ConsumerWatch: Dentists See Fewer Patients Due To Economy

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- It used to be that most people saw a dentist twice a year, without fail. But dentists say they are also falling prey to the stagnant economy, and many practices are hiring experts to make sure business doesn't fall even further.

Dr. Victor Sobrepena said that his practice, Foster City Sedation Dentistry, has seen a nearly 50 percent drop in business since 2008.

Sobrepena is not alone. Nationwide, business at dental offices has steadily dropped over the past three years, prompting many dentists to turn to a growing number of dental marketing companies.

One of those companies is DentalWebsites.com. Mary Rahall along with her husband runs the site, and said business for them is booming.

"The number of new dentists we've taken on as new members has pretty much doubled within the last 18 months," Rahall said.

DentalWebsites.com helps dentists create and maintain websites, manage social media, and even ensure that their clients place high on search engines. According to Rahall, what she does pays off for most of her clients.

However, Soberpena isn't sold on the idea. In fact, he has cut his marketing budget by 90 percent. For him, shelling out marketing money during a recession isn't the best move.

"Patients just don't use the resources and aren't able to afford the service that you're providing at this time because they've lost their benefits. It's difficult times throughout the entire industry," he said.

Instead of paying for marketing, Sobrepena is focusing on word-of-mouth business and offering perks at his practice like scented pillows, music, and warm towels after each visit.

Sobrepena is also fairly certain that after years of ignoring preventative treatment, he'll start getting more patients as they start needing more care.

"I think people are starting to understand that they can't stay away from the dental office. It's one of those things that you either pay me now or you pay me later," he said.

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