Know Your Audience: 5 Ways To Reach Gen Z as a Dentist Offering Orthodontics

Meeting Generation Z Where They Are the Most

As a dentist passionate about orthodontics, you understand the joy that comes from crafting beautiful smiles and enhancing dental health. However, how we reach our patients has changed over the years. Gone are the days when simple phone calls and reminder postcards did the trick. Now patients are more tech-savvy than ever, and they expect people, including health and dental providers, to communicate the way they do: using online platforms such as an intuitive website and social media.?

Consider that Generation Z (Gen Z) is twice as likely to use social media for medical information. They are more likely to practice good oral care for appearance’s sake than for their oral health. For dentists and orthodontists alike, this means a captive audience to reach—where they want to be found.

Tips and Tricks To Reach Generation Z

Communication preferences have transformed dramatically among today’s young adults, with Gen Z leading the charge in embracing modern technology as a primary means of interaction. As the first digital-native generation, Gen Zers are not only the youngest group of adults but also the most tech-savvy. They have grown up surrounded by tablets, smartphones, and computers and? have seamlessly integrated these tools into their daily lives.?

A recent 2022 survey by Morning Consult unveiled a compelling insight: a staggering 54% of Gen Zers reported spending a minimum of four hours per day on social media, with a significant 38% dedicating even more time than that. It comes as no surprise that social media platforms have emerged as their preferred online playgrounds. Leading the pack are YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These platforms have become integral not only for entertainment but also for sourcing information, including matters related to health care.

The impact of video content cannot be overstated. Gen Zers are avid consumers of visual media, and their enthusiasm for watching videos on social platforms is unparalleled. Positioned as the creative generation, they are drawn to content that engages and entertains while delivering valuable insights.?

Gen Zers, born between 1996 and 2010, are at a pivotal stage where they are increasingly responsible for managing their own health care, including dental care. This presents a prime opportunity for dentists to step in as trusted professionals, offering valuable information and guidance. Whether it’s navigating insurance, addressing common dental concerns, or emphasizing preventive care, dental practices must prepare to cater to the needs of this tech-savvy generation.

1. Video Content?

In the digital age, video content is a potent tool for effectively reaching and educating Gen Z. This tech-savvy generation finds video content an ideal format due to its engaging nature and quick, on-the-go consumption. Gen Zers are avid viewers, dedicating an average of 7.2 hours daily to videos, surpassing even Gen X’s 6.3 hours.

Videos offer a dynamic platform for dentists offering orthodontics to connect with Gen Z and educate them about oral health and cosmetic options. Short, informative videos can spotlight the benefits of orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners and showcase real-life success stories. Tutorial-style videos on maintaining oral hygiene, flossing with braces, or addressing common dental issues can empower Gen Zers to take charge of their dental well-being.

Moreover, animated explainer videos can demystify complex orthodontic processes, making them more approachable and less intimidating. Interactive Q&A sessions or day-in-the-life videos of orthodontic patients can also provide insights into the orthodontic journey, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust.

2. Social Media?

Now that you have all of this engaging video content, the next step is strategically deploying it to captivate and educate your Gen Z audience. Platforms like YouTube provide an ideal repository for your video content, allowing easy access for your target audience while fostering credibility through a well-curated channel.?

Gen Z’s most frequented social platforms—YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat—offer prime avenues for influencing and educating. Harnessing these platforms enables you to connect with Gen Zers in their digital habitat. Share bite-sized, attention-grabbing clips on Snapchat’s stories, offering quick glimpses into orthodontic transformations. Utilize Instagram to share informative posts, reels, and stories, showcasing before-and-after visuals and providing expert insights.

Embrace TikTok’s creative potential by crafting engaging, short-form videos that break down orthodontic concepts in a fun and relatable manner. These can range from step-by-step tutorials to humorous skits that demystify orthodontic processes. Remember, Gen Zers appreciate authenticity and creativity, making TikTok an invaluable tool to convey essential information.

The impact of social media’s influence on Gen Z cannot be overlooked. Statista’s 2022 data reveals that nearly 80% of Gen Zers and millennials have made purchases based on social media content.?

3. Fresh Website?

An updated website is your gateway to connecting with patients of all ages. To cater to Gen Z’s preferences, ensure your website is user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate sections that promptly address their queries. Gen Z values practicality over customer experience and leans toward authentic interactions.

Gen Z’s prudent nature underscores the need for transparent patient testimonials on your site to help them make informed decisions. Embrace their affinity for real-life conversations by integrating chat features for personalized interactions.

A current, informative website establishes your practice’s credibility in a world of fleeting brand loyalty. Responding to questions and comments on social media reaffirms your commitment to engagement.?

4. Experimentation

Staying attuned to Gen Z’s digital pulse is critical. The landscape is a dynamic playground, with novel networks, features, and trends surfacing daily—yet Gen Z’s digital acumen remains unwavering.

Adaptation is key. Striking a harmony between calculated, future-focused strategies and a nimble approach is essential. The era of crafting a month’s content in a single session has given way to a new norm: continuous experimentation. The path to a thriving social media strategy now hinges on remaining open to perpetual evolution, embracing trial and error to uncover what truly resonates. By blending long-term vision with adaptive finesse, you will cultivate an environment primed for Gen Z engagement that will position your orthodontic expertise as an indispensable online resource.

5. Outsourcing

With their unwavering focus on patient satisfaction, dentists can find relief in enlisting external support for their social media endeavors. This strategic move empowers dentists to channel their energies into optimal patient care while specialized marketers adeptly tailor messaging to captivate Gen Z.

Outsourcing social media offers a cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time writer or specialist. While social media’s direct traffic might seem modest, its influence on the buyer’s journey and lead generation (when strategically executed) is profound.

Outsourced content marketing services bring many benefits, including expert SEO insights, comprehensive strategy development, and seamless content creation and distribution. These multifaceted capabilities far surpass what a single in-house team member can provide, ensuring your orthodontic practice leverages the full potential of social media to connect with Gen Z, build rapport, and pave the way for flourishing patient relationships.

Nurturing the Gen Z Relationship Through Orthodontic Expertise

As the dental care landscapes evolve, the dentist-patient relationship remains a cornerstone of quality care. The American Orthodontic Society recognizes the critical role of dentists who embrace orthodontic courses, combining general dentistry and orthodontics to meet the unique needs of this generation.

Gen Zers, valuing appearance, find orthodontics an avenue of dental health that is already well aligned with their preferences. Dentists who invest in orthodontic courses not only cater to Gen Z’s aesthetic aspirations but also offer a streamlined approach that saves patients both time and money—values treasured by this generation. Elevate your practice by enrolling in orthodontic courses today and become a trailblazer by providing comprehensive dental care that resonates with the dynamic needs of Gen Z.