Tips to Design a Dental Patient Membership Plan for Seniors
Senior patients are usually retired, on a budget, and experiencing unique physical and health circumstances. They are special dental patients who need a little extra TLC. One of the ways you can invite this demographic into your practice is to offer a patient membership plan for seniors. Here are reminders about why these patients need your help and how your DSO can support you.
Teeth Cleanings and Dental Exams for Every Age
You tell every patient it’s critical that they see you at least twice a year for teeth cleanings and checkups, but they may not always follow this recommendation. Add teeth cleanings and dental exams to customized senior membership plans and you may find that patients take their oral health more seriously and you close more cases.
Senior patients with a mouthful of dentures or dental implants may believe they’re “done,” but an inviting plan and your encouragement will help them see that they still need to have their teeth checked regularly to make sure everything fits properly, is working correctly, and is delivering the benefits promised.
Periodontal Treatment Before It’s Too Late
Senior dental patients may not be aware that the likelihood of developing gum disease increases as they age. And they may not prioritize this problem if symptoms arise, not realizing just how little leniency is necessary to allow an infection to fester, grow, and destroy their oral health.
Seniors are in the position of dealing with health conditions and treatments and taking multiple medications. You know the likelihood their mouth will be negatively affected by age and illness, by lack of saliva production, by a dry mouth or the growth of bacteria and infections.
Through your senior membership plan and case presentation coaching, you can educate older patients about the stages of gum disease, the symptoms that characterize this problem, and how the disease will only get worse unless it’s treated. For patients who have a dental care plan that includes periodontal treatment, there is always an answer to a major problem at their fingertips.
Restorative Dentistry for Every Little Thing
Seniors often find themselves in the position of dealing with failing teeth. Whether they haven’t cared for them or whether age, use, or deteriorating dental work have threatened the solidity of their oral health, they will find themselves in need of restorative dentistry. You can help them get strong teeth and feel confident about being able to eat, speak, and smile by including any of the following restorative dentistry treatments in your patient membership plan for seniors:
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Dental bridges
- Porcelain crowns
Older Americans Need Dental Coverage
Medicare doesn’t usually offer dental coverage and most people who do have dental insurance get it through their workplace. For seniors and retirees without a job-based dental plan, it makes sense to purchase a specific patient membership plan with incredible benefits that cover every possible area of oral health care when you’re in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and older.
Customized coverage for your valued patients – especially seniors who have their own unique needs – is an excellent service to offer at your dental practice. Independence Dental Services has the tools to customized your in-house dental plans. Schedule a consultation with our DSO today.
