Referrals are the backbone of many dental practices — whether you’re offering endodontic treatment, orthodontics, CBCT scanning, or specialist services. But referrals don’t just happen. Like anything in business, they need to be earned, encouraged, and made easy.
If your referral numbers could be better (or more consistent), here are five practical ways to help increase them — and keep referrers coming back.
1. Make it easy to refer
The number one reason practices don’t send referrals? It’s too much hassle.
If your referral process involves downloading a form, printing it out, handwriting details, scanning it back in, and emailing it with attachments… it’s probably being avoided.
A simple, secure digital referral form removes barriers. It means a dentist or team member can refer a patient in under a minute, from any device. The easier it is to refer, the more likely it is to happen.
Tip: A system like Valident allows referring practices to submit structured forms securely, attach documents and radiographs, and get confirmation — all from one link.
2. Build strong relationships with local practices
Good relationships build trust — and trust builds referrals.
Make time to connect with referring practices. Share updates, ask for feedback, and make it clear that you value the relationship. A quick phone call to thank someone for a referral, or a short follow-up email with an outcome, can go a long way.
If practices know that their patients are being well looked after, they’ll keep referring.
3. Be responsive, clear and consistent
How quickly do you respond to referrals? Do referring dentists know what to expect? Consistency builds confidence.
A structured dental referral system can help ensure:
- Referrals don’t get lost or overlooked
- Responses are sent promptly
- Patients are booked in without delay
- Information is recorded and easy to access
Practices are more likely to refer to you if they know you’ll handle it professionally, every time.
4. Promote your referral offering clearly
Don’t assume other practices know what you offer. If you accept CBCT referrals, make that clear on your website. Offer endodontic or orthodontic assessments? Say so — and make sure the process for referring is obvious and straightforward.
Include:
- A dedicated page for each type of referral
- Clear guidance on how to refer
- A secure link to your referral form
- Contact details for follow-up questions
You can also include downloadable resources or brochures to make life even easier for referring practices.
5. Provide feedback and updates
Referring dentists appreciate knowing what’s happened with their patient. A short message to confirm that treatment is complete — or a note to request more details — helps keep the communication open.
Better still, a digital system can log all messages and updates securely, keeping a clear record of the referral journey.
Growing your referrals with Valident
At Valident, we help dental practices manage referrals professionally and securely. Our encrypted digital forms are designed to make life easier — both for you and the practices that refer to you.
Whether you’re handling CBCT scans, endodontics, orthodontics or something more bespoke, our system helps you:
- Accept referrals securely
- Receive all the right information upfront
- Communicate effectively with referring practices
- Track and manage referrals with ease
Looking to improve your referral process?
Contact us to arrange a demo or request a quote to see how Valident can help you grow your network of trusted referrers.
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