Photo by andrewarchy. CC BY 2.0.

The word “aesthetics” is derived from the Greek word “aisthanesthai” which means perception. Much debate and discussion has occurred over the centuries about the central questions of aesthetics.

Aesthetics is based on ‘perception’, which is the process of attaining awareness of sensory information. The oldest quantitative law in psychology quantifies the relationship between the intensity of physical stimuli and their perceptual effect. This is very relevant to new technology, the internet and websites. For example; how effective and what messages does your dental website (a piece of visual stimulus) give? The process of perception alters what people see. When people view something with a preconceived idea about it, they tend to see their preconceived idea, whether they are there to see or not. This problem stems from the fact that humans are unable to understand new information without the inherent bias of their previous knowledge. The human mind will usually try to reach for something that it already recognizes, when confronted with something new and not easily comprehended.

This is where bespoke dental website design can be so effective, by providing visual, powerful stimuli that will reassure and help the site visitor. Dental website templates will not help you break through barriers and stand out. Without new, understandable information, a patient will just see their old, ideas of what a ‘dentist’ is, with all their existing preconceptions (possibly misconceptions).

How is your dental website template perceived by the viewing audience (that is assuming you have one)?

Aesthetics are very relevant to dentistry. The World Aesthetic Congress (WAC) is coming up in June and is held every year for ‘aesthetic dentistry’, which improves the appearance of patients (through dental and other cosmetic treatments, etc). Your website may need the equivalent of a ‘smile makeover’, in order to send out the right message to achieve your dental marketing aims.

Adrian Adler is “the Wizard” at Dental Focus Web Design.

Remember to subscribe to our blog by e-mail so you can get our latest dental practice marketing plan immediately – the Internet Marketing Secrets of “WOW websites that find you and convert you!”

If you would like some free advice on how to replace your old dentist website template so you can enter the dental website awards, Email Us or call 020 7183 8388.

Photo by Victor Bezrukov. CC BY 2.0.

Dentists need to move away from ‘procedure-oriented’ dental marketing, and find new, unique ways to win patients.

Yes the dentist may offer Restorative Work, Implants, Cosmetics, Dentures, Whitening, etc. and good work too, but dentists mustn’t become too obsessed with these procedures. The “marketing” and “emotional connection” stuff matters too, in fact “emotional branding” is the new buzz word in marketing.

First a dentist needs to develop empathy with patients. A complete understanding of the psychological state of mind of patients (who will sense this). Most dentists of course, strongly believe that the services they provide will help people solve dental problems or enhance the quality of patients’ look, teeth, confidence, etc. and they are right. But almost everyone outside of the dental profession pays little attention to dental health issues until they are forced to do so.

In dental marketing, you should always find ways to win the confidence of patients before they accept treatments. A website communicates a mood, an ambiance. It has ethereal values and can form an empathetic connection with patients. With design, colours, information, it can have a ‘tone of voice’. It beats walking up to someone and bragging about how good you are.

So do not sell procedures. Instead, present patients with a ‘feel good’ website. That way, you let the patient choose and accept the service and the solution.

Adrian Adler is “the Wizard” at Dental Focus Web Design.

Remember to subscribe to our blog by e-mail so you can get all our dental marketing ideas immediately – the Internet Marketing Secrets of “WOW websites that find you and convert you!”

If you would like some free advice, Email Us or call 020 7183 8388.