As a dental receptionist, your first interaction with a new patient often sets the tone for their entire experience with your practice. Asking the right questions during the initial phone call can help you build rapport, understand their needs, and ultimately, persuade them to choose your practice.
Why is it so important to ask the right questions?
Handling NHS enquiries:
If a patient enquires about NHS services and your practice doesn’t accept them, it’s crucial to provide a comprehensive response. Here’s an example:
“We don’t currently accept NHS patients, however we offer a wide range of treatments at an affordable price and our experienced dentists provide personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. We also offer flexible payment options and can provide you with more information on our finance plans. Would you like to schedule a consultation to discuss your options further?”
By offering alternative solutions and emphasising the benefits of choosing your practice, you can still attract patients who may initially be hesitant due to cost limitations.
Additional questions to ask:
Track and convert new patients using a lead board
In addition to asking the right questions, utilising a lead board can significantly enhance your ability to track and convert new patients. A lead board is a visual tool that allows you to organise and prioritise incoming enquiries.

The benefits:
By asking the right questions and effectively utilising a lead board, you can significantly increase your ability to convert new patients and grow your dental practice.
Are you looking to track your leads? For more information about our lead boards, please contact us on 01202 677277.