Phone Scripts
Phone Script Templates for Dentists (2026)
When you are in the operatory with your hands in a patient's mouth, you cannot answer the phone, but a missed call often means a patient goes to the clinic down the street. These scripts ensure every caller feels heard and cared for, whether they have a minor question or a dental emergency. Using a consistent script helps your front desk or AI service convert callers into booked appointments while you focus on patient care.
Emergency Toothache or Abscess
Use this when a caller is in pain and needs an immediate appointment.
I am so sorry to hear you are in pain; let's get you taken care of right away. Are you experiencing any swelling in your jaw or do you have a fever? Dr. Smith has an opening at 2:00 PM today for an emergency exam and X-ray which starts at $200. We want to make sure that tooth doesn't get infected, so can I get your name to hold that spot? We will do our best to provide relief or perform the extraction if needed during that visit.
Tips for this scenario
- -Always ask about swelling or fever to triage the severity of the infection.
- -Give a specific time immediately to prevent them from calling a competitor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
!Putting a patient in pain on hold for more than 30 seconds.
!Failing to ask for insurance information before the patient arrives.
!Using too much clinical jargon like 'obturation' or 'malocclusion' instead of 'filling' or 'crooked teeth'.
!Letting the phone ring to voicemail during lunch hours when patients are most likely to call.
!Not mentioning the specific 'starting at' price, which leads to bill shocks later.
