We all know it. The most popular health care specialist we visit isn't the Dentist. I don't mean the dentist as a person is bad, but what he does to us is less than pleasurable. He and his staff could epitomize perfection in their skills, but going to the dentist simply isn't fun. Even a routine visits are uncomfortable. In that respect I feel bad for dentists. They know, and you know, they're going to hurt you.
Dentist Offices Can Be Scary
Children are most susceptible to the angst of dental visits. On the other hand, they are also the most prone to be convinced that going to the dentist isn't quite so bad. I'm sure that's why they give out those trinkets to the children after their visit to the office. Even though the dentist has poked his fingers and a drawer full of scary looking pointy tools in the child's mouth and made him gag, choke and spit, he wants finish the episode on a positive note. "Here, kid. Have a nice plastic spider ring...and don't worry, you'll be able to feel your face again in an hour." Again, I feel sorry for the dentist because that's a tough assignment. The child probably doesn't believe him, and is silently plotting his revenge for when he is older.
This Might Reduce the Fear Factor
What does this have to do with promotional products? Probably not much. But kids do enjoy receiving the little presents given to them after their visit. Instead of the cheesy plastic ring that is lost in the car seat before they get home, why not provide something that the entire family can use? One popular item would be a refrigerator magnet with your office information on it. Another option is a magnetic wipe-on wipe-off memo board created in the shape of a tooth that displays your name and phone number. The children will enjoy the shaped magnets, and the parents can rely on them as a reminder for future appointments, or in the case of the memo board they can use it to leave messages or make notes for family members.
Give Them A Try
Give it a thought, check out a vendor and see what's available. Having your office information in the home of each of your patients will help assure they come in for routine checkups. That means healthier, happier patients.
Maybe I don't need to feel so sorry for the dentist after all.
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Robert is currently working for Healthy Promotion, a supplier of top quality magnetic promotional products for the Health Care Industry and Business. He lives in eastern Kansas. A retired police dispatcher, he now resides in the country with his wife and 2 of his 3 sons.
