As previously discussed, we conducted a follow-up survey of Canadian dental patients to understand their preferences and opinions regarding dental visits. By comparing the results to the 2019 survey, we’ve observed some notable changes that reflect the evolving landscape of patient behavior and expectations.
One significant shift is a decline in the frequency of visits. While 74% of patients in 2019 reported attending their dentist appointments within the last six months, this number decreased to 67% in 2024. Although this drop is not drastic, it is an important trend to monitor. Interestingly, patients enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan were more likely to have attended an appointment in the past six months compared to those not participating in the program.
Awareness of new dental technologies has also seen a slight decline. In 2019, 54% of patients felt informed about emerging dental technologies, while only 48% shared the same sentiment in 2024. This highlights the importance of maintaining patient education, as those who understand the technologies used in their care are more likely to attend appointments and accept recommended treatments.
In terms of appointment scheduling, phone calls remain the top choice for booking follow-ups, as reported in both 2019 and 2024 surveys. However, there has been a notable increase in the use of email and text messages for appointment bookings, with the percentage rising from 36% to 54%. This shift represents one of the most significant changes in patient preferences over the last five years. It’s essential to tailor follow-up communication methods to your patient demographic. For instance, patients under 50 years old were more inclined to use email or text messages compared to phone calls for appointment scheduling.
These findings underscore the evolving expectations of dental patients and emphasize the need for dental professionals to adapt their communication and education strategies to meet these changes.
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