It’s a particularly difficult time for us all - in health, in normalcy, and in business. We’re all adjusting to a “new normal” of remote work if we’re lucky or temporarily closed businesses if we’re not. But just because your office is closed and you can’t practice right now doesn’t mean you can’t use this time to enhance your business.

If you're not currently seeing patients, SmileMakers suggests using the time to freshen up your office. There’s a psychology behind a rebrand, a refresh, or a new look. “New” is often associated with “clean”, and cleanliness will be at the top of everyone’s minds for the foreseeable future. So consider some simple, low-cost updates that could make a big difference.

1. Organize your supply closets and giveaway areas

Now is the time to tackle cluttered storage closets, messy cabinets and drawers, and chaotic giveaway areas. And luckily, our toy storage bins can help! They’re clear, contained and have an easy-access top which makes them ideal for organizing toys as well as take home bag giveaways.

It’s important to take inventory of what you have and what you’ll need when you reopen. So consider these question while you’re sorting out your supplies:
● Do you anticipate a surge in recall patients who have been waiting to receive treatment?
● How many appointments have you had to reschedule?
● How many kids are looking forward to their rewards at their next visit?

2. Reimagine your prizes

Kids will need reassurance that the world is not all doom and gloom. The prizes and rewards received after a check-up will be a comfort that your young patients rely on in the coming months. That’s why now is the perfect time to reorder your tried and true prizes, including vehicles, jewelry, and figurines. By ordering now, they’ll be ready and waiting for your little patients’ return.

Concerned about keeping prizes sanitary? Opt for individually wrapped toys or check out an easy-to-clean capsule vending machine. Both are perfect ways to reward while keeping toys and prizes sanitary for all children.

3. Set up friendly reminders

As a healthcare provider, sanitation and cleanliness is always top of mind. And now, more than ever, it will be on the top of your patients’ minds as well. Be a part of the solution with hand washing reminder stickers that help young patients maintain good habits.

And don’t forget moms and dads! They will appreciate individual sanitizers that they can take home after appointments. They’re perfect for the car, a bag, or a keychain and make clean hands on the go easier than ever.

4. Rethink your waiting room

Another step you can take to highlight your in-office sanitation standards is to include hand washing signage in your office. Whether it’s a poster on your wall or a simple sign on the front desk, you’ll send the message to patients that cleanliness is key to a healthy lifestyle.

The right art or photography in an office can also create a positive and relaxing environment for the patient. Consider the color, movement, and the feelings the piece evokes. Shoot for soothing and clean, and watch your space go from a sterile office to a comforting oasis.

5. Refresh the kid’s area

Easy-to-install wall decals can be just the thing to make the designated kid’s area pop. They’re inexpensive, easy to place, and add fun and color to your walls without the commitment of a painted mural or wallpaper. They’re even repositionable, so you can experiment with placement and switch up your kid zone whenever you like. You can even include special items like play and take activity and coloring books that can double as pre-visit distractions and post-visit rewards, ensuring that they’re not contaminated by multiple hands.

SmileMakers is here for you

“We care for you like you care for your patients” is more than our tagline. That statement represents our core values and is at the heart of everything we do. We know this is a difficult time for healthcare workers, practices, and small business owners. And we’re here for you now just as we have been for over 40 years. Reach out and tell us what we can do to help you at SmileMakers.com.