Understanding Your Metrics: New Patients

New patients are a hot topic in every dental office. They keep your schedule full, your production steady, and your business growing. While it’s natural to lose some patients over time—whether they move away, change insurance, or pass on—it’s important to have a steady flow of new patients coming in to maintain and grow your numbers.

A consistent stream of new patients not only replaces natural attrition but also drives the momentum your practice needs to reach new goals.

What Counts as a New Patient?

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood metrics in dentistry. Every office defines it differently—some consider a patient inactive after 18 months.

We like to keep it simple:

A new patient is anyone who has not had a preventive appointment in three years or more and is now in need of a comprehensive exam (D0150).

Here’s why that matters:
The D0150 code indicates that the patient has officially committed to your office and completed a full, comprehensive exam—not just a limited exam visit to fix a broken tooth or a second opinion.

Many offices mistakenly count anyone who steps through the door as a “new patient,” even if they were only seen for an emergency exam or consult. This can skew your numbers and lead to frustration when your new patients number are strong, but production or growth feels stagnant.

Counting true, comprehensive new patients gives you a more accurate picture of your growth and retention.

Why This Metric Matters
Each new patient represents opportunity. They often need treatment, bring family members, and—most importantly—become active, loyal patients who contribute to your long-term success.

How to Track and Benchmark
First, decide on your definition of a new patient and stick with it.
If you use the “three-year rule,” you can easily track new patients by running a report for the D0150 comprehensive exam code.

If your dental software generates this report automatically on a metrics dashboard without having to input anything, double-check what it’s labeling as “new patients.” Ensure that you are tracking new patients the same way or chose to use your own report.

How to Get More New Patients

When it comes to growth, referrals are huge. The best new patients come from your existing patients. Patients typically refer patients that are like them. 

Here are a few proven ways to boost your new patient numbers:

1. Create an internal referral program.
   Make it easy (and fun) for patients to refer their friends and family. Create a rackcard to make patients aware of this. Offer thank-you cards, referral incentives, or small appreciation gifts. Make sure to check your state law on referral gifts.
2. Incentivize Your Team
   Your team plays a key role in helping you create new patients. They should be engaging with patients during visits—asking about their families, friends, and coworkers—to naturally generate referrals and build connections. When a team member helps get a new patient scheduled, recognize and celebrate it during the morning huddle. Public acknowledgment goes a long way in reinforcing positive behavior and creating excitement. You can even make it a fun, friendly competition to keep everyone motivated and involved in growing the practice together.
3. Deliver an exceptional experience.
   When patients feel genuinely cared for, they naturally want to tell others. Great experiences drive great referrals.
4. Leverage social proof.
   Ask happy patients to leave reviews online. A strong reputation on Google builds trust faster than any ad ever could.
5. Be visible in your community.
   Participating in local events is a great way to introduce yourself and your practice to potential patients—especially if you’re a new doctor in town. Celebrate National and Appreciation Days like Teacher Appreciation Day or Nurses Week by sending fun baskets with snacks, treats, or pizza to local hospitals, schools, or offices, along with a note of appreciation and some information about your practice. These thoughtful gestures spark conversations in breakrooms, remind current patients that you care, and help new patients learn who you are in a genuine way. Don’t forget to celebrate these days with your existing patients too—sharing photos or shoutouts on social media can generate great engagement and strengthen your community connection. Ground marketing builds trust and name recognition where it matters most—right in your neighborhood.
6. Use online marketing strategically.
   If you specialize in certain services that you want to gain more of—like implants, Invisalign, or cosmetic dentistry—targeted online ads can help attract those specific patients.
   

Growing your new patient numbers isn’t about luck or expensive marketing—it’s about strategy, systems, and consistency. Define what counts as a new patient, track it accurately, and focus on delivering an experience that patients can’t help but share.

When you do that, your numbers—and your reputation—will naturally grow. If you're ready to take the first step into maximizing your profits. Start by maximizing your schedule schedule click here to get our FREE step-by-step guide to fill your schedule!