation as a whole.

Work With the Latest Technology

Staying current and using cutting-edge technology will attract new patients. Patients will feel more confident in your services if they know that you are staying up on the latest tools and techniques. 

In order to ensure that you are staying ahead of the curve, you will need the best supplies you can get. Safco Dental Supply can provide you with all of the latest tools and materials that you will need to keep current with the latest innovation.

Offer New Patient Specials

New patient specials are among the best ways to encourage prospective new dental patients to choose your practice. 

• • Discounts / Coupons: Offering a discount or coupon for in-office services such as teeth whitening or sealants could inspire new patients to book appointments.  Offering discounts around certain times of the year - such as back-to-school or school breaks - could increase your patient numbers among college-age patients who are more likely to be home during these times.
  • Free Consultations: Offering a free consultation for patients who may be seeking another opinion or are looking for a new provider for a needed procedure will encourage patients to book with you.
  • Monthly Service Specials: Running monthly specials can also increase traffic; for instance, establishing a “sealant month” where the price of dental sealants is discounted could bring in new patients who are in need of this service. Offering free athletic mouthguard fittings for student-athletes as a complement to their first cleaning appointment could encourage parents to book their children’s treatment with you.
  • Gift Cards: Offering gift cards for coffee, gas, or Amazon with the scheduling of a new patient appointment is another incentive that patients may respond to; be sure to keep the value to less than $15 each to stay within the CMP guidelines. 

Create a Referral Program

Happy patients will be your best advertising tool! Asking new patients if they were referred will remind them to refer others.

There are two ways we've seen referral programs be successful:

1. 1. Discounts on Services: Offering patients discounts on elective services such as whitening treatments for referring others will increase the likelihood of a referral, as well.
   2. Rewards & Gift Cards: You may also want to consider entering patients who refer others into random drawings for gifts, gift cards, or services. 

Hire Friendly, Talented Staff

Who you hire is very important to the success of your practice. Having friendly and approachable staff who are eager to help and treat the patients with respect will help to ensure positive patient engagement.

If your techs and hygienists check in with patients' comfort regularly during the visit, the patients will appreciate the attention and could allay any fears or anxieties they may have. 

Training staff and having standard practices and procedures for them to follow when booking appointments or following up on contacts will ensure a consistent experience. 

If your front desk staff takes the time to ask patients how their visit was and offers to help if there are any issues at check out, it will make patients feel heard. Offering post-procedure information on paper or through text or email will show your efforts in meeting your patient’s needs - even after they have left your office.

Ask For Reviews

Studies show that at least 77% of people always or regularly read reviews before selecting a business to engage with. 

Reviews can be carried out on Google, Yelp, Facebook, or even Healthgrades. They will also affect how visible your business is in searches. 

Ensuring that patients are asked to fill out a review at checkout will increase the likelihood of them taking the time to write one. You may want to provide a card with your website and social media contacts, as well as your physical address and the names of your staff members.

Once you have reviews published, be sure to publicly respond to them. Engaging with your patients or potential patients on social media platforms and in reviews will make you more visible, make you appear approachable, and will encourage others to visit your practice.

Create a Dental Marketing Strategy

A holistic digital marketing strategy will help to boost local awareness of your dental practice. This strategy will help to make all parts of your practice and services more visible and will operate on many platforms for patient engagement. 

• • Search Engine Optimization (SEO), will help you be more prominent in local search results.
  • Pay Per Click (PPC) will ensure that you show at the top of search results for more competitive queries, but it is important to keep in mind that this approach is pay-to-play. PPC can also place your clickable ads in front of local people who search for related topics.
  • Social Media Marketing (SMM) can be used to introduce your business, staff, and providers on a more personal level, and can also educate and foster relationships with patients and prospective patients.
  • E-mail Marketing can be used to stay in touch with patients or those who may have simply expressed interest in your practice. It can also be used for appointment reminders.

Bringing Patients To Your Door

Attracting new patients to your dental practice is not something that is “one and done”; it is an ever-evolving process that will need to be well thought-out, altered, and adjusted to meet the needs of your practice - as well as to keep up with the services you offer. 

Not every strategy will work with every patient base or within every community, but you can pick and choose how you approach marketing your practice while also ensuring a positive customer experience. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

A large part of ensuring a positive patient experience is making use of excellent products and materials from a company that can keep up with your growing business. 

Safco Dental Supply can help you keep your practice well-stocked with everything you need. By providing excellent customer experience, competitive pricing, and free shipping for orders over $250, we pride ourselves on being a partner you can count on to help establish your practice’s reputation.

Learn more about the basics of purchasing a dental practice. 

For many dental professionals, launching a practice of their own is the ultimate dream come true. Starting up your own practice gives you the freedom to be your own boss, set your own hours and rates, and focus on your favorite specialty. 

Many providers feel that they earn more as practice owners, as well.

There are, however, some things that buyers should first consider before taking the plunge – such as initial start-up costs for starting your own dental practice, which typically hovers around $500,000. 

Purchasing an existing dental practice helps cut down on costs that come with starting from scratch, such as purchasing equipment and supplies or applying for permits. A pre-existing dental practice also provides buyers with the convenience of a built-in staff and customer base.

Read on to learn more about the basics of purchasing a dental practice.

Pricing for Purchasing a Dental Practice

A practice’s pricing and overall purchase cost are largely determined by the state of the marketplace. In most cases, the average sale price of a pre-existing dental practice is approximately 65% of the past year’s gross receipts, though it may vary anywhere from 50-100%.

With this information in mind, you may still be wondering: what is the value of a dental practice? No two practices are alike; surely the sale price can not rely solely on gross receipts. 

Truthfully, the sale price is affected by a myriad of factors, such as:

• Equipment value
• Treatment room setup
• Location
• Demographics
• Net profits
• Historical performance
• Number of patients served regularly
• Square footage
• Growth potential
• Experience and credentials of existing staff members
• Overall cash flow

What to Consider Before Buying a Dental Practice

Location

Like any business, a dental office’s location plays a key role in its overall success. A practice in a rural area with a stagnant or declining population will likely make considerably less than a practice that operates in an up-and-coming urban or suburban area. Moreover, a dental office that is situated in a bustling area that has direct access to public transit, enjoys plenty of foot traffic, and boasts off-street parking does very well in comparison to an office that is located in a small, rural area that can only be accessed by personal vehicle.

Visibility from the street plays a large role, as well; a building that is easily identified from the street is typically preferred over one that is tucked back away from the road and a bit difficult to access. Your visibility can actually serve as a form of valuable exposure from both vehicle and foot traffic.

Consider if the location is convenient for your patients; for instance, a private parking lot is much more convenient than finding street parking, paying a meter, and having to walk a considerable distance. As the buyer, you will also want to take a look at other dentists in the immediate area, as they will be your competition. Do some research on the services they offer, their rates, and online reviews. Take note of what people like about their practice – as well as what they don’t. This is all valuable information that you can use to your advantage. If there are numerous dental practices in the immediate area that will be close competitors, you may want to consider opening your practice in another region where there will be less competition.

Demographics

Examining the demographics of your prospective new practice will help you determine what sort of ROI (return on investment) you can expect to see, as well as your projected long-term growth.  Consider your plans for the practice and apply them to your research as you examine the demographics. If you plan on opening a pediatric dental practice, you’ll want to choose an area that has lots of young families. If you wish to focus on denture patients, an area that has a large community of 65+ individuals would suit you best. 

Unfortunately, many older individuals avoid pursuing the care they need due to a lack of coverage under Medicare, but that may be soon to change. This could make a big difference for both practice owners and patients alike. It’s also important to take a look at the average income level; you will need to be sure that your patients will be interested in (and can afford) the services that you have to offer. 

Cosmetic dental treatments like dental implants and dental veneers tend to be quite pricy and are rarely covered by insurance. Consequently, if you plan on focusing on cosmetic dentistry, you will want to target a wealthy area rather than an area with lower income levels, where people will be less likely to pursue expensive optional treatment.

Staff Training

Your staff members are the face of your business; it’s important to ensure that they uphold your standards and have the experience and education they need to perform their job duties. If you plan to purchase and take over a pre-existing dental office, it is highly likely that the staff members will come with the practice. Employee turnover can be quite a headache, and in the dental industry, seasoned and experienced employees are worth their weight in gold.

The quality of staff is typically reflected in the overall sale price; a practice that boasts experienced employees that hold credentials is likely to cost more than a practice that experiences frequent turnover and has less experienced employees. Of course, you always have the option of helping your new staff receive the required training and education. The dental industry is constantly evolving, making continuing education (CE) courses a necessity.

Here at Safco Dental Supply, our resource center proudly provides free CE courses, industry guidelines and articles, webinars, and educational industry videos to help you acclimate and train your staff. We will ensure that both you and your staff are able to stay up-to-date with the latest protocols, training, and information in the industry. Our courses can be exceptionally beneficial for specialty or niche practices; for instance, if you specialize in endodontics, you and your staff may benefit from our course in bioceramic sealers or vital pulp therapy.

Historical Financial Performance

The historical financial performance of the practice will perhaps be one of the most important determining factors for your purchase.  For this process, you may want to consider hiring an accountant to ensure that a thorough professional evaluation can be carried out. If you are confident in completing the assessment on your own, check out this comprehensive dental accounting manual. 

Examine and review the financial statements of the practice at length to complete a cash flow analysis. This will give you a solid understanding of the financial trends and will help you determine if there is sufficient cash flow to turn a profit. Consider the types of insurances accepted, as well.

Buyers should also take a look at the collection ratio, which examines the relationship between production and income. A high collection ratio is a positive indicator; it shows that the practice is well-managed and avoids profit loss due to bad debt. Use the practice’s historical performance to envision the financial potential for the future. Is there potential for reducing overhead? What can you implement or change to increase profitability? 

Safco is Here for You, At Every Stage of Owning Your Practice

Whatever stage of practice ownership you find yourself in, Safco Dental Supply is here for you.

Check out our site to browse our extensive inventory of dental supplies and equipment for your new dental office. For more information about our products, feel free to give us a call at 800.621.2178.

Looking to bolster your COVID-19 protection for your new practice? We’ve got you covered.

Your dental practice’s website plays a massive role in the success of your business. Many people do thorough research online before selecting their new dentist; for this reason, it is absolutely crucial to ensure that your website is working hard to help attract new patients. 

Within this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about optimizing your dental practice website to successfully attract new patients.

Basics of SEO: A Quick Overview

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEO is the base foundation on which most of the search-based internet functions. 

To put it simply, Search Engine Optimization helps improve your website’s visibility and improves your Google search ranking through the use of targeted keywords and other tactics. The higher your website ranks on Google, the more likely it is that your website will be discovered and clicked on by prospective new patients. It is currently estimated that 91.5% of online traffic stays on the first page of results to find what they are looking for. This goes to show just how important search ranking is for your practice; if you find yourself ranking on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th pages of search results on Google, it is very unlikely that prospective new patients will discover your website.

The Role of Mobile Optimization for Dental Practices

Mobile SEO is used to optimize websites for viewing on smartphones and tablets. This is one aspect of website development that is incredibly important, but may at first be overlooked. 

It is currently estimated that over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. This figure is increasingly growing; in 2015, it was estimated that roughly 31% of website traffic originated from smartphones and tablets. This figure can only be expected to grow as mobile device usage becomes increasingly popular.

With over half of your traffic originating from mobile searches, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. The importance of mobile optimization not only stems from audience satisfaction; Google actually registers and ranks mobile-friendly websites higher in order to cater to mobile device users. Consequently, the more mobile-friendly your website is, the better chance you have of it being discovered during mobile searches.

Below are some of the best practices to make your website mobile-friendly:

• Responsive Design and Layout: When you implement a responsive website design, it will automatically rescale itself depending on the device that is being used to view it. This ensures that visitors will have a pleasant and simple experience, whether they are viewing on a desktop computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
• Optimize Website Speed: Your website’s speed plays an immense role in its success. It is currently estimated that 40% of visitors will leave a website and search for another if it takes more than just 3 seconds to load. Google also factors loading speed into ranking.
• Interactive and Tasteful Pop-Ups: We have all encountered a website that bombards the user with annoying pop-ups that are distracting and hard to get rid of. Pop-ups can be effective as a CTA (call-to-action), but it is important to make sure that they are done in a tasteful way.
  Set your pop-ups to appear when the reader has scrolled down at least 70% of the page. Make sure that the pop-up itself is mobile-optimized and easy to interact with, placing CTA buttons that are easy to use with the touch of a finger.
• Declutter: While you want to create an eye-catching and interactive website design for your dental practice, it is important to remember that a cluttered design can be confusing and difficult to navigate.
  When designing your dental website, it is important to create a neat and functional design that is visually pleasing while encouraging quick and simple navigation. Keep it simple!
• Large Buttons: Large buttons make it easy for mobile users to navigate the site. Be sure to place large call-to-action buttons that are easy to use. Keep in mind that mobile users are using their fingers to explore your website, not a mouse.
• Perform Mobile Testing: Of course, the best way to test if your website is mobile-friendly is to test the experience yourself.  Be sure to regularly test out your website on your own mobile device, being sure to test out all buttons and navigation tools. This can often be the most effective way to ensure that your audience is receiving a simple and enjoyable viewing experience.

4 SEO Tips to Use for Your Dental Practice Website

Below are 4 of the best dental SEO tips to use for your dental practice website:

• Optimize Your Dental Site with Target Keywords Your Patients Search
• Create Quality Online Content for Dental SEO
• Optimize Dental Services Pages
• Strategize Around Local SEO for Dentists

Continue reading for an expansion on each of these vital SEO tips.

Optimize Your Dental Site with Target Keywords Your Patients Search

A high density of SEO keywords can help bolster your search engine rankings and ensure that you are able to attract the attention of people in your local area who are searching the web for a dental practice like yours.

For instance, if you own and operate a pediatric dental facility in Los Angeles, you would use SEO keywords such as:

• Pediatric dentist in Los Angeles

• Pediatric dental cleanings in Los Angeles

• Pediatric dental fillings in Los Angeles

• Pediatric dentist near me

• Best pediatric dentist in Los Angeles

These keywords are designed to target prospective new patients who are in the Los Angeles area and searching for a new pediatric dentist. 

Create Quality Online Content for Dental SEO

When you create quality SEO content for your dental practice website, you are ensuring that your site has high-quality, informative, and high-ranking content that works seamlessly with Google’s algorithms.

SEO-optimized content is much more likely to attract more traffic and engagement. Consequently, this means increased patronage and revenue for your practice.

Optimize Dental Services Pages

Your website should feature detailed dental services pages that you can use to provide your patients with information about the services you have to offer in your practice.

Within these pages, your patients will learn everything they need to know about the dental treatment they will need. For many people, this helps provide peace of mind and allows patients to feel like an informed and equal partner in their treatment.

The value of your dental service pages doesn’t stop there; they can also be used for SEO optimization. 

By using targeted SEO keywords within your dental service pages, you can help bolster your Google search rankings and dramatically improve the chance that your website will be discovered.

Providing a Call to Action (CTA) at the end of each service page is imperative; be sure to provide your practice’s contact information and encourage readers to schedule an appointment in your office. Finding this valuable information coupled with information on how to move forward with the treatment they need can be absolutely invaluable for prospective patients. 

Strategize Around Local SEO for Dentists

As previously mentioned, including your local area within your SEO tactics can be invaluable in improving your website’s visibility.

This tactic helps narrow down who discovers your website. It certainly is much more beneficial for prospective new patients in your local area to discover your site rather than someone who lives several hours away – or even on the other side of the country.

The Role of Google My Business in Local SEO

Google My Business is an effective tool that allows you to manage your Business Profile on Google. 

Think of your Business Profile as an interactive and informative directory; it appears in Google searches with information about your business such as:

• Business name
• Location
• Contact information
• Website link
• Hours of operation
• Reviews from existing patrons
• Photos of exterior and interior of business

Your Business Profile will also allow you to directly engage with your patients. You can use your account to answer questions, respond to reviews, and even send direct messages.

A Business Account that boasts high reviews and plenty of photographs is likely to catch the eye of someone who is searching for a reputable dentist. This is also a great way to build rapport and trust as a trusted provider.

What’s more, is that you can incorporate SEO keywords in your Business Profile to improve its search rankings in local results. This is another way to target people in your local area that are searching for specific dental services.

To sign up for Google My Business, simply go to google.com/business and create a free profile.

Tracking SEO Success for Your Dental Practice

It is important to ensure that your SEO efforts are fruitful and successful. Below are some of the best ways to track your SEO success:

• Keyword Rankings: In order to test the effectiveness of your chosen SEO keywords, conduct a Google search using said keywords. The results of this search will help you determine how successful your campaign has been against your competitors.
• Organic Traffic: Your website’s organic traffic is the recollection of visitors that have discovered your site organically through their own Google searches. You can measure the origin of your organic traffic by using Google Analytics.
• CTR: Your CTR (click-through rate) is a recollection of how many people click through to your site after discovering it within their search. The higher your keyword ranking is, the better your chances of seeing your CTR increase.
• Domain Authority: Your website’s domain authority measures how often your website will appear for the keywords that prospective visitors are using. The more relevant keywords your website has, the better your domain authority ranking.
• Bounce Rate: Your bounce rate measures how many people click through to your site, and upon not finding the information that they are looking for, choose to click away and find another site. A high bounce rate typically signifies that you need to work on your mobile-friendliness, keyword density, or informative content.

Learn More About Marketing Your Dental Practice from Safco

The world of website design and SEO implementation may at first seem a bit intimidating for many people. Thankfully, with the information you have learned here, you will be well on your way to creating an informative, responsive, and high-ranking website that helps grow your business.

For more information about growing your practice, be sure to check out some of our informative dental blog posts, such as How to Attract New Dental Patients and How to Start a Dental Practice.

For high-quality den al products, place your trust in Safco Dental Supply. We provide a wide range of products to fit every need, with free shipping on orders over $250. From crown and bridge supplies to endodontic supplies, we have you covered.

We strive to get you your products as fast as possible. All orders placed before 4:30 pm CST (3:30 pm on Friday) are shipped out same-day.

Give us a call at 800.621.2178 to speak with one of our experts about finding the best dental supplies for your practice.

By way of introduction, my name is Adam Smith. I am currently the part owner of a dental practice called Oxford Dental Care. However, I got my start in the dental industry several years ago with a company called Dental Intel. I was their original data analyst tasked with analyzing the financials and the data of a few hundred different dental practices. It was during that time where I realized the power of using data to make informed decisions to achieve desired results. A few months ago I had the idea to interview some of the most successful dentists that I could find when it comes to attracting new patients. Now remember, I am a huge number geek, so when I say successful I am looking at ROI and not just patients in the door. I don't care how many patients you get in the door if you spend all of your income doing it!

As I discussed this idea with several colleagues, many of them expressed interest in seeing the results. I reached out to Safco to see if they would be interested in running some articles that would provide in-depth marketing strategies from dentists who are getting phenomenal results. So here we are! Now let's get to the value!

I recently had the chance to interview Dr. James Willis who is the owner of Burke Dental in Burke, Virginia. Dr. Willis has owned his practice for about four years now. If you ask Dr. Willis, he will be the first to admit that he struggled getting new patients initially. I was aware of his frustration early on, so when I heard that things had really turned around for him, I obviously wanted to find out more.

Adam Smith: What are some things that you were trying early on in your practice that didn't provide the ROI you expected?

Dr. Willis: When I first purchased my practice, we put a lot of focus into print marketing. I sent out post cards on a monthly basis for about three years. I invested $149 per month into these with only a few new patients coming in off of them in total. I will say that I let these run longer than I probably should have, but I was really hopeful that they would work. I am not saying that these don't work. I am sure they work for some people, but for us, with our offer and our market, they were very unfruitful.

Adam Smith: What is working now? Can you provide details of how long you have done it for, how long it took to start working, how much it cost, which companies you used and how many patients you got from it?

Dr. Willis: I am getting a majority of my new patients through online marketing and patient referrals. Patient referrals come because we work really hard to take great care of our patients. When they give us a compliment we ask them to refer their friends, and then we send them a thank you gift when they do. Our digital marketing is something that took me a long time to get going with, but has been a great tool for attracting new patients.

I had a friend who reached out to me to tell me about a company he had started using to help him with his online presence. He was seeing great results and gave me the contact information. I had been looking at digital marketing options and gathering as much information as I could. I had one phone call with the owner of that company and he blew away all of the knowledge that I had gained in my research. We are only a few months into the campaign and we are already seeing awesome new patient flow coming from online.

Adam Smith: Can you give me some ROI details?

Dr. Willis: We are still very early in the process, but let's just say that I have seen more new patients on a weekly basis coming from online than I saw for my ENTIRE post card campaign. I can't give the exact ROI at this point because the number of new patients is still increasing month over month, but it is well over 500% per month if I am just counting the initial visit.

Adam Smith: What advice would you give a new dentist when it comes to marketing?

Dr. Willis: When planning your marketing strategy, ask yourself several questions and take adequate time to carefully consider your responses.

1. What kind of practice do you want to build?
2. What are the practice areas that you want to focus on? What type of dentistry do you enjoy providing?
3. Are you primarily interested in treating children, young adults, the elderly?
4. Are you in a densely populated area or in a more sparsely populated area?
5. Will your ideal new patient be likely to use the internet to find a dentist, or should you focus more on printed media?
6. What is the average level of education of the population you hope to attract?
7. What is the average income of the population likely to come to your location? Income levels may have a direct impact on the types of procedures you want to feature in your marketing campaigns.

Practicing the type of dentistry you want to provide to the demographic of your ideal patient directly impacts your day-to-day enjoyment of your job.

A new patient told me today, "you really do love what you do, don't you. It shows, and that makes me feel happy about my decision to come here". Regarding the type of marketing you use, you need to know the type of person you are targeting. But above all, build yourself a strong reputation by treating every single patients with respect and provide the best dentistry you are capable of providing. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. Your strongest marketing team is your patient family who will recommend you to their family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Remember, and this was difficult for me to figure out, build a marketing strategy with multiple pieces, don't just look for a silver bullet.

Adam Smith
Oxford Dental Care

Recently, Delta Dental of Washington shared a few facts on the importance of men’s oral health for Men’s Health Month (which is June, by the way). The link between chronic inflammation’s impact from gum disease and heart disease isn’t to be brushed off, especially when it comes to men.

The facts may or may not surprise you…but what matters is how we use this information to improve our current patients’ lives.

As a dentist who built a practice from scratch many years ago, and now someone who is focused on the sales/marketing side of the industry, I completely understand that it is important to control costs. Today, the average general dental practice operates at approximately 70% overhead (up 15% from just 15 years ago). Obviously, supplies are the (most) important component of operating a practice, and responsible for a significant % of the expenses that comprise the aforementioned overhead numbers we are currently seeing.