Brand loyalty – the gateway to better dentistry?

The benefits of choice

The main advantage of choice in many areas of life is the chance to save with introductory deals and discounts when trying new solutions. Whatever it is we’re buying, the internet allows us to compare and contrast and find ways to get more for less. This often means taking a step into the unknown, by investing in a brand that’s new to you, and hoping it will make good on all its promises. If it doesn’t, often the worst-case scenario is realising you’ve wasted your money.

But dentists don’t want to experience buyer’s remorse and neither do their patients. Dentists want reliable results, with products and equipment that make workflows simpler. You want solutions that exceed expectations. You also seek confidence that you’ll get the level of service you need from the brands you use. Building a relationship with a brand is a worthwhile goal, and finding one committed to innovation, research and life-long learning is the gold-standard. Then you know that they’ll be with you throughout your career, wherever your journey takes you, and by your side for whatever changes in the industry that are yet to come.

The factors for loyalty

Of course, there are factors that will encourage you to remain loyal to the same brand for some time, even after shopping around. So what should you be looking for to build the very best working partnership with a supplier?

Customer service must be exceptional, starting with rapid responses to feedback or questions, which could be anything from equipment enquiries, to website improvements or a request for advice. It is often simply a swift, helpful and accommodating resolution that you will welcome most. Also, look for things like a transparent pricing, quality guarantees and intuitive ways to order online, which indicate a high level of customer service.

In addition, consider a brand’s willingness to grow and innovate. As patients’ needs have changed, dentistry has had to adapt. The general population is now appreciating the value of being in good oral health, and that a healthy smile is a balance of function and aesthetics. As such, they are demanding ethical treatments that deliver on both. They are coming in to dental practices armed with their own research, knowing what they want and expecting convenient solutions. Our aging population also means that dental teams are seeing more people with complex, challenging problems. In a high-tech society, they also want to see digital, cutting-edge tools and equipment in action, indicating that their dentist is up-to-date, modern and progressive.

A life-long relationship

With demand for advanced dental treatments higher than ever, more patients require solutions that can be delivered efficiently, are affordable and offer the long-term stability that defines a great result. Dentists should seek out brands that are already pushing boundaries, to allow people to take control of their oral health now and for the future.

The best example is dental implantology, considered by many to be the most-wanted solution to a missing tooth or teeth, with digital workflows the sought-after choice. Companies that put innovation at the heart of everything they do are making digitally integrated treatment concepts a genuine option to more people. Forward-thinking brands are creating solutions that reduce chair-time, because processes are simplified. Efficiency is a gateway to accessibility, because practices can work smarter.

The TLX Implant system from Straumann Solutions for tissue level cases, is a way to embrace innovation every day. It has been perfected for immediate loading protocols and utilises Roxolid^Ò, a high-performance material with outstanding mechanical strength and healing capacity, for clinical confidence. It also features the SLActive^®surface material to promotes bone regeneration for enhanced outcomes and predictability.

Dentists should seek out brands that deliver quality, results and patient satisfaction while also being willing to innovate themselves. The best brands want to work in partnership, throughout your career, and as people’s needs and challenges change. Put these brands at the forefront of your mind and they’ll always give you what you need.