Dental Consultant Advice: Condolences

I recently had a discussion with several dental consultants and dentists about what they would recommend or do to send condolences when a patient passes away.

One recommended flowers because so many of the attendees would read the note that comes with the flowers so it was a good way "to get your name out there". 

I personally was offended by that idea and found it self-serving.

One of the dentists mentioned a handwritten card because it's more personal and takes more effort. I thought that was very good advice.