Using AI to engage gen Z in dental health
Alan Clarke explains how AI and a tech-driven approach can be used to engage millennials and gen Z in dental health.
Have you tried the Apple Vision Pro?
In February this year I made a strategic beeline from the US Midwinter Dental Meeting in Chicago to the Apple store to have a personal demo on what I think could be one of the coolest innovations in the dental sphere! I have to say it sat above many dental products from the conference, with even more usefulness in our industry than I could have ever imagined.
Three miles up the road, away from the traditional suppliers and dental corporate behemoths, the revolution had started!
I literally couldn’t believe my eyes – if we harness this technology in dentistry, our game is going to radically improve. But who will be first to market and who will set the trends that others follow?
As technology continues to advance, it has become increasingly critical to incorporate innovative solutions into the realm of dental health.
Right now in the UK you can harness AI and cutting-edge technologies to attract younger new clients. As gen Z descend from their brat summer high, take some of these strategies in clinic to engage with and help this tech-savvy generation be more aware of their health and your vital role in protecting it.
So what are some of the tech driven approaches we can take as owners and dental associates?
AI-powered apps
Take your patient communication to the next level and design your own communication app! AI in patient communication is being democratised and social media marketing has shifted.
As a clinic, consider how you streamline your patient messaging. Could you design a simple app for all your clients to receive information and updates. Could you create a community? At Paste in Belfast we are working to do just that: community building with our clients. Human connection gets lost in tech, so let’s harness tech to make people feel seen and heard like never before.
With personalised messaging and integration with property management systems through Open API, the ability is there from a tech perspective. Now it’s just up to you and your ideas to be the clinic that breaks the mould!
Virtual and augmented reality
Integrate virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) into your dental health education to provide a unique and immersive experience for younger patients. Cue the start of the Apple Vision Pro revolution.
VR simulations that showcase proper dental care techniques or AR applications that allow users to visualise the consequences of poor dental hygiene. This could make treatment planning a never before seen or experienced immersive journey.
Think about multiple screens with your radiographs, graphic overlays, caries, gingival health, education videos, before and after comparisons – all in an interactive journey format as the patient is guided through by you, their trusted expert. It’s coming, so get ready!
Case acceptance will sky-rocket and hygienists and treatment coordinators will have a new role, sitting at the core of our team for clinical patient management and education.
Influencers and brand partnerships
Leveraging the influence of social media personalities popular among millennials and gen Z can be an effective strategy for increasing awareness of your clinic and engagement with its services and your online profile as well.
Think about collaborating with influencers to create informative yet entertaining content about oral health, targeted to your client base or the type of client you want. Turn up and be present – this is a great version of a calling card, an online shop window to your clinic and brand personality!
It doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Micro influencers from your area may happily get involved because they know and trust you already!
Smart dental devices
Embracing technology through the development of smart dental devices such as AI-powered toothbrushes and smart mirrors can help younger generations incorporate dental care into their daily routines.
Electric toothbrush tracking with AI can really appeal to gen Z and millennials. It can help them amend and change brushing habits while incorporating interactive elements such as games, challenges and points against siblings – with the overall aim of improving oral health!
Utilising the convenience and familiarity of tech-driven tools can facilitate the adoption and also maintenance of healthy habits.
Online educational content
Creating online forums, support groups or even educational blogs can foster a sense of community and facilitate the sharing of information related to dental health.
For example, building a platform where users can ask questions, share tips, and learn about the latest dental advancements can empower millennials and gen Z to take control of their oral health journey. This can be on site or off site or indeed via your own social media platform as a micro influencer!
Fostering a voice of authority and a community of support around you takes your clinic and your message to as many people as possible.
By adopting tech-driven solutions and implementing AI-powered features, dental professionals can effectively engage millennials and gen Z through tech.
These younger generations are the future of your clinic – your method of paying staff and hiring new team-members attracted by your passion. So use tech as a tool like never before and engage with new depth and passion.
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