Enhancing Patient Care with Membership Plans

By Dr. Nathan Jones, Dentist at Wickersley Dental and Implant Practice

When I embarked on my dental career in 2019, I began by working across several NHS practices. These formative years were invaluable, offering me a diverse range of experiences and challenges. However, in 2022, I transitioned into the private sector, initially working three days a week. By March of the following year, I now work 4 days at Wickersley Dental and Implant Practice, a move that has been both rewarding and enlightening.

One of the pivotal strategies we've adopted at Wickersley is membership plans. These plans have not only enhanced our patient care but have also streamlined our practice operations. I'd like to share insights into how these plans have benefited both our patients and our team.

Understanding Membership Plans

Our practice offers a tiered membership structure to cater to the varied needs of our patients:

Basic Plan: One check-up and one cleaning session per year.
Intermediate Plan: Two check-ups and two cleaning sessions annually. This is our most popular option, suitable for the majority of our patients.
Comprehensive Plan: Two check-ups and four cleaning sessions each year, ideal for patients requiring more frequent care.

Upon evaluating a patient's oral health and risk factors during their initial examination, I recommend the most suitable plan. This personalised approach ensures that patients receive optimal care tailored to their specific needs.

Benefits for Patients

Cost-Effective Care: Regular dental visits can be financially taxing. Our membership plans distribute the cost over manageable monthly payments, making it akin to other monthly subscriptions like Netflix or gym memberships. For instance, patients needing four cleanings a year might find themselves paying a significant sum if paying per visit. With the membership plan, these costs are spread out, ensuring affordability.
Inclusive Services: Beyond check-ups and cleanings, the plans include benefits like routine X-rays, which can otherwise add to the annual dental expenses.
Emergency Coverage: Members benefit from emergency dental care provisions, offering peace of mind in unforeseen situations.
Treatment Discounts: A notable advantage is the 10% discount on treatments. For patients with extensive treatment plans, this can result in substantial savings.
Promotes Regular Attendance: Knowing that they've invested in their dental health motivates patients to adhere to their scheduled appointments, fostering better oral health habits.

Benefits for the Dentist and Practice

Stable Revenue Stream: Membership plans ensure a consistent monthly income, aiding in financial planning and stability, especially during periods like holidays when patient visits might decline.
Enhanced Patient Compliance: Regular attendees often exhibit better oral health, reducing the need for extensive treatments and fostering a positive dentist-patient relationship.
Efficient Scheduling: Predictable appointment bookings allow for better management of the practice's calendar, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.

The Crucial Role of the Team

The success of these membership plans hinges on the collective effort of the entire dental team. From the receptionists who introduce the plans to patients, to the hygienists who underscore their benefits during sessions, every team member plays a pivotal role. We've found that:

Training is Essential: Ensuring that the team understands the nuances of each plan allows them to communicate benefits effectively.

Tailored Communication: Different patient demographics require varied approaches. For instance, younger patients familiar with subscription models might be more receptive when plans are likened to other monthly services they use.

Final Thoughts

Implementing membership plans at Wickersley Dental and Implant Practice has been transformative. Not only have they made dental care more accessible and affordable for our patients, but they've also streamlined our operations. As we continue to refine and promote these plans, our primary goal remains unchanged: to provide exemplary dental care that prioritizes the well-being of our patients.