Читать книгу The Veterinary Dental Patient: A Multidisciplinary Approach - Группа авторов - Страница 45

Clients have a choice about which veterinary practice to attend with their beloved pet and will often perform Internet searches when looking for a new one. This choice is not necessarily based solely on cost (Lue et al. 2008). Clients will often seek out practitioners with a special interest or particular qualifications in dentistry. It is therefore worthwhile advertising the full extent of your dental services: does your practice offer dental radiography, dental charting, surgical extractions, local anesthetic nerve blocks, or multiparameter anesthetic monitoring? The local clinic offering “budget dentistry” may well forego these vital items, but the client may not realize this unless you advertise it on your website or in a newsletter.

Consider having a waiting‐room display of the dental services you offer or the “dental pet of the month,” including a client testimonial of how treatment has improved their pet's well‐being. Client testimonials can be very motivating for others to read. If they can see their peers have had the same concerns as them but were ultimately pleased with the treatment outcome under your care, it can help to strengthen your message.

We are used to receiving dental check‐up reminders from our own dentists every 6–12 months, and this can easily become part of your practice reminder system. It is vital that clients understand that periodontal disease is managed and not cured by one professional cleaning. Regular check‐ups are vital, and veterinary nurses/technicians can play an important role in the ongoing preventative healthcare regimen. The efficacy of home care efforts can be monitored, advice can be given regarding adjunctive methods such as dental diets or chews, and clients' motivation for toothbrushing can be enhanced or renewed. This can also lead to increased overall practice‐bonding. Once individual treatment plans are agreed upon, reminders about dental checks and professional prophylaxis treatments can be sent.