Improve your relationship with your patients using the latest in communication software technology. 

According to one recent survey, around 80% of people prefer to communicate with their healthcare providers via digital channels. Is your dental practice currently set up to facilitate those types of exchanges?

Are you a general or pediatric dentist who also practices orthodontics? If so, then it can be challenging to juggle your mission-critical administrative activities. This is where patient communication software platforms come in.

These solutions are designed to make it easier than ever for patients to engage with your office. At the same time, they can amplify workplace productivity, improve team member morale, and boost patient satisfaction ratings. Plus, they’ll free you up to focus on what you do best, which can help you achieve a more comfortable work-life balance.

Today, we’re sharing 7 of the top platforms of this kind, and how they can transform your practice. 

How do patient communication software platforms work?

Have you ever booked any type of appointment online? If so, then you’ve interfaced with a patient communication software platform. Though there’s not a one-size-fits-all list of features that each one will include, you’ll commonly find:

• Appointment scheduling.
• Pre-appointment reminders.
• Post-appointment follow-ups.
• Two-way text messaging or chat.
• Marketing campaign management (e.g. email newsletter templates).
• Contactless payment.
• Electronic document signature and completion.

You can choose a basic system that deals mostly with appointments, or you can invest in a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that does it all. 

Looking at the future of orthodontics, we can expect to see more of these types of automated solutions moving forward. Platforms like these reduce manual legwork, encourage consistent engagement, and make life easier for you, your team members, and the patients you serve. 

Top 7 Patient Communication Software Platforms

Are you curious about implementing this type of communication software at your dental practice?

Doing so can help you strengthen your communications skills and patient relationships. It can also help you reach back out to your orthodontic patients to whom you’ve recommended or prescribed care for in the past.

It can be challenging (and costly) to wait for these patients to take the initiative to call your office and follow up on proposed orthodontic treatments. When patient communication is easy and automated, engagement rates naturally improve.

Let’s take a look at 7 of the most prominent players in this space. 

1. SolutionReach

The SolutionReach platform is ideal for any busy dental professional.

Not only can you confirm patient appointments, but you can also use the platform to send reminders, recall messages, and more. With the add-on features, you can schedule appointments, manage online reviews, and conduct video chats!

You can also use the website management tools to optimize your corner of the internet, including your social media presence. This allows you to reach more prospective orthodontic patients and share information about the types of orthodontic services that your practice can provide. 

2. Weave

Weave is a comprehensive patient communication solution. It encompasses several different products including a web assistant, messaging portal, scheduling system, and a full payment processing solution. 

There’s even a convenient Text to Pay feature, which allows patients to pay for their services right from their mobile device. 

One of our favorite features is the email marketing campaign function. With this tool, you can re-engage with patients to follow up on orthodontic care recommendations and address new needs. Weave cites that on average, email marketing generates around $38 for every $1 spent, giving you an impressive ROI!

3. DemandForce

The DemandForce platform is one of the most growth-focused solutions on this list. It puts an emphasis on helping your practice attract and retain new patients. 

While it contains most of the same communication software features listed previously, you’ll also find website templates and analytics. In addition, there are tools for text and email marketing, reputation management, telemedicine, and more. 

You can use the integrated performance dashboards to measure the performance of your campaigns. This way, you can make sure you’re appealing to your orthodontic patients in a way they will respond to. 

4. RevenueWell

RevenueWell is a comprehensive, all-in-one dental communication software platform. Its goal is to help dentists build better relationships through improved engagement efforts. 

From marketing software and phone systems to electronic forms and business profile management, you can do it all with this resource. There are even tools to help you optimize your social media presence to boost visibility and patient interaction. 

5. Lighthouse 360

Automation is the name of the game at Lighthouse 360. This product is designed to simplify and automate some of your more tedious and time-consuming tasks, including appointment scheduling and reminders. 

With this communication software, you can attract new orthodontic patients and reactivate dormant ones. You can also engage with your regulars to encourage consistent appointments.

When a patient is due for an appointment, they’ll receive an automatic recall message from the Lighthouse 360 portal. Once they book it, they’ll get automatic reminders beforehand, which can reduce cancellations and missed visits. 

Other standout features include a daily Front Desk Task List, online bill payment processing, and real-time data that re-syncs every 10 minutes.

6. PracticeMojo

PracticeMojo can help you fill your production schedule as efficiently as possible. In addition to online booking, you’ll also find other tools to help you grow and scale your practice, including:

• Appointment reminders.
• Two-way texting.
• Marketing and loyalty campaign templates.
• Recall messages for patients overdue for a visit.

One of the best things about this platform is that you can customize your communications based on your patient needs, personal preferences, and the goals you’ve set for your practice. 

7. New Patients Inc.

New Patients Inc. includes many of the administrative-based functions described above, including appointment reminders, patient communication, and reputation management. However, we especially appreciate the built-in Client Result Dashboard. 

With these metrics, you’re only a few clicks away from discovering how each of your campaigns performed. If you choose to re-engage with orthodontic patients through text or email, you want to make sure the ROI is where you need it to be. This dashboard keeps you updated on your performance in real-time.

The platform’s other designated tools include automated internal marketing and an online scheduling platform, known as NPI Crusader Plus and LocalMed Connect, respectively. 

Grow your dental practice with improved communications.

Technical skills will take you far in your dental practice. Yet, soft skills are just as important. Your general, pediatric, and orthodontic patients are looking for a provider who’s engaging, transparent, and easy to reach.

The patient communication software platforms described here might have different individual tools, however, they all have one thing in common: They’re designed to facilitate seamless, organized engagement that drives your business forward. Investing in this type of technology can help establish your practice as future-focused and patient-centered. If you’re looking for more ways to expand your technical and clinical knowledge, then join the AOS today!