Orthotown July/August 2020 - 46

"Just like your in-person consults, the
virtual consultation should reflect
who you are, your level of patient
care and service, and the attention to
detail you put into everything you do."
And that's truly what it's all about:
connection. Even in the midst of health
concerns, social distancing and safe-at-home
orders, people still want to connect-maybe
now even more than ever. They still want
to build relationships, share a smile with
friends and family via Zoom or FaceTime,
and they still care deeply about relationships.
And when it comes to virtual examinations, the relationship is paramount. Even
though it takes place through a screen, the
virtual exam is still relationship-based, and
its effectiveness and outcome are all in how
you handle it.

Creating the perfect
virtual consultation
It's important to remember that the
virtual consultation is not a screening; it's
the real deal. It is not only your practice's
opportunity to demonstrate that it is on
trend and with the times but also a chance
to wow potential patients from the first
on-screen hello. Just like your in-person
consults, the virtual consultation should
reflect who you are, your level of patient
care and service, and the attention to detail
you put into everything you do.
Obviously, virtual consultations are
based on the more limited tools we have
with which to diagnose-typically, only
photos provided by the patient. However,
the process is fairly simple.
Patients are sent a link with instructions
or an instructional video to give them the
information needed to take the best at-home
photos possible. While some photos are
better than others, we must roll with the

46

punches and do our best with the images and
information we're given. Always remember
that if potential patients take the time and
effort to contact us and take photos, they
are committed and one step closer to a
beautiful smile (and giving you the privilege
of helping them achieve it).
Let's be honest: In any climate, a beautiful smile is a desire and a confidence builder.
While we can say that a smile makeover is a
"want" versus a "need," history has shown
that parents will make sacrifices, work extra
jobs and save for months or even years to
provide a beautiful smile for their children.
In addition to children, the adult market
has boomed over the past 10 years with
compromised "social six" treatments, selfie
smiles and aligner treatment.
Did you know that 93 million selfies are
taken per day?! That alone is a testament
to the fact that people care more than ever
about their smiles and appearance and will
invest time and money into treatments that
help build confidence. That's why we have to
make treatment as simple and accessible as
possible, while still doing it with excellence
as the end goal. The easier we make it on
patients, the more likely they are to want
and accept treatment. Keep treatment
simple, accessible and personal and the
patients will come.
A natural step toward doing this is
simplifying access to treatment and offering
added convenience in the form of virtual
consults. These can be used for immunocompromised patients, those who are nervous
about COVID-19 or who are too busy to
make it into your office.

JULY/AUGUST 2020 // orthotown.com

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7/14/20 9:57 AM
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Orthotown July/August 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown July/August 2020
