Could The Economy Cripple Pediatric Dentistry?

The economy has had very little effect on most pediatric dental practices until September/October 2008. Up until that time, most pediatric practices were still enjoying natural growth as a hot specialty. Today, even a hot specialty can be chilled.

We are seeing an increase in the number of no-shows, last-minute cancellations and families who only want to go where insurance is accepted. If the economy does not recover soon, these trends will surely snowball.

The solution is to understand that pediatric practices need to be involved with a full marketing program targeted in four areas: patients, general dentists, pediatricians and the community.

Each aspect of marketing is different and must be expertly put into place. Those practices already involved in marketing have had excellent results, even in today’s economy. I was speaking to a group of our pediatric clients recently, all of whom were up over 12% for 2008. Not bad in the worst economy since the Great Depression!