Dental Treatment Funnels

What steps do patients go through when considering a cosmetic dental treatment?

(1) Social Media Pressure: Many patients feel like their smile isn't helping them connect socially. Social media increases the pressure for people to improve their smile often influenced by bloggers or famous personalities who tout the benefits of a "Hollywood Smile."  At this stage dental clinics can show patients just what could be achieved with their help either via blogs, social media, and/or online media sponsorships.

(2) Treatment Desire: Once a patient has reached a point where they can no longer ignore the pressure, a patient's desire takes over and they start to look into what cosmetic dentistry solutions are available. They might turn to Google, YouTube, Social Media platforms or information platforms such as Pinterest. Dental clinics can help the patient by explaining what cosmetic dentistry options they offer and the pros and cons of each one.

(3) Treatment Solution: Once a patient has decided on what they believe for them is the best general treatment solution, they will start examining the different treatment solution options in detail. Patients will look at well-known brands like Invisalign or Philips Zoom or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Again, dental clinics can help by showing the patient the clinic options potentially through AI chat, webinars, or free consultations.

(4) Cosmetic Dentist Research: When a patient has decided on their preferred treatment solution, they will start to research which dental clinics can provide this including any associated treatment options. This research may not include their own dentist especially if their current dentist can't seem to meet all their needs. Dental clinics can help by effectively communicating their treatment capabilities through online videos and dental treatment articles or landing pages.

(5) Treatment Evaluation: A patient will then use reviews and other information to understand which dental clinics they should engage with. They may ask questions directly to the dental clinic via phone, online chat or email to understand which dental clinic is able to provide their cosmetic dental treatment and if it's affordable.

(6) Treatment Validation: Finally, a patient will decide on a dental clinic and invest in an initial consultation online or at the clinic in-person. If they feel confident with the treatment plan offered by the dental clinic, they will then do some final checks before fully committing to the treatment plan. At this stage it's important for dental clinics to provide patient testimonials and reviews ideally about the treatment chosen. In addition, dental clinics can help the patient understand any treatment service guarantees included.

Remember, this is just a guideline - everyone's journey is different, and patients might go back and forth between stages before making a final decision.