The Referral Partners You’re Overlooking

“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” – Bob Ross

But when it comes to referrals, relying on the same five dentists isn’t a happy accident – it’s a business limitation that would make Bob frown.

Most orthodontists paint themselves into a referral corner without even realizing it. They focus so hard on traditional dental office relationships that they miss the forest for the trees. Or in this case, miss the playground for the dental chair.

Think about it: Where do parents first notice their kid might need braces?

Hint: It’s not usually at the dentist.

It’s at the soccer game when little Jimmy gets self-conscious about his smile. It’s at school when the teacher mentions kids teasing Sarah. It’s at the pediatrician’s office during a routine checkup.

The Big Insight: Your next great referral source might not wear scrubs or work in a dental office. Sometimes the best referrals come from the most unexpected places.

Tactical Piece #1: Expand your appreciation events beyond dental professionals. Invite pediatricians, school nurses, youth coaches, and community leaders who interact with families regularly.

Tactical Piece #2: Create “Community Partner” events. One practice I know invited local youth sports coaches to learn about protecting young athletes’ smiles. Three new patient families came directly from that single event.

Tactical Piece #3: Think about who influences parents’ decisions. Sometimes it’s the friend whose kid had great results with braces, the youth pastor who cares about building confidence, or the teacher who notices when a child stops smiling.

I once worked with a practice that invited a 4th-grade class for a “Career Day” tour. Each kid went home with a branded toothbrush and a consultation offer for parents. Result? Three new families scheduled within two weeks.

Here’s the truth: Everyone knows someone who needs orthodontic care. Your job is to give them a reason to think of you when the conversation comes up.

Stop painting yourself into the same old corner. It’s time to expand your canvas.

 Let’s brainstorm your referral expansion strategy

Thinking outside the dental chair,

Dino