Understanding patient expectations: Key factors that drive patient loyalty and referrals in dentistry

Abstract

In today’s competitive dental landscape, understanding what patients truly want is essential to building a successful, patient-centred practice. Patients now have more options than ever, and they’re often seeking not just expert clinical care but a positive, holistic experience that meets their personal and practical needs. For dental practitioners, fulfilling these expectations can lead to higher patient satisfaction, stronger loyalty and valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Here are the key factors that influence patients to choose, return to and refer friends and family to their dental practitioner.