Sending a cold email to dentist and other health professionals is more challenging than other forms of communication for these reasons:
1.) You don’t have non-verbal feedback (proper eye contact, personal appearance, positive tone of voice, facial expressions, etc.) that is supposed to help you change your strategy in real-time.
2.) You don’t have a relationship yet with this audience.
But don’t worry; it is still possible to build a powerful email marketing strategy, get the attention of your prospects, and cut through the noise in the industry.
In this guide, we will share strategies and the best cold email practices to reach dentists effectively. Before we get to that, let’s cover some basics first.
What is Cold Emailing?
Cold emailing is sending personalized emails to someone you don’t have a prior connection with and pitching something of value.
In many aspects, it’s the same as cold calling but just less intrusive. This is why the sender and the sendee unanimously favor cold emailing. And in case you’ve never done cold emailing before and are wondering if it works, yes, it does.
Is it worth it? Also, yes, it is.
89% of marketers say their email is the main channel for lead generation. [1] They also attest to its scalability, effectiveness, and affordability. These benefits are more obvious for small businesses.
Moreover, companies that did cold email correctly have seen about 15 to 20% response rate. [2]
Importance of Targeting Dentists For Your Email Campaign (with Sample Templates)
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Medical Job Shadowing
A common reason for emailing dentists is for medical job shadowing. It is a type of experiential learning opportunity where you observe the work of a dentist (or other health professional, for that matter) throughout their typical workday.
In the medical field, job shadowing falls under clinical experience. It involves observing and following a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional performing daily work in a hospital or clinical setting.
Students can also gain exposure to study the working conditions through medical job shadowing. For this cold email, you usually introduce yourself and express interest in learning more about a specific area or domain.
Your cold email may look like this:
Subject: Request to Shadow and Learn from an Experienced Dentist
[Dr. [Dentist’s Last Name]]
[Dental Clinic Name]
[Dental Clinic Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Dr. [Dentist’s Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a student with a keen interest in pursuing a career in dentistry. I have done extensive research on the field, and shadowing an experienced dentist like yourself would provide me with valuable insights and hands-on learning opportunities.
It would be my honor if you would allow me to shadow your work as a dentist for a day or two at [Dental Clinic Name]. I am also particularly interested in observing dental examinations, extractions, fillings, and dental hygiene appointments. Witnessing the practical application of skills within a professional environment would greatly help me gain a deeper understanding of the field and solidify my career choice in dentistry.
Additionally, I will adhere to any confidentiality and privacy protocols required by your clinic. I am a responsible individual committed to professionalism and ethical behavior.
Thank you for your attention to my request, and I look forward to the possibility of shadowing under your guidance at [Dental Clinic Name]. Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to arrange a meeting or provide additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Industry-Specific Promotions
Dentists have specific needs for their profession, including practice management tools, dental supplies, and equipment for their dental office. You can offer promotions tailored to their needs by targeting them in your campaign.
Subject: Introducing [Your Product/Service] – Enhance Your Dental Practice
Dear [Dentist’s Name],
Greetings!
I am reaching out to introduce [Your Product/Service], a revolutionary solution designed to elevate the experience and efficiency of dental practices like yours.
At [Your Company Name], we specialize in providing cutting-edge products/services that can significantly benefit dental practices by:
1. Promoting Smoother Operations: Our advanced [Product/Service] streamlines appointment scheduling, patient record management, and inventory tracking, allowing you to optimize your staff’s time and resources.
2. Enhancing Patient Care: Our solutions are tailored to enhancing patient care, from automating appointment reminders to implementing innovative treatment planning tools, all aimed at reducing patient wait times and improving overall satisfaction.
I would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a brief exploration call to discuss how our product/service aligns with your practice needs. I am also confident that [Your Product/Service] can deliver exceptional value to your dental practice, empowering you to focus on what you do best – providing top-quality dental care.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to connect with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Related: Cold Email Experts Share What’s Working for Them – 16 Tips and Hacks Combined
Thought Leadership and Research and Academic Collaborations
Courtesy: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Like other doctors, dentists are interested in staying updated with research, innovations, and industry trends. By providing them with informative and valuable content in your campaign, they can view you as an industry leader, resulting in increased credibility and trust.
Subject: Collaboration Opportunity: Sharing Insights and Expertise in Dental Advancements
Dear [Dentist’s Name],
I trust this email finds you thriving in your dental practice. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Expertise/Title] specializing in dentistry advancements and patient education.
I have been following your work and commend your dedication to providing exceptional dental care to your patients. As a fellow dental professional, I believe in fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge for the betterment of our industry.
I have also recently conducted extensive research on [Topic of Your Expertise], and based on your expertise in dentistry, I thought you might find the findings interesting. I would be delighted to discuss this further or contribute an article demonstrating your thought leadership to your esteemed audience.
Please let me know if you want to schedule a call or are interested in exploring possible collaborations. I look forward to learning from each other and contributing to the dental community.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Job Inquiries
If you’re seeking employment opportunities, sending direct mail to a dentist in your area is also an efficient way to express your interest or inquire about job openings at their practice.
The impact of this email can be likened to a cold call, but email is less time-consuming, more effective, and more creative.
Subject: Inquiry – Dental Job Opportunity
Dear Dr. [Dentist’s Last Name],
I hope you’re doing wonderfully well at present. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to inquire about any potential job opportunities at your reputable dental practice.
As a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with [number] years of experience, I have worked in various dental clinics, honing my skills in comprehensive patient care, oral health promotion, and specialized treatments.
I am also particularly passionate about providing top-quality dental services, building strong patient relationships, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Also, I researched your practice’s outstanding reputation for excellence in dental care. I sincerely desire to contribute to your dynamic team and positively to your patients’ oral health.
These are a few highlights of my qualifications:
- Proficiency in performing comprehensive dental examinations, diagnosing oral conditions, and developing individualized treatment plans
- Expertise in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, fillings, and dentures
- Proficiency in performing root canal therapy, extractions, and other surgical procedures with precision and patient comfort in mind
- Strong knowledge of cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers
I am also impressed by your practice’s commitment to providing compassionate care and excellence in dentistry. I would like to contribute my skills and passion to your team. You can find my resume attached below for your review.
Thank you for considering my application. I am also eager to discuss how my qualifications align with your practice’s needs during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience via email or phone [(phone number)].
I look forward to joining your esteemed practice and positively impacting dentistry.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referrals and Partnerships
Another reason to target dentists in your email campaign is if you’re planning to establish connections and partnerships within the dental industry.
Subject: Dentist Referral Inquiry – Seeking Your Expertise
Hello [Name],
Good day. I am reaching out with a humble request, as I need a trusted dentist for my dental care, and I recall that you are well-versed in the field.
Having known you for some time, I am confident in your judgment and expertise. Could you please spare a moment to provide a referral or recommend a dentist who you believe offers exceptional services? Your referral could have a significant impact on my decision-making process.
I greatly appreciate any information or guidance you can offer on this matter. Please let me know if you also have any suggestions or if you would be available for a brief conversation to discuss further.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration, [Name]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Wishing you all the best.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Want to remind recipients about your initial cold email? Check our own blog post on Cold Email Follow-Up – How to Get Your Prospect to Respond
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cold Email that Dentists Can’t Ignore
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Research and Create a List
First up, get new subscribers and continue to get hold of them.
One effective way to do this is by organically or manually building your list and adding the most relevant people or those who have expressed interest in your business or industry. An opt-in form on your website will also let you know users who have expressed interest in your product or service.
To create a list, consider these three factors:
1. Quality – Search for individuals who actively check their emails.
2. Relevance – Your subscribers should want to learn more about you or your business.
3. Volume – When you understand the two factors, start increasing your list by considering the two principles.
Understand Their Need and Pain Points
An ideal way of approaching cold email is to think of it from the dentists’ perspective – the ones who will receive your messages.
Picture the scenario where they’ll receive an email from you, a random person online. Will they open your email, read, and engage with your email? With that perspective in mind, your recipient will pay little attention to scanning your email.
One way to keep them engaged is by identifying their needs and pain points, empathizing with them, and fixing them using your product, service, or offering. It’s also important to consider your subject line. So, make sure it’s appealing to get your audience’s attention.
Related: How Long Should a Cold Email Be?
Specify Your Value Proposition
Highlighting what you can offer is one of the most vital parts of your cold email message. It’s the reason you’re cold-emailing your prospect, after all.
It doesn’t matter if you’re directing them about specific issues or selling something; specify how you can add value and why your email is worth their time.
Offer Your Congratulations
If you want to capture your prospect in a cold email outreach immediately, begin with a positive and congratulatory email. Doing so will make your prospects feel appreciated and capture their attention, which is your goal in email marketing.
However, to avoid landing in the spam folder, research a specific success or content that highlights your prospect’s achievements.
Seek Their Advice
Another strategy for writing an effective cold email to dentists is to seek their advice. This approach is more effective if your target recipient is a leader in their field or is known for success in a specific discipline.
Demonstrate You Understand Their Mission
Demonstrate in your own cold email campaigns that you understand your prospects’ mission and values. You can do this by doing your research and, equipped with such knowledge, showing them that you also want the same thing.
Show Positive Reviews or Testimonials from Other Dentists
Like any other profession, dentists value the experiences and opinions of their peers. Therefore, if they see that other dentists have positive feedback from your service or product, it’s suitable social proof that what you offer is trustworthy or credible.
Cold Email Marketing Best Practices
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Establish Your Credibility
You may know your prospects, but they know nothing about you. Therefore, it is essential to explain who you are, what you do or provide, and why you’re the right person to contact for their needs.
Personalize Your Email
If you’re sending a hundred identical emails to your prospects simultaneously, Email Service Providers (ESPs), like Outlook and Gmail, may quickly block your emails because they believe they’re spam.
But there’s a way to avoid the spam filters: personalize each message.
Personalization gives your emails a better chance of landing in the main inbox and being read by the right person. It also shows ESPs that you’re a trustworthy sender, so your future emails are more likely to stay out of the spam folder.
Never Bombard Your Prospects With Follow-Ups
Not everyone is comfortable receiving follow-up emails from someone they don’t know, have no connection with, and randomly offer their products or services.
So, strike the right balance. Use follow-ups only as a reminder for relationship-building and that they’re still valued.
Recap and Final Thoughts
Cold emailing is an effective way to reach dentists and create professional connections.
By following the strategies mentioned here, including researching and creating a list, understanding their needs and pain points, and specifying your value proposition, you increase your prospects’ chances of getting a response.
Lastly, remember that it takes time and effort to build a relationship. So, follow-up emails without being pushy and persistent are essential in this cold outreach process.
With refinement and consistent practice, you’ll build a network of dentists, leading to valuable opportunities and partnerships in the future.
The best cold emails to dentists are personal and helpful. Use InboxAlly email deliverability tool to get your campaigns off to a great start.
References:
[1] https://snov.io/blog/email-marketing-statistics/
[2] https://clearbit.com/blog/the-4-rules-for-sending-cold-email-that-convert