Trend Watch: Spa Dentistry
Posted Apr 28, 2011 in Management
It started in the 1980s when some dentists began offering headphones with a selection of music to distract patients from dental procedures. Meanwhile, interest in holistic treatments extended to dentistry and baby boomers came of age with unprecedented discretionary income and the willingness to spend it on convenience, comfort and self improvement. These forces come together in the dental spa, where alternative therapies and spa pampering are offered alongside traditional dental care.
Dental spas seek to lure the 25% of patients who the ADA claims avoid dental visits out of fear. "Spa" dentists now use state-of-the-art instruments such as lasers and chairside systems to increase patient comfort and offer amenities such as music, hot towels, refreshments, blankets, candles, aromatherapy and massage which have been shown to lower patients' blood pressure. In addition to tranquil rooms and dim lighting, extra services such as acupuncture, reflexology,...
