How to Turn Every Phone Call into a New Booking
A phone call is often the very first interaction a prospective new patient has with your practice; it’s also one of the only ways you will personally communicate with existing patients between dental appointments. It should come as no surprise then, that many of the impressions you’re going to create (or change) will happen over the phone.
Like most dental practices, the people answering the phone will be multi-tasking. There may be patients in the reception area, at checkout, or walking up to the front desk for assistance at the time a call comes in. Balancing each of these interactions is like a carefully learned dance; the more you practice, the smoother and more prepared it will look.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Take Notes
As good of a memory as you think you have, trying to remember the details of a call that happened earlier in the day isn’t always possible. Take notes during every call directly into; write down the caller’s name, why they’re calling, and what needs to be done for them next. Try to repeat the caller’s name back to them at some point in the conversation (even if it’s when you’re about to end the call) to help create a deeper connection between the patient as an individual and your practice.
2. Make an Appointment
Is someone calling about a sore tooth? Are they just requesting information about cleaning prices? Do they have a current treatment plan on file? Every call to your office is an invitation to request them to schedule an appointment…don’t let them get off of the phone without suggesting as much! Even if they’re calling for something else, you can always turn the conversation around into giving them a reason why they need an appointment.
For example, Mrs. Smith is calling because her husband’s denture broke. You could say “ I’m so sorry to hear that, Mrs. Smith. I see you are both due for checkups anyway, let’s go ahead and just set you both up for an exam and we’ll check Mr. Smith’s denture while you’re both here to see what we can do to fix it. Are you available tomorrow morning?”
3. Smile while you're Talking
Most likely you’ve heard this one before, but it’s true: if you’re smiling while you’re talking, people can tell on the other end of the phone. In high school, I did a stint as a telemarketer and we actually were given a mirror to keep on our desk so we could make sure we were smiling. It really works! Our tone of voice is just as important as our facial gestures, and when someone is calling from across town, all they can do is hear you talk. People who smile create an impression of genuine concern and trustworthiness.
4. Always Answer the Phone
Every phone call needs to be picked up within three rings. Being in the sterilisation room, lab, or somewhere else doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for answering. If the assistant or hygienist has stepped out of the operatory for some reason at a given moment while the phone happens to be ringing off the hook, they need to pick it up and follow the previously listed instructions! The same goes for the office manager. Front desk personnel should be answering 95% of the calls, but there will always be exceptions to the rule when things get busy.
5. Offer a Free Consultation, instead of an "over-the-phone" Quote
We all know that dental service prices vary based on the unique needs of our patients, but patients don’t always understand that. In fact, they frequently think the dentist is hiding prices on purpose. If someone wants a price on a particular service, explain to them that it depends on things like the extent of care that is needed, and the time involved. Offer a chance for them to have a complimentary, no-pressure consultation to get a firmer estimate on the type of treatment they’re looking for.
6. Answer the Phone during Lunch
It actually hurts my head when I call a dental practice and get a recording they are “out for lunch”. Any prospective patient calling your office at that time is hanging up and calling the next dentist. Think about not only what you’ve lost by not setting an appointment for that patient, but the potential lost lifetime value of that patient. Such a simple fix! Stagger lunch hour for your front desk or receptionist team. Many patients call during lunch hour, because it’s the only time they’re able to. If possible, have one of your receptionists take an early or late lunch, then work your normal closed lunchtime to answer the phone, so that you can connect with all of the potential patients that will be calling at that time.
7. Answer the Phone Correctly
Generic answering phrases can easily roll off the tongue, but they don’t create the personal connection that a dentist’s office deserves. Be sure to add a friendly flair by using your name, like “ Harvest Valley Dental, this is Cathy, how can I help you?” vs. “Dentist’s office…” and then wait for them to respond.
8. Your "Live" Patients Should always come First
Once someone is already in your practice, they need all of your attention. If for any reason your conversation needs to be interrupted by a phone call, answer the phone and ask them to hold for just a moment while you check a patient out, and then return to the call as promptly as possible.
A lot of dental professionals get into a routine of saying the same phrases all day, day after day… phone calls can be similar. Review these basic rules on your own and as a team, to help keep everyone at their peak performance!
Want to hear examples of great calls?
The following recordings are some examples of calls that show how you can turn every enquiry into a booking:
- Receptionist is personable, clear and has a happy, smiling voice
- Qualifying questions were asked, such as how many teeth he was missing, if he had a HeathFund, and how he found the practice
- Once she found an appointment time that worked for the patient, she got his information and told him she would email him with practice info and explained there was free parking, making everything EASY for the patient.
- Great closing: “Is there anything you need to ask me?” “Thank you for making that appointment. We appreciate that.”
- Receptionist is personable, clear and has a happy, smiling voice
- Was with a patient, so grabbed caller details to call back –– great example of answering the phone straight away, but putting the patient who is at the practice desk as a priority
- Receptionist answered straight away, but asked to put the caller on hold. Patient was immediately passed off to another receptionist and a booking was made
- Receptionist was friendly and spoke calmly and clearly
- Found a time that worked great for the practice and the patient
- Receptionist displays empathy towards the patient –– expresses real concern when patients talk about their tooth problems
- Very friendly and caring
- Clearly explained how the consultations worked
- Worked well with the patient to find a suitable appointment time
- Receptionist is very attentive & kind toward the patient
- Qualifying questions were asked to prepare for the appointment
- Had an enthusiastic voice & very helpful: "We have ample free parking for you"
- Great closing: “I’ll be there to welcome you." and “Thank you for taking the time to call us. We appreciate it.”
- Receptionist offered a free consult straight away to get the ball rolling
- Very friendly, personable… like a ferry godmother
- You can tell that the receptionist is smiling and in turn the patient feels comfortable
- Asked questions for the practice, such as "How did you hear about us?"
- Will be sending follow up email
- New patient requesting an Invisalign Consultation
- Patient wanted a same-day appointment –– receptionist responded with: “I’ll make something happen for you!”
- Receptionist made the call very personable, asked personal questions and made a connection - lovely
- Requested to come 10min before for new patient to fill out the form
- Receptionist very clearly explained what the free consultation included and how every patient is different
- Very clear & friendly tone
- Listened to the patient and the concerns, and was able to gently book in a free consultation
Recommended Resource For Receptionists:
Click to access our Specific Scenarios Reception Training
It contains the most common reasons where new patient bookings are lost on the phone and how to solve these scenarios.
Recommended Action Steps:
- Print out the Specific Scenarios Reception Manual for each of your receptionists
- Train your reception staff before the campaigns go live
- Continue training staff on a regular basis (schedule a meeting once a week, and then move to monthly).
We’ve found that dental practices who use this manual and prioritise training their staff on securing new patients see the greatest increase in the number of bookings.