October 31, 2024 

Now is the perfect time to remind your patients about the dental treatments they've postponed and that their remaining dental benefits will expire on December 31.

As the end of the year approaches, start contacting patients about their unused benefits & outstanding treatment. Whether through phone calls, text messages, or email reminders, make sure your communication is warm, personal, and focused on their needs. By showing that you care about both their dental health and their financial well-being, you’re positioning your practice as a trusted partner on their healthcare journey.

By encouraging them to take advantage of their unused benefits before December 31st, you're helping them make the most of their insurance, strengthening your practice's relationship with them, and increasing your case acceptance ratio.

Reach Out to Patients with Unmet Dental Needs

Take a look at your patient records and identify those outstanding treatment plans who also have remaining insurance benefits for this year. These patients may have put off treatments due to time, financial concerns, or other personal reasons. Contact them directly to remind them that their unused dental benefits will expire at the end of the year and that now is a great time to get back on track with their treatment plans. This is particularly valuable for patients who may be on the fence about whether they can justify the expense of a previously recommended treatment.

By helping patients understand that their unused insurance benefits expire at the end of the year, you offer them an added incentive to accept treatment. In a way, you're positioning the conversation around the idea that they’ll be maximizing their value with their insurance plan while addressing their health needs—something that often resonates with people concerned about both their finances and well-being.

Get Ahead of the Holiday Rush

As the holiday season approaches, budgets get tighter, schedules get busier, and patients may find it harder to find time and money for dental appointments. By reaching out now, you can help your patients schedule their treatments before the calendar fills up with holiday commitments.

Encourage your team to make personal phone calls and send friendly texts or emails. These efforts show your patients that your practice genuinely cares about their health and well-being. People delay dental care for all kinds of reasons, and sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge to remind them that their treatment plan is important—and that you're there to support them through the process

Show Empathy

The simple act of reminding patients about their available benefits demonstrates excellent customer service and builds goodwill. In today’s economic climate, many patients may hesitate to prioritize dental care over other financial concerns. By approaching these conversations with empathy, you can reassure your patients that you’re on their side, helping them make the best possible decisions for their oral health and budget.

If your practice offers payment plans or third-party financing options, this is an ideal time to remind patients about these resources. Showing your willingness to work with them can ease their financial concerns and allow them to follow through with the care they need. Being flexible and patient-centered in your approach helps create trust, ultimately enhancing patient loyalty and satisfaction.

Start reaching out today to your patients to remind them to make the most of their dental benefits. This will benefit your patients and support your practice by keeping your appointment calendar full and increasing your case acceptance numbers as the year draws to a close.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today!