Orthodontic Compliance Officer??? That’s a new one… but if you think about it, isn’t that a big part of what we do each day? What conversations did you have with your patients today? ” I need you to be more consistent about coming to your appointments, brushing and flossing, wearing your retainers, and the big one… wearing your elastics.” Because let’s face it… elastics can make or break your treatment outcome, treatment time, productivity, and profitability.
Now that you know your new job title, how can you become the best orthodontic compliance officer you can be?
Orthodontic Compliance Support
In her book How to Be a Wildly Effective Compliance Officer, Kristy Grant-Hart reviews the following concepts…
Motivation:
One of the primary motivators is “fear for self.” The science of persuasion tells us that people are most affected by stories of individuals most similar to themselves. Share a specific example of a patient who didn’t comply with elastic wear and the very real negative consequences that ensued. A patient with a similar treatment plan to yours didn’t wear his/her elastics the way they should have and still had his/her braces on for graduation. 🙀
Compliance:
People connect with compliance when they internalize the answer to the question “What’s in it for me?” Fear by itself paralyzes people, however, fear followed by specific steps persuades people into action. Use if, then statements. If you wear your elastics consistently, then your braces will come off early. 🏆
Expectation:
People have a funny way of living up to the expectations we place on them. Tell your patients what kind of person you think they are. Everyone believes themselves to be a good person, and like to live up to their own image of themselves. I know you can live up to my expectations for elastic wear because you are the kind of person who knows how to get things done. 🚀
Connection:
Time spent discussing the weather, your weekend plans, or the local taco truck is time well spent. Your goal is to become a “real” person. You must HEAR and BE HEARD. Listening creates goodwill between the person talking and the person listening. Did you see The Incredibles 2 this weekend? Me too! Who was your favorite character? 😉🔑
Let Docs With Apps put the final piece of the compliance puzzle in your hands. By creating a Custom Mobile Compliance App for your practice, we are helping you fulfill all of the above criteria with four fun daily push notifications to motivate your patients, improve their compliance, make your expectations clear, and make a connection with them in a way you can’t do during a typical appointment. 😂💪🎉😎
