Community engagement: a dentist's secret weapon for success

As dentists, you play a vital role in our communities, providing essential oral healthcare services to our neighbours and friends. Beyond the dental chair, your practices are woven into the fabric of the towns and cities we serve. But have you ever considered the profound impact that actively engaging in your community through charity can have, not just on the lives of those you help, but on the success of your dental practice?

At Henry Schein, we believe in the transformative power of community engagement, and we're here to help you make a meaningful difference. So, let's dive in and discover how engaging in your community through charity can be a win-win for dentists and the communities they serve.

The role you dental practices in the community

Dental practices are more than just clinics; they are essential pillars of the communities they serve. As a dentist, you are not just a healthcare provider; you are a neighbour, a friend, and a trusted professional. Your practice plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of your community, and understanding the depth of this role can help you build stronger connections and foster a sense of belonging.

• A pillar of the community: You have the unique opportunity to create a positive, lasting impression on your patients, not only through your dental expertise but also through your engagement with the local community. When patients see their dentist actively involved in community initiatives, it reinforces the perception that your practice is genuinely invested in their welfare.
• Building trust: Trust is the cornerstone of any successful dental practice. By actively participating in community activities and showing genuine care for the people around you, you not only earn the trust of your patients but also build a solid reputation within your community.
• A supportive network: Communities thrive on support networks, and your dental practice can be a valuable part of this ecosystem. Whether it's sponsoring local events, participating in health fairs, or initiating charity drives, your involvement can strengthen the bonds that hold your community together.

Your dental practice has the potential to make a lasting impact far beyond the walls of your clinic. It's about fostering connections, building trust, and creating a legacy of care.

The benefits of community engagement

1. Enhanced reputation: A positive reputation can be a powerful driver of business growth. Patients are more likely to choose a dentist they trust, and community engagement helps build that trust.
2. Increased patient loyalty: Actively participating in community initiatives creates a sense of community, patients who see that you are a caring and engaged member of their community are more likely to become loyal, long-term clients.
3. Word-of-mouth referrals: Satisfied patients are your best advocates. When they experience the positive impact of your community engagement efforts, they are more likely to recommend your practice to friends and family.
4. Competitive advantage: Being known as a practice that not only provides top-notch dental care but also actively contributes to the betterment of the community gives you a distinct advantage in the eyes of prospective patients.
5. Fulfilment and team morale: Engaging in charity work can also boost the morale of your dental team. Knowing that they are part of a practice that makes a positive impact on the community can be highly fulfilling and motivating. Happy, engaged team members are more likely to provide exceptional patient care.

How can you get involved?

• Identify local causes: Start by identifying local causes or organizations that resonate with your practice's values and mission, choosing causes that align with your passion will make your efforts more genuine and impactful.
• Collaborate with community partners: Reach out to local non-profits, schools, or other community organisations that are already involved in charitable work. Collaborating with established partners can help streamline your efforts and make an even bigger impact together.
• Volunteer your time and expertise: Helping your community isn’t just about giving money, as a dental practice you are uniquely placed to offer your time and skills as well. Consider offering free dental check-ups or oral hygiene workshops at local schools, community centres, or shelters.
• Organise charity events: Host charity events or fundraisers within your practice. For instance, you can organise a dental health fair or a toothbrush drive where patients can donate oral hygiene supplies for those experiencing hygiene poverty.
• Sponsor local initiatives: Sponsoring local events or sports teams can be an excellent way to show your support for the community. It also puts your practice's name in front of a broader audience.
• Engage your team: Involve your dental team in your charity initiatives. Encourage them to share their ideas and passions for community involvement. When everyone in your practice is aligned with your charitable goals, it becomes easier to execute meaningful projects.

Remember that community engagement is an ongoing commitment. Start small, and as you gain experience and see the positive impact of your efforts, you can expand your charitable initiatives..

How have we been engaging with our communities at Henry Schein?

At Henry Schein, we take pride in actively engaging with our communities and participating in charitable initiatives. Our Team Schein Members (TSMs) are at the heart of these efforts, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Here are some recent examples of our charity initiatives:

• Beach cleanup: Seven dedicated TSMs came together for a beach cleanup along Hunstanton beach in Norfolk. They used one of their volunteering days to pick up litter and enhance the local environment. It was a day filled with camaraderie and a shared commitment to community well-being.
• Hygiene bags for Kids Cancer Charity: During our We Care Global Challenge, our TSMs showed their caring spirit by creating 250 hygiene bags. These bags were thoughtfully stocked with essential items like toothbrushes (suitable for adults and children), toothpaste, dental floss, facial tissues, tongue scrapers, and interdental brushes. The hygiene bags were donated to the Kids Cancer Charity in Swansea, where they now serve children and families in South Wales.
• Fighting hygiene poverty with the Medway Hygiene Bank: We believe in giving back, and our donation of 224.7kg of personal and household hygiene products to the Medway Hygiene Bank underscores this commitment. These much-needed products have been distributed to local families in and around Medway, helping them combat hygiene poverty.