While there has been a significant increase in the use of contactless payments over the years, opinions on the benefits of these solutions has been divided. However, the COVID-19 crisis has seen an acceleration in the implementation of digital payments in all industries. With the decline in the use of cash, contactless payment solutions are no longer just another option but a necessity for any business that wants to thrive in this new normal.
Contactless payment benefits for dentists
Providing cashless payment solutions is even more vital for dental practices with patients being more conscious of their health. There are many benefits that the solutions can offer your dental practice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- They’re more hygienic and therefore safer for patients and your staff
A recent study revealed that physical bank notes change hands an average of 55 times a year. Bank notes therefore have great potential of spreading infectious agents. This has made more people opt for cashless options. A recent study showed that more consumers have started using cashless payment systems for everyday purchases as they continue to seek safe options that involve less contact.
This behavioral shift isn’t likely to be reversed even after the COVID-19 pandemic. People are likely to continue to gravitate towards cashless systems in the long term. Providing your patients with a contactless option for making payments will protect your patients, staff and business in the long term.
- They’re more efficient
People aren’t opting for digital payments during the pandemic only because of their health but also because these solutions are more convenient and efficient.
Your patients will love the convenience of being able to pay for services without having to carry large sums of cash with them. Your practice will have the benefit of being able to track income more easily with digitized payments and records. These solutions will make your practice’s operations more efficient.
- They’re secure
Contactless systems of payment offer greater security for both patients and dental practices.
Patients don’t have to carry cash around with them. They can make their payments using credit cards, debit cards or digital wallets. Many cashless solutions offer advanced security and encryption to protect your patients’ information.
Your practice on the other hand can eliminate the need to make a bank run to deposit large sums of cash into your account at the end of the day or week. Tracking and reporting are easier with contactless systems, making accounting more accurate and efficient.
- They’ll help you increase your profitability
Patients looking for dental practices will appreciate being able to use cashless solutions to pay for treatment. This could be one more thing that differentiates you from other dental practices. It could be the factor that makes a patient choose your practice over other dental practices in the area.
Cashless systems also provide an efficient and affordable way to keep track of payments made. Many of the costs associated with processing cash are eliminated too.
Going cashless
The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over and we don’t know what lies ahead. Contactless options for payment are going to continue to be a vital part of dental practice operations.
For many dental practices trying to weather the storm, implementing an independent cashless system may not be feasible. However, there are several third-party solutions that are not only affordable but also provide a quick and efficient payment system for patients.
XCarePro provides dental practices with an affordable integrated solution for contact-free payments. The platform offers dental practices a stage to advertise their services to patients that are actively searching for dental services. Patients are presented with listings of dental services in their area. They can get more information about the individual practices and check their reviews all from the platform. When they have chosen a dental practice, they can book appointments directly on the platform. The XCare contactless payments option enables patients to pay for the dental treatment after it has been completed.
The cashless payment option is available on the XCare app as well as the website. Patients can therefore complete transactions on their smartphones.
Unlike other platforms, XCare does not charge dentists an ongoing service fee. Dental practices only pay for the patients they acquire through the platform. There are no registration fees or other hidden costs either, making it a great option for dental practices that are struggling to get back on their feet after a difficult year.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more people turning to cashless payment systems to make purchases for everyday items as well as for paying for services they need. While this change in behavior is mostly driven by health concerns, it is likely to continue well into the future as more people realized the benefits of using these payment solutions. Dental practices that want to survive during this pandemic and after can’t afford to overlook these payment options.
