Glossary
Terms and
definitions.
Key terms in dental patient loyalty, retention, and gift card programs.
Digital Gift Card
An electronically delivered gift card, redeemable at a retailer.
Front Desk Experience
The quality of the patient's interaction with your front desk team.
Gift Card Fulfillment
The delivery of a gift card to the intended recipient.
Milestone Visit
A visit that marks a meaningful patient anniversary — 1, 5, 10 years.
New Patient Welcome
A same-day appreciation gesture to a first-time patient.
Patient Lifetime Value
The total revenue a practice earns from a single patient over the years.
Patient Loyalty Program
A structured way for dental practices to reward returning patients.
Patient Retention
The rate at which existing dental patients continue booking appointments.
Post-Treatment Thank You
An appreciation gesture after a longer or more difficult procedure.
Practice Management System (PMS)
The software a dental practice uses to run day-to-day operations.
Reactivation
Getting a lapsed patient to book again after 12+ months.
Recall
A scheduled reminder for a patient's next cleaning or exam.
Recall Rate
The percentage of patients who book within 30 days of a recall reminder.
Referral Program
A structured way to reward patients for referring friends and family.
Second Visit Rate
The percentage of new patients who return for a second appointment.