How to Find Patients for Dental Hygiene School

Finding patients can be one of the biggest challenges in dental hygiene school, but with creativity, persistence, and a little strategy, you can fill your schedule and meet your requirements.

Here are my top tips for finding patients as a 5th-semester dental hygiene student (who has successfully met her calculus requirements) while maintaining safety and professionalism.

❤️ Prioritize Safety

Before anything else, remember: your safety comes first

• Never go alone. Always bring a friend or go in a group when meeting potential patients.
• Keep your personal information private in the beginning.
• Use a free Google Voice number instead of your real phone number.
• When possible, make calls from school.

📣 Get the Word Out

Flyers, business cards, and social media are great places to start. Marketing yourself as a student clinician can go a long way!

• Use Canva to design flyers, business cards, and posters, and distribute them around your community.
• Create a QR code that links to your contact info or appointment form.
• Post on social media platforms:
  • Instagram Stories
  • Snapchat
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Community pages
  • OfferUp

Some students have even tried dating apps. That one’s up to you! You might find a new patient…or something you were never expecting!

👥 Leverage Your Network

Your friends, family, and community can be some of your best resources! 

• If you live near your school, ask friends and relatives to support you by coming in for cleanings. 
• Some families go the extra mile for out-of-town students, literally, by driving hours or even flying in to help! This isn’t possible for all students, but it certainly never hurts to ask.
• If you attend any weekly community programs, connect with people there and invite them to support your journey. Many would love the chance to receive low-cost or free dental care while helping you along the way!

🏠 Tap Into Your Apartment Community

If you live in an apartment complex, check with your leasing office about getting the word out.

• Post flyers in elevators or on community bulletin boards.
• Include your information in welcome packets for new residents.
• Attend community-specific events and network when you can!

🎓 Utilize Nearby College Campuses

Don't be afraid to branch out if your school is near other colleges or universities. Many students are looking for affordable dental cleanings, especially if they don’t have dental insurance or are far from their regular provider.

• Post in student Facebook groups or on community boards.
• Hang flyers around campus with permission.
• Ask if your info can be included in student newsletters or email blasts.
• Offer group appointment slots for roommates or friends who want to come together.

College students are often happy to support other students, especially when it means getting low-cost or free dental care!

☕ Connect with Local Coffee Shops & Restaurants

Next time you study at a coffee shop, chat with the baristas! Ask about leaving some business cards or hanging up a flyer.

Not only will you reach other regulars, but restaurant and service workers often don’t have dental benefits, making them great potential patients.

📍 Attend Local Events

Community gatherings like pop-up markets, First Fridays, and concerts in the park are great opportunities to meet people who may need a cleaning. If they have time to browse booths, they might have time to sit in your chair.

💡 Pro tip: I dress up as the tooth fairy and walk around First Friday with a sign and a QR code. It’s been surprisingly effective!

🍎 Visit Grocery Stores

Grocery store employees are on their feet all day and may not have dental insurance. Handing out your card could help someone get the care they need and help you meet your requirements.

• Hand out your card after checking out or when chatting with staff.
• Ask if you can leave a flyer in the break room or near the employee schedule.
• Be respectful and quick; they’re busy but usually appreciate the gesture.

✅ Find Heavy Calculus Patients in the Right Places

If you require heavy calculus or perio patients, think outside the box! These spots might surprise you:

• Smoke shops: Frequent smokers often have heavy stain and calculus buildup
• Mechanic shops: Many mechanics are too busy to prioritize dental visits. Bonus: They’ll probably enjoy the chance to kick back in the chair for a bit
• Gyms: Diets high in protein, sugary energy drinks, and frequent snacking can all contribute to calculus buildup.
• Ask around: Don’t be afraid to mention your search in conversation casually. You never know who might say, “Oh, my uncle hasn’t been to the dentist in years…”

💭 Final Thoughts

Finding patients takes effort, but with the right approach, you’ll build a network of people who need care while gaining valuable experience. Be creative, put yourself out there, and most importantly, stay safe!

Happy patient hunting!

A student on Cloud Dentistry wrote this blog! If you're on Cloud Dentistry and would like to submit a blog post, you can start your submission here: Student Blog Submission

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