The global COVID-19 pandemic has ushered the world into truly unprecedented times. In fact, this will certainly become the defining moment of our modern age. Around the planet, nations are contending with the pubic health, social, and economic repercussions of the crisis. Drastic measures have been implemented around the world, including here in Ontario in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus. On March 15, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) released a statement in response to the pandemic advising that all non-essential and elective dental services be suspended for the time being.

Yet, this global crisis will inevitably come to end, and society gradually will return to normal. In order to truly flourish, dentists must think about things like website design and marketing services for their dental clinics. In this article, we discuss 4 tips for dentists and dental clinics to thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

Have A Professional Lead-Generating Website For Your Dental Clinic

In a post Coronavirus landscape, dentists and dental clinics must understand that excellent website design will distinguish you from the competition and attract new patients. A 2019 survey revealed that an astonishing 63% of Canadians admitted they will not buy from a company that has a poorly designed website. This staggering statistic likewise is applicable to dental clinics especially, given that they must convey a high level of professionalism and trustworthiness. When it comes to their oral health, prospective patients will be far less inclined to choose a dentist with a website that does not emanate credibility and absolute professionalism.

Once the pandemic blessedly dissipates, it will be more important than ever for dental professionals to make a fantastic first impression online with a well-designed mobile-responsive website.

Social Media Marketing Will Be Key For Dentists

When the COVID-19 pandemic inevitably subsides, dental clinics must utilize effective social media management and marketing to truly flourish. Since its emergence, social media has revolutionized how small businesses like dental clinics are able to reach innumerable potential clients via various social platforms. In a post Coronavirus landscape, savvy dental professionals should focus on things like positive online reviews, for instance. Prospective patients will be much more inclined to choose a dentist with positive reviews, given that their oral and overall physical health is at stake.

“Getting a great five-star rating on social platforms is crucial for dentists. Reviews are seen as a major factor when purchasing any product but when it comes to invasive treatments the quality of service and previous patient experience is crucial. As well as maintaining a five-star rating, reviews with attached before and after images are incredible sources of social proof – as such, you should try to provide before and after photos to all clients in case they want to use them to talk about your brand,” explained Bethany Spence from Exposure Ninja.

Building your dental clinic brand involves several components including effective marketing solutions like social media management. By increasing your social media presence, you will build brand awareness online, engage your audience, and attract potential patients, ultimately increasing sales.

Consider SEO Strategies For Your Dental Clinic

When we return to normalcy once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, dental clinics should consider using effective professional SEO services. In a post Coronavirus landscape, the dental services marketplace will be crowded with competition, all vying for potential clients. Savvy dental professionals will want to utilize the proven power of effective SEO strategies, which will drive organic traffic to your clinic’s website, and maximize your ROI.

Efficient tactics such as optimizing your dental clinic website for SEO, keyword research, and utilizing and optimizing Google My Business are all essential components that will maximize your clinic’s success. Other aspects of an effective SEO process include link building, and reporting and analysis of things like SEO content, social media activity, and linking structure. These are things dental clinics must expect from digital marketing agencies offering SEO services

In the post Coronavirus environment, SEO will be absolutely imperative for the success of businesses offering dental services. Savvy dental professionals must accept this fact in order to flourish and grow their dental clinics in Toronto.

How The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Pertains To Dentists And Dental Clinics

The global COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation, which shifts from day to day. The government of Ontario declared a state of emergency and mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces in the province. However, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) has highlighted that essential services on the list includes:

“Health care professionals providing emergency care including dentists, optometrists and physio-therapists.”

Moreover, the college released a statement in mid-March providing guidance to all dentists in Ontario:

“In accordance with our mandate to act in the public’s interest and in hearing the numerous comments made to us by members, in consultation with hospitals and public health and others, we are offering to the membership the following measures and guidelines in response to the COVID–19 pandemic.

The RCDSO strongly recommends that all non-essential and elective dental services should be suspended immediately. Emergency treatment should continue.

The College will revisit this recommendation in the first week of April.”

In addition, the RCDSO also addressed the issue of lost income for employees.

“Since this suspension will affect members of your office staff, we recommend that you consult with an employment lawyer,” it advised.

Regarded the inevitable loss of income to dental clinic employees that will come with suspended dental services, it is crucial to understand what benefits now available. These relief measures that have now been implemented by the federal government are outlined in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Amongst the measures providing economic support to Canadians affected by the pandemic is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):

“The federal government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number. This benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit.”

Federal finance minister, Bill Morneau explained the impetus for the introduction of CERB.

“We know that people are worried about their health, their jobs and their financial situations. Our government is doing whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of Canadians, and to support workers, families and businesses. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit would make sure that money gets in the hands of workers as quickly as possible to support them in their time of need, and would help businesses keep their employees during this difficult period. Canadians can rest assured that the government stands ready to take any and all necessary actions as we continue to confront these challenging times together,” Morneau stated in a press release.

As the world is in the throes of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it seems difficult to see a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. However, the outbreak will inevitably subside, and we will collectively prevail over this crisis. Ages hence, this period will be considered the definitive moment of the modern age, yet, we will be all the better for it, as a society, as a civilization. In the interim, stay safe, stay well, stay connected to family, friends, and neighbours, and remember – be kind.

Sarah Bauder

Sarah Bauder is a senior content specialist at Little Dragon Media. Sarah has a degree in journalism and has a decade of experience writing content at numerous renowned publications. She enjoys writing about digital marketing, business, entrepreneurship and more.