Fear about visiting the dentist is common. And, for many, the sounds of the dentist office can be the trigger for that uneasiness. So how can the dentist office help patients feel comfortable? With a fantastic playlist, of course.The American Dental Association recommendspatients listen to music in the dentists office as a form of distraction. In fact,a combination of music and an anesthetic during dental procedures can reduce the patients blood pressure and pulse rate more than an anesthetic alone. It has also been noted that patients who listen to music at the dentists office tend to have lower levels of stress-related hormones.
You can encourage your patients to listen to their favorite tunes on their phone, but already having a great playlist playing in the dental office can be just as helpful.
Tips for Picking a Playlist
Study Your Patients
Are they young teens, soccer moms, or retirees? Do they wear cowboy boots or Uggs? Use this to help you judge music genre they might like.
Consider a Survey or Patient-Curated Playlists
Why not engage your patients by sending out an email survey asking what radio stations they listen to and what kind of music they like? Post a survey on your Facebook page for patients to vote on favorite songs and create a customPandoraorSpotifystation from the winner.
Other General Music Tips
Consider a music system where you can give each patient headphones while they are in the chair. The headphones will help cancel out noise of drills and other unpleasant sounds. Keep music loud, but not too loud to bother other patients or cause any kind of hearing damage. Consider staff when settingthe volume as well. After all, a happy staff will do a lot to increase a patients experience.
What are your favorite sounds to hear when you visit the dentist? Wed love to hear your feedback as a comment on Facebook or Twitter!