For Oral Surgeons, reputation is one of the most important factors in growing a successful practice. Whether attracting new patients, securing referrals from general dentists, or maintaining strong professional credibility, reputation management plays a key role.
Patients today often turn to online reviews before choosing an OMS provider, while referring dentists seek out specialists who offer exceptional communication, clinical expertise, and seamless patient experiences.
This article explores proven reputation management strategies to help Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons enhance their credibility, attract referrals, and establish themselves as trusted specialists in their community.
1. Why Reputation Matters for OMS Specialists
Reputation is about more than just online presence. It influences:
- Referral relationships with general dentists and other specialists.
- Patient trust and comfort with complex surgical procedures.
- Case acceptance rates for elective treatments such as implants.
- Practice growth and competitive positioning in the local market.
A well-managed reputation ensures an OMS practice is seen as the go-to provider for wisdom teeth removal, implant surgery, facial trauma, and other specialized procedures.
2. Strengthening Your Online Reputation
Most patients searching for an OMS specialist begin their research online. A strong digital presence is essential for making a positive first impression.
How to Optimize Your Online Reputation:
- Maintain a professional website with up-to-date information about services, credentials, and patient testimonials.
- Claim and optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate contact details, photos, and reviews.
- Monitor and respond to online reviews on Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades to engage with patient feedback.
- Leverage social media to showcase patient success stories, educational content, and office updates.
3. Managing Online Reviews to Build Trust
Patient reviews significantly impact how an OMS practice is perceived. Even a few negative reviews can deter prospective patients and referral sources.
How to Encourage More Positive Reviews:
- Ask satisfied patients to leave a review after a successful procedure.
- Provide direct review links via follow-up emails or text messages.
- Use QR codes in-office that allow patients to leave feedback easily.
- Showcase positive testimonials on your website and social media.
How to Respond to Reviews Following HIPAA Guidelines:
- Maintain Patient Privacy: Never disclose or confirm patient information online, including acknowledging if a reviewer is a patient. Use general responses that address concerns without violating privacy regulations.
- Stay Professional & Brand-Aligned: Keep responses brief, positive, and focused on your practice’s commitment to quality care. Avoid defensiveness, explanations, or apologies that could imply liability.
- Guide Conversations Offline: When appropriate, direct reviewers to contact the office for further discussion, reinforcing that patient concerns are best addressed privately. Use pre-approved response templates and train your team for consistency.
4. Building Strong Referral Relationships with General Dentists
For an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, referrals from general dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists are crucial for practice growth. A positive reputation among referring dentists ensures a steady stream of cases.
How to Strengthen Referral Relationships:
- Be accessible to ensure referring dentists can easily reach you for case discussions.
- Provide detailed treatment reports to update referring doctors on their patients’ outcomes.
- Host continuing education (CE) events to share expertise and build connections.
- Offer consultations for complex cases to strengthen collaboration.
By maintaining clear and timely communication with referring dentists, OMS specialists can foster long-term professional relationships and secure more referrals.
5. Enhancing the Patient Experience to Build Reputation
A patient’s experience in an OMS office directly impacts word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews.
How to Improve Patient Experience:
- Ensure a seamless referral process to make it easy for patients to transition from their general dentist to your practice.
- Provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions to help patients feel informed and at ease.
- Train staff to offer compassionate and professional care, especially for anxious patients.
- Follow up after surgery to check on patients and encourage positive reviews.
- Patients who feel well-cared-for, informed, and comfortable are more likely to share their positive experiences with others.
6. Common Pitfalls in Reputation Management
Even experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can damage their reputation if they overlook key areas of practice management.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Failing to monitor online reviews – Ignoring online reputation can allow negative reviews to accumulate unchecked.
- Lack of communication with referring dentists – If a general dentist does not receive updates about their patient, they may look elsewhere for referrals.
- Inconsistent online presence – Patients expect current, accurate information on your website and social platforms.
- Poor patient experience – Long wait times, rushed consultations, or a lack of post-op follow-up can lead to negative feedback.
Taking a proactive approach to reputation management helps prevent these issues and ensures a strong, lasting reputation.
Conclusion
Reputation management is essential for Oral Surgeon looking to maintain strong referral relationships, attract new patients, and establish credibility in their field.
By focusing on online presence, patient experience, referral communication, and proactive reputation strategies, OMS specialists can grow their practice and solidify their position as trusted surgical experts.
At Specialized Dental Partners, we provide marketing, reputation management, and operational support to help OMS specialists build and protect their professional reputation. Contact us today to learn how we can support your success.