Client Retention Call Scripts for Dentists
Retaining patients is the most cost-effective way to grow your dental practice, especially since a single lost crown or root canal appointment can cost you $1,000 or more. These scripts are designed to help your team maintain a personal touch without disrupting your workflow in the operatory.
Post-Procedure Check-in
Call the patient 24 hours after a major procedure like a crown, root canal, or extraction.
Hi [Patient Name], this is [Name] from [Practice Name]. Dr. [Dentist Name] asked me to check in and see how you are feeling after your crown prep yesterday. We want to make sure your bite feels even and any sensitivity is starting to settle down. If you have any sharp edges or persistent pain that isn't responding to the over-the-counter meds we discussed, please give us a call. We want to make sure you are comfortable!
Tips for this scenario
- -Mention the specific procedure to show you have their chart open.
- -Focus on 'comfort' and 'bite' as these are the most common post-op concerns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips
- 1.Always offer two specific appointment times (e.g., Tuesday at 9 or Thursday at 2) rather than asking 'when are you free?'
- 2.Use SkipCalls to ensure no emergency toothache call goes to voicemail while your hands are in a patient's mouth.
- 3.Keep a 'Short Call List' of patients who can come in on short notice for cancellations to keep your chairs full.
- 4.Smile while you are talking; even over the phone, patients can hear the difference in your tone.
- 5.Update your scripts seasonally to mention insurance deadlines or back-to-school check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the patient says they can't afford the treatment right now?
Empathize first, then mention flexible options like your in-house membership plan or third-party financing like CareCredit to break a $1,000 bill into manageable chunks.
How often should I call a lapsed patient before stopping?
A good rule of thumb is '3-2-1': 3 calls over the first month, 2 calls the following month, and 1 final 'we're here if you need us' call at the 6-month mark.
What is the best time of day to make these retention calls?
Late mornings (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM) or mid-afternoons (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM) usually yield the highest answer rates for dental patients.
Should the Dentist or the Receptionist make these calls?
Retention and reminder calls are best handled by the front desk. However, a 30-second 'How are you feeling?' call from the Dentist after a surgery goes a long way in building lifelong loyalty.
Stop Losing High-Value Dental Patients to Voicemail.
While you're busy with a $1,200 crown, SkipCalls acts as your 24/7 AI dental receptionist. It books appointments, filters spam, and ensures that every emergency caller speaks to a professional AI rather than a machine.
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