Managing the Smile of Baby Boomers

Baby boomers, the group born between 1946 and 1964 and the largest generation in U.S. and Canadian history, represent a huge market for dental practices. But this age group is also the least homogeneous of any to date. It's a lucrative market for those dentists willing to take the time to understand this generation.

Seventy-eight million Americans are baby boomers. The first of this generation turned 60 2 years ago. As this group continues to age, more than 8,000 baby boomer Americans are turning 60 every day, how can dentists serve this generation's restorative and “emotional needs”? This is the group that has three times the restorative needs on the next generation and is the wealthiest generation in all of history.

First, recognize that this is not a homogeneous group. Some baby boomers have accumulated wealth and are nearing retirement. Some are still in the work force. Still others will benefit from some type of wealth transfer from their parents. It's a prudent practice to regularly update what’s happening in the patient’s life and up date the “treatment plan strategy to take action”.

Second, recognize that baby boomers are also members of the "me" generation. And while they are used to having companies cater to them, they are not used to having a dental office cater to them. Expectations are high. As a dentist you already have an archetypal image, therefore, blow them away with an exceptional, wonderfully special level of service.

Third, recognize that this generation is very technology-savvy. This group is accustomed to real-time information feeds. According to JupiterResearch, baby boomers make up the Web's largest constituency, accounting for one-third of the 195.3 million Web users in the US. Examine your traditional communication methods and adjust accordingly.

And finally, keep the very best of the holiday season’s spirit alive and well within you and yours, all the year through.

Cheers,