Many dentists think that to get more patients, they need to spend more money on advertising. But that’s not really the best way to do it. Think about it: What’s the point of getting lots of leads from marketing if your team is not the most effective at getting them in for an appointment? You’d be flushing money down the drain. 

When someone is on the lookout for a new dentist, they have plenty of choices. The way your team communicates with these potential patients over the phone plays a crucial role in whether they decide to go with your practice or another one nearby.

This initial interaction is critical in shaping how the patient perceives your practice. Receptionists, therefore, play a key role in this process, even though they might not traditionally be seen as part of the sales team. The issue often lies not with the receptionists’ abilities or intentions but with a lack of understanding of how their interactions can significantly impact the success of the practice.

Many dentists believe their teams excel at turning inquiries into appointments, yet this belief often lacks the support of proper tracking and analysis. Our experience with clients has revealed surprising truths once they examine the actual data. While most dentists are confident in their receptionists’ abilities to book patients, they don’t have a firsthand account of these interactions. Our software changes that, enabling them to listen to how staff communicate with patients and providing crucial statistics, including conversion rates. More often than not, they are taken aback by the reality these insights reveal.

On average, dental practices convert only about 30 to 35% of potential new patient calls into appointments. This means that for every 10 inquiries, only around 3 result in booked appointments, whereas top-performing practices manage to secure a much higher rate. This discrepancy highlights a missed opportunity for many practices due to ineffective communication strategies.

Patients are looking for a practice where they feel valued, understood, and comfortable. The most successful dental offices excel in communication. They ask pertinent questions, effectively address concerns, and create a welcoming atmosphere that connects with callers emotionally.

We’ve compiled a free ebook aimed at helping receptionists enhance their approach to patient interactions. It covers techniques like asking effective questions, taking charge of the conversation, and leaving a lasting impression that increases the likelihood of booking an appointment.

By applying the insights from our ebook, dental practices can significantly improve their conversion rates. The focus is on shifting from transactional to relational interactions, making potential patients feel valued and more inclined to choose your practice for their dental care needs.

You can download the ebook for free at https://revupdental.com/discovery

Improving your dental practice’s patient flow in 2024 and beyond requires a shift in focus towards optimizing staff-patient interactions. By understanding the emotional aspects of patient decisions and equipping your team with the right communication skills, you can significantly increase your patient base without solely relying on increased marketing efforts. Remember, the key to doubling your patient flow lies within your practice – in the hands of your staff and their ability to connect with and convert potential patients.