Creating high-quality patient testimonial videos can be simple. Here are some easy tips to help you make your videos look great:

• Please film in landscape mode (hold your phone sideways). We need a horizontal video, not a vertical (portrait) one.
• Before filming, check your phone’s camera settings and make sure it is set to record in high-quality video.
• Hold your phone as still as possible while the patient is speaking. Avoid moving the camera around during the testimonial.

• Ensure that your filming environment is as quiet as possible. Background noise can be distracting and reduce the overall quality of your video.
• For example, if your ventilation system is making too much noise, consider turning it down or filming in another location. Be sure to let your colleagues know you are filming, especially if you are using a shared space, such as the reception area or an office, so they can help keep the area quiet. If there are TVs or other noisy devices nearby, turn them down or off. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in your audio quality.

• If you have a window in the room, position yourself (the camera) with the window behind you. This way, the natural light will illuminate the patient’s face, creating a pleasing and clear image. Avoid filming with the window directly in front of the camera to prevent backlighting and shadows.

• Frame the patient from the waist up. Make sure the focus is on the patient’s face and not the background. This keeps the attention on their face, making the testimonial more engaging.

• What first brought you to our dental practice?
• How long have you been coming to our office?
• Why do you keep choosing our practice for your dental care?
• How would you describe your overall experience with our dental team?
• How do you feel about the care you’ve received from us?

• Can you describe the atmosphere when you walk into our dental office?
• How do you feel about the friendliness and professionalism of our team?
• What’s something our staff does that makes your visit more enjoyable?
• How do we make you feel at ease during your appointments?
• Can you share a moment when our team went above and beyond for you?
• What makes you feel like a valued member of our dental family?

• What was it like to get your teeth whitened here?
• How happy are you with your whiter smile?
• What changes have you noticed since your teeth whitening treatment?

• Can you tell us about your experience getting dental implants?
• How have dental implants made a difference in your daily life?
• How have dental implants boosted your confidence?

• Why did you decide to get veneers with us?
• What was the process of getting veneers like for you?
• What do you love most about your new veneers?

• Can you share your journey with braces or Invisalign at our office?
• How has straightening your teeth improved your smile and health?
• Would you recommend our braces or Invisalign services to friends or family?

• How have we helped you keep your mouth healthy over the years?
• Can you think of a specific moment or treatment that made you trust us?
• What would you say to someone thinking about choosing our dental practice?
• How do you feel about the care and attention you get from our team?
• What makes our dental practice stand out from others you’ve been to?

• How have our check-ups and cleanings helped you avoid bigger dental issues?
• What’s your experience been like with our routine dental care?
• Why do you trust us with your regular dental check-ups?

• Can you talk about your experience with our cosmetic dentistry services?
• How have our cosmetic treatments made a difference in your smile?

Here are some useful questions you can ask to prompt great responses:

• “Can you describe what your dental situation was like before the procedure, and how it has changed since then?”
• “How did you feel during the procedure, and how did the dental team ensure your comfort throughout the process?”
• “How has the dental procedure impacted your daily life and confidence, both personally and professionally?”
• “What was your experience with the dental team’s care and support before, during, and after the procedure?”
• “Would you recommend this dental practice to others considering a similar procedure, and what advice would you give to someone who is considering it?”

• “Can you tell us how you felt about coming to the dentist before your visit? Were you nervous or excited?”
• “What was your favorite part of your visit to the dentist? Did anything make you feel especially happy or comfortable?”
• “How did the dentist and the staff make you feel during your visit? Did they explain things to you in a way that was easy to understand?”
• “Did you learn anything new about taking care of your teeth during your visit? What fun things did you do while you were here?”
• (for their parents) “As a parent, how do you feel about the care your child received at our dental practice? Did you notice any positive changes in their attitude towards dental visits and oral hygiene?”

• “Can you share your overall experience with our dental practice? What stood out to you the most about your visits?”
• “How do you feel about the results of your dental treatment? How has it improved your oral health and appearance?”
• “How did the dental team ensure you felt comfortable and well-cared for during your appointments? Were there any specific moments or actions that made a difference?”
• “In what ways has your dental treatment impacted your daily life, confidence, or overall well-being?”
• “Would you recommend our dental practice to others? What would you say to someone considering us for their dental care needs?”

If they ask about CDCP coverage:

1. Have you already applied for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
2. Have you received your CDCP coverage letter or Sun Life ID number?
3. Do you currently have other dental insurance through work, a spouse, or a private plan?
4. Do you know which coverage tier you’ve been assigned under CDCP?
5. Are there any specific treatments or concerns you’d like help with right away?

A: Not always. Some treatments are fully covered, others partially. We can submit a cost estimate for you so there are no surprises.

A: Yes, if CDCP doesn’t cover the full amount, the balance is collected at your appointment. We’ll always give you a detailed breakdown in advance.

A: Most people are covered for one cleaning every 12 months. We can confirm with a pre-authorization if you’d like.

A: Generally no. CDCP is only for patients without dental insurance. The exception is for some retirees who opted out of pension dental benefits before December 11, 2023.

A: It is possible if eligibility changes, such as gaining private insurance. That’s why we always confirm coverage before treatment.

• Reframe costs as savings: Instead of “You’ll still have to pay $25,” say:
  “With CDCP, your cost is only $25 instead of the full $250.”
• Stay positive, warm, and transparent.

If already booked:

Always lead the conversation with warmth, questions, and clarity. Patients often feel confused about CDCP – your role is to reassure them, explain coverage simply, and confidently guide them toward booking.

Sarah desperately needs a dentist. She’s been putting it off for months, but the sensitivity is getting worse. So she finally decides to book an appointment.

But she has two options.

She books online.

Click. Click. Done.

No questions. No reassurance. No idea what the experience will actually be like.

Just a time slot.

She calls.

On the other end:

Frustrated, she hangs up, and immediately calls the next clinic.

Same Sarah. Same problem. Different approach.

This time:

Same patient. Same question. Two completely different outcomes.

One Sarah feels dismissed. One Sarah feels taken care of. One keeps calling around. One books with you.

Most reception teams don’t realize this is happening. They think their job is to just schedule appointments. But if a patient just wanted a time slot…they wouldn’t have called.

They call because they want something more:

• Reassurance
• Connection
• Confidence they’re choosing the right place

And in a competitive market, if you don’t give them that… someone else will. This is your secret advantage.

You have 7 seconds to make a positive impression, and you don’t get a second shot.

Clear. Confident. Easy to follow. No confusion about who they reached or where they called. Just a strong start.

(This is where most teams start to lose the patient)

This step is simple, but almost no one does it. And it makes a massive difference.

Before you ask questions. Before you explain anything. Acknowledge what they said.

• “Of course, I can help with that.”
• “Oh no, that sounds painful, let’s take care of you”
• “Absolutely, I can walk you through that.”

This is the moment the patient decides: “They care” or “I’m calling the next clinic.”

Yes, the decision happens that fast.

Don’t jump into scheduling. Ask first.

• “Can you tell me a bit more about what’s going on?”
• “Are you looking for a check-up, or is something bothering you?”
• “Have you been in to see us before?”

Get to know the person, not just their schedule or insurance. You’re not talking to a policy. You’re talking to someone trying to make a decision.

Not with a script. Not with a speech. With relevance.

This is your moment. Do you feel it? This is where you separate yourself from every other clinic they’ve called.

This is your secret advantage. You now know what they need, so show them exactly why your practice is the right choice.

Let me give you a quick idea of what to expect here. We have a great team of [#] dentists, including [specialties], and we’re really focused on making visits feel easy and comfortable, from evening and weekend appointments to a welcoming space where you can actually relax when you walk in. We’ll take great care of you here.

For [service], it typically involves [simple explanation], and most patients are around [$X]. We can also run everything through your insurance ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect, no surprises. Our team is fantastic with this type of treatment, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of every step of the way.

Our priority is getting you out of pain as quickly as possible. Dr. [Name] is fantastic with this, very gentle, very efficient, and will make sure you’re taken care of and feeling better as soon as possible.

• Be relevant
• Be confident
• Let them hear your smile

This isn’t about listing features. It’s about making the patient feel like they’ve found the right place. This is where average calls turn into booked patients!

If you’ve done this right, they’ll often ask to book. If not, guide them:

No dead ends. No back-and-forth. Just clear next steps. And if you can’t help?

Recommend someone who can. It builds trust, leaves a strong impression, and keeps your practice top of mind when they (or someone they know) need you next.

The end of the call is just as important as the beginning, even if the appointment is already booked. This is where most people drop the ball.

• They relax.
• They rush.
• They become forgettable…and forgettable doesn’t get booked again.

So Instead. Finish strong.

• Be clear.
• Be confident.
• Be intentional.

Then ask:

This one question?

• It catches hesitation.
• It shows you actually care.
• It opens the door for future bookings.

• You are not just answering phones.
• You are not just booking appointments.
• You are not just “helping out.”

You are influencing decisions. Every call is a choice: You OR the clinic down the street

And the difference?

• It’s not your pricing.
• It’s not your website.
• It’s not your equipment.

It’s how the patient feels when they talk to you. 

Get that right…and they stop calling around. They stop comparing. They stop hesitating. They choose you.

Most people will do anything to avoid a phone call these days. We’ll fill out forms, chat with bots, book online… whatever it takes to avoid actually picking up the phone. So when someone does call your practice… that’s a powerful signal:

They don’t want a bot. They want a human. Because they’re not just booking an appointment, they’re deciding who to trust.

Listen for what’s really driving that call. Then speak directly to it. Show them the parts of your practice that solve their specific worry. Be the human element they need.