By: Dr. Jason Tam

Do you celebrate debonds in your practice? Like many, you probably give patients a gift with all sorts of treats they were not supposed to have while they in braces, celebrate with a special song, or take a celebrity-style photo with them on your logo wall. All of these are wonderful ideas and are great ways to make patients feel special by having you and your team celebrate their special day… Everyone is excited – everyone except the patients that are not getting their braces off that day. We should absolutely be jumping for joy that our obligation to that patient getting braces off has been completed (other than retention), and we want to build up as much goodwill with debond patients as possible. However, let’s not forget those who make up the majority of our patient population in the clinic, day in and day out. Our loud celebrations at the debond might be sending the wrong message: “Braces suck. You should be so happy you’re done”! What I’m suggesting here is not to get rid of debond celebrations, but rather to make sure you celebrate every other stage as well. Celebrate getting braces put on as well as progress at each visit. Be sure to take every opportunity to compliment on good compliance and make a big deal about how awesome the patient is for doing well. Make sure your patients are enjoying the experience throughout treatment so they feel special the entire time. If you can make the bonding and active visits as positive and exciting as the debond appointment, the odds of fostering raving fans that will share the positive vibe about your office with others is much greater!

Dr. Jason Tam is the owner of MCO Orthodontics, with three offices just outside of Toronto, Canada.  He completed his dental school at the University of Toronto, followed by a GPR at New York Hospital Queens, and an orthodontic residency at Boston University.  While his practice is primarily braces, he is a Top 1% Super Elite Invisalign Provider.  Dr. Tam has a special interest in office efficiencies and implementation.  He is happily married with two young boys, and another baby expected in December 2015.