Skip To Content

Are You Turning Away New Patients?


Are You Turning Away New Dental Patients? Most dentists would say that potential patients are never turned away, especially because...
A+ A- A Main Content

Dental Patients

Most dentists would say that potential patients are never turned away, especially because it can be difficult to bring them in. However, you and your staff could be accidentally turning away new patients without even realizing it. Whether this is happening during a patient’s first visit to the office, or even during their first phone call, there are ways you can avoid this issue.

Make Sure All Patients Are Being Welcomed

When trying to make sure that patients are all being welcomed to your office, you need to examine the way questions are being answered by your office staff. During the initial phone call to make an appointment, a patient will probably have questions regarding insurance and payment. Instead of simply answering these questions and hanging up, you may want to train your staff to ask a few more in-depth questions at the same time. For example, have your receptionist say, “Yes, I’ll gladly answer your questions about insurance. I’d also like to know what prompted your call today! What are your concerns regarding your dental health?” This will establish an immediate bond with the potential patient.

Secondly, it’s important to train staff to use patient’s names when talking to them. This will make your staff seem even more personable and friendly, but make sure you don’t overdo it and seem to be trying too hard!

The next thing you’ll want to do is find out how new patients are learning about your practice. Many dentists will simply put this question on their new patient paperwork, but asking in person can allow you and your staff to bond with patients. For example, if a patient says he or she found your office on a list of their PPO’s, you can say, “Yes, we have many long-term patients who found us through Blank Insurance! They enjoy coming to see Dr. Smith and we think you will, too!” This gives you an opportunity to plug your practice a bit.

These are just a few ways to make potential patients feel welcomed and valued. For more tips on bringing in new patients or retaining current patients, please contact CTC Associates today!

Posted on Jan 23, 2017
Image Credit:
File ID 9701211 | © Kurhan | Dreamstime.com

Share:

Archived Articles


March 10th, 2025

For dentists ready to take the next step in their careers, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy an established…

February 24th, 2025

Selling a dental practice is a significant decision that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Many factors…

February 10th, 2025

Selling a dental practice is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a dental professional. Ensuring a smooth…

January 27th, 2025

Valuing your dental practice is a critical step in preparing for a sale or transition. A well-calculated valuation ensures…

January 20th, 2025

The dental industry is undergoing significant changes, shaped by shifting patient expectations, advances in technology, and…

Insights & Resources

Whether you're a seasoned dental professional planning your next big move or just beginning to explore the possibilities of buying or selling a dental practice, you've come to the right place. Our blog is designed to provide valuable insights, expert advice, and the latest industry trends to help you navigate the complexities of dental practice transitions. With decades of experience serving Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, we are your trusted partners in building successful dental careers. Explore our articles and discover how we can support your journey toward achieving your professional goals.