Departments Jane had just accepted implant treatment for a missing mandibular second molar. She was impressed by Dr. Washington’s presentation. He emphasized how the implant would restore chewing capacity, prevent future bone loss, and stop any adjacent teeth from shifting. He said implants were now recognized by many practitioners as the standard of care for missing teeth. He highlighted that this treatment would be an investment in her oral health. She liked the sound of those words. Jane was motivated to move forward with treatment, but she had some nagging doubts about the cost. At the front desk, Jane expressed those doubts to the scheduling coordinator: “Dr. Washington said I should get an implant for this missing tooth in the back. I want to, but I’m just not sure. I don’t like having a missing tooth, but the money…it’s a big factor. What would you do?” How would your scheduling coordinator respond? Response A: “You could probably wait to get that done, especially if the money is a factor.” Response B: “I don’t know. I just schedule the appointments.” Response C: “Jane, I understand your concerns, but with this treatment you’re making an investment in your oral health. Dr. Washington has performed this procedure for years, and patients have loved the results. We have great payment options that make implant treatment very affordable.” If your team is not saying something similar to Response C, then your case acceptance ratio is probably not as high as it should be. SUPPORT AND VALIDATION Almost every patient, at some point, will ask the front desk staff’s opinions about proposed treatment. This can be a blessing or a curse. It depends on how well trained the team is on the practice’s services and the staff’s ability to reinforce what the dentist has outlined as best options for care. The front desk staff is often the last line of defense and can make a significant difference in the amount of case acceptance. They can act as more of a friend to patients than the dentist, who comes across as the expert. TRAINING THE TEAM The way you and your team communicate with patients affects every practice operation, especially scheduling, case presentation, and accounts receivable. With the right training and coaching, staff members can learn to improve their verbal skills, which will benefit both the team and the practice. THE POWER OF SCRIPTING While scripts must be adapted to the speaking style of each team member, scripting conveys a consistent message to patients and sets a tone on how to address issues and develop solutions. The ability of your dental team to communicate effectively and efficiently will have a positive impact on the financial health of your practice. When well-trained team members effectively communicate the benefits of treatment, the staff reinforces the recommendations of the dentist, resulting in increased case acceptance. When scripting is implemented consistently throughout the practice, practice owners see marked improvement in three critical areas: (1) patient trust; (2) treatment knowledge; and (3) staff enthusiasm. Patient Trust Even if a tremendously positive relationship exists between the patient and the dentist, the individual will not automatically accept a comprehensive restorative or cosmetic treatment plan without having more questions. Often, when the dentist finishes the case presentation, the patient will turn to an assistant or hygienist and ask for his or her opinion on the treatment plan. Relying on the trust factor the patient has for the practice, the team member should reinforce treatment benefits as well as the dentist’s clinical skills by using positive statements to answer any remaining patient questions. Scripting can help team members properly handle these and other patient interactions. Treatment Knowledge Scripting keeps all team members on the same page. When patients have concerns or ask questions, team members can provide consistent and accurate answers. If patients hear conflicting information information from staff members about recommended treatment, patients become confused and may turn down the recommended treatment. When team members fully communicate the treatment benefits in a coordinated manner, the staff reinforces the dentist’s recommendations, resulting in increased case acceptance. Staff Enthusiasm The dental team will develop a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward treatment plans through a combination of education and motivation. In addition to scripting, coaching is another technique to help the staff stay focused, positive, and motivated. Structured morning meetings represent one of the best opportunities for the dentist and senior team members to emphasize and reinforce the benefits of superior customer service. Coaching should occur before and after patient interactions, especially when the practice has new team members on board. An educated and motivated staff is able to positively present and reinforce treatment plans with patients. For example, if a patient asks about whitening and the team member can reinforce the benefits of having a beautiful smile enthusiastically and confidently, the patient often will accept treatment. Using power words like “great,” “fantastic,” and “terrific” is a critical way to build this sense of enthusiasm with patients. Here’s an example from Levin Group’s extensive script library: Scheduling Coordinator: Mrs. Jones, I hear you’ll be getting some smile enhancement. Congratulations! You’ll love the results. Patient: You think so? I don’t know. I’m having some second thoughts. It seems a bit self-indulgent. Scheduling Coordinator: You deserve a great smile. After it’s done, you’ll look terrific and you’ll feel even better. All of Dr. Washington’s patients rave about the results. Patient: Well, I do need something to rave about. Thanks. Scheduling Coordinator: Okay, let’s make that appointment. Notice how the scheduling coordinator reinforced the dentist’s recommendations by emphasizing the benefits of a whiter smile and using power words and phrases (“love the results,” “deserve a great smile,” “terrific,” etc). The journey from case acceptance to case completion can be a challenging one, unless you have a team who can support you with the right communication skills. CONCLUSION |