Time to start a conversation about good dental health

DENTAL care is essential for pets as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age three.

Running a Dental Patient Care Focus presents our practice teams with the opportunity to start a conversation with clients about the importance of good dental health in their pet.

It is often difficult for pet owners to spot the signs of dental disease, or to know how to prevent it.

The Dental Patient Care Focus, which runs from February 1^st to March 31^st, gives practice teams the opportunity to educate and support owners to maintain and improve their pet’s dental health, including rabbits, too.

It will also help to encourage owners to care for their pets’ teeth at home and book regular dental check-ups so problems can be identified and treated before they become more serious.

It’s also an opportunity to highlight the products and services that are available in your practice, such as nurse clinics and pet health plans, providing clients with the ability to make considered choices.

VetPartners has organised lots of CPD, including webinars and practical face-to-face sessions, to help clinical teams understand the challenges in providing dentistry care and to describe the benefits of early intervention and preventative care.

If you’re running a Dental Patient Care Focus in your practice, here’s some tips to help make it a big success:

• Appoint a member of the team to coordinate the Patient Care Focus in practice

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• Arrange a full team briefing session to outline why the practice is running the activity, how does it work, what are the benefits to the patient and client, and the part each member of the teams plays in its success.

  
  

• Practice should deliver a clear and consistent recommendation through all teams.

  
  

• Communication is key – if the activity isn’t communicated, clients won’t know about it – ensure materials are displayed in areas of high client footfall including posters, desk cards and leaflets.

  
  

• Actively use your social media platforms and encourage team members to post regularly.  Take inspiration from centrally produced social media packs.

  
  

• Promote nurse clinics via social media and in practice waiting areas.

  
  

• Consider running an open day or dental information event during the activity period.

  
  

  Sharing the news

Should you require any further help with your social media planning or activity to support this campaign please contact dan.cole@vetpartners.co.uk or harriet.beattie@vetpartners.co.uk

Share good news and before/after stories with the Central PR team to ensure they are being distributed to your local media and shared on social media channels.

There will also be supplier support and information on PMS booking and recording in your Dental Patient Care Focus plan provided to your practice. You can also find out who to contact for more support.

Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk