Idea Exchange: Three ideas to increase dental compliance

We take before-and-after photos of all our dental patients, so clients can see how much the procedure improved their pets' teeth. We include these photos in a dental goodie bag we send home with the owner. Our goodie bag also includes samples of t/d Prescription Diet (Hill's Pet Nutrition) and brochures about home dental care and products. During Pet Dental Health month, we also include samples of the products, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Clients seem to like the goodie bags. When they return for recheck appointments a month later, owners often know which products they want to purchase. Also, during rechecks, we set out a basket full of sample products—an idea highlighted in the June 2008 issue of Veterinary Medicine—and it really does promote better home dental care.

Kathy Higgins, veterinary assistant

Hanover, Pa.