I used to feel that virtual orthodontic consults were simply a tool for quality orthodontic offices to provide potential patients with the convenient options they are requesting, and possibly engage these patients before they choose direct to consumer treatment — a marketing concept that has been working successfully in my practice for quite some time. However, an unprecedented global pandemic changed everything. We were forced to develop a complete virtual treatment platform to ensure that we could continue to manage our patients’ treatment during mandated closure of our physical office. We made the decision to be virtually open to serve our patients even though our offices were physically closed. And serendipitously, my team and I learned a lot about the potential for virtual visits to enhance (not replace) our in-office patient experience to help us deliver quality orthodontic care in an effective, efficient, and convenient manner — a mindset change that is helping us thrive in challenging times.
- Discuss the concept of virtual orthodontic consultations as a tool for quality orthodontic offices to provide the convenience that some patients are craving in order to engage them before they choose direct to consumer options (Pre-Pandemic Mindset)
2. Explain in detail our Virtual Treatment Platform that was developed in order to manage our patients’ treatment during mandated closure of our physical office (Pandemic Mindset)
3. Explore what this forced workflow change has taught us about the perceptions and logistics of virtual visits, and how we now successfully utilize them to improve patient care and enhance customer experience (Post-Pandemic Mindset)
- I am a competitive level BBQ aficionado (odd for an Orthodontist from New Jersey).
2. I can juggle.
3. I am good with a Yo-Yo
Dr. Dan Bills is an avid (yet barely competent) golfer, boater and skier who enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Emily and his daughter Caroline. Dr. Bills received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Lafayette College and his dental degree from Harvard University, both with Honors, after which he completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois. He is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He maintains a state-of-the-art private practice, Innovative Orthodontics, with three locations in Southern New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia. He has been honored as “Teacher of the Year” by the University of Pennsylvania Department of Orthodontics and by the Department of Dentistry at Virtua Hospital. He lectures regularly at academic institutions and orthodontic meetings, both stateside and abroad, and gives in-office courses about a variety of clinical topics as well as how to better utilize technology in the orthodontic office. One of his greatest passions is teaching his colleagues how to work smarter and, consequently, live better.