Building your associate’s professional network is as crucial as patient introductions. These strategic connections establish referral pathways and professional credibility that directly impact practice growth.
Schedule personal meetings between your associate and your most valued referral sources—orthodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, and medical professionals who regularly send patients your way. These one-on-one connections allow specialists to develop confidence in your associate’s clinical approach and communication style. Consider having your associate accompany you on referral visits, gradually transitioning these relationships to their independent management.
Draft a professional announcement letter specifically for referring doctors that highlights your associate’s training, special interests, and cases they’re particularly suited to handle. Include their direct contact information and emphasize their availability for case consultations. This communication should be separate from patient announcements, focusing on clinical expertise and collaborative care opportunities.
Consider hosting an open house event to introduce your associate. This could be professionally focused for referral partners, patient-centered for your existing practice family, or a combination of both approaches. The format you choose should reflect your practice culture and community while giving your associate a platform to connect with important stakeholders in a comfortable setting.
Leverage your hygiene schedule strategically for patient introductions. Assign your associate to perform exams during hygiene appointments with established patients. These brief interactions allow patients to meet your associate before needing comprehensive care. The hygienist’s introduction and your associate’s brief and friendly exam creates a handoff that builds familiarity and trust.
For practices with higher new patient volume, consider directing specific types of new patients to your associate from the start. This might include emergency appointments (which showcase their clinical skills and ability to manage anxious patients) or specific procedure types that align with their strengths. There is an added benefit for both patient and provider of being able to schedule much needed treatment quickly.
The most effective community introduction strategy combines multiple approaches—professional networking, strategic scheduling, and selective events—creating layered opportunities for your associate to establish their presence as an integral part of both your practice and community.
