The dental industry in the United States is one of the largest in the world. It’s worth over $100 billion and has a growth rate of 6%, making it one of the largest industries in the healthcare sector. However, this makes the industry a lot more competitive.
The growth of the industry is pushing more people to take up dentistry. Currently, there are about 191,000 dental clinics in the country. That’s a lot of clinics competing for patients.
If you want to be competitive, then you’ll need to market yourself to the right demographic. One of the fastest-growing target markets in the country is seniors. They are some of the most in need of dental care, but they might not even know that your clinic exists. That’s why it’s essential to market your clinic specifically to them. Here are five ways to do so:
Offer Services They Need
Seniors require a different set of services when compared to other target markets. Did you know that most seniors who reach 50 have lost almost all of their teeth? This means that they require dental implants more than any other demographic. You can bring many more seniors into your clinic by offering this service.
Another service that seniors require is dentures. It’s an alternative to implants that some seniors prefer over implants.
You should also offer services such as gum disease treatment and root canals. These are both procedures that are common among seniors. You can show that your clinic caters to their needs by offering these services.
Make Your Clinic Senior-Friendly
Your clinic should be senior-friendly if you want to attract more of them. This means making small changes, such as having a ramp leading up to your front door or having wider doorways.
You should also have a designated waiting area for seniors. This waiting area should be comfortable and have chairs that are easy to get in and out of
You should also have a staff that is trained to deal with seniors. This includes having a receptionist who can answer any questions they might have about your services.
Advertise in Senior-Oriented Media
Many media outlets cater specifically to seniors. One example is AARP, a magazine with over 38 million subscribers. This makes it one of the most popular magazines in the country. You can reach a lot of potential patients by advertising in this publication.
Another example of a senior-oriented media outlet is National Public Radio (NPR). It’s a radio station that many seniors listen to for news and entertainment. You can place ads on this station to reach seniors.
You can also advertise in senior centers. These are places where seniors gather to socialize and participate in activities. Many of them have bulletin boards where you can post your ads.
Offer Discounts
Seniors are on a fixed income, so they always look for ways to save money. You can attract more seniors to your clinic by offering them discounts.
One way to do this is by offering a discount for seniors who mention your clinic when they book an appointment. You could also provide a percentage off their total bill if they pay in cash.
Another way to offer discounts is by partnering with organizations that seniors are members of. For example, you could partner with the AARP to provide their members a discount on your services.
You can also offer discounts to seniors who refer their friends to your clinic. This is a great way to attract new patients and show appreciation to your existing ones.
Educate Them About Dental Care
Many seniors don’t realize how important dental care is. They might think that it’s not necessary or that it’s too expensive. It’s up to you to educate them about the importance of dental care and how affordable it can be.
You can send out educational material such as brochures and newsletters. You can also hold workshops and seminars at senior centers. These events will teach seniors the importance of dental care and how to care for their teeth.
You can also use social media to reach seniors. For example, you can create posts explaining dental care’s importance and how your clinic can help them. You should also use social media to answer any questions seniors might have about dental care.
Marketing to a specific demographic can be challenging, especially in the dental industry. However, by following the tips above, you can be sure to reach more seniors and provide them with the care they need.
