Improved Patient Experience Starts With The Dental Office Receptionist

Getting regular check-ups from the dentist not only is important for one’s health but is also beneficial for preventing tooth decay and other issues that could potentially cause problems down the road. Some patients put off going to the dentist just for those reasons alone. Others hate going because of the time and expense. But did you know, a study found out patients also dislike waiting in that unpleasant reception office?

Waiting rooms and dentist offices are rarely fun places to spend time, but using these tips can help to improve dental patient experiences and inspire more people to make regular visits to the dentist again.

Making a Lasting First Impression

First impressions are important. When patients are walking into the waiting room, have that area reflect the practices attitude toward overall patient comfort. It should be clean, calm and relaxing.

This also reflects on the receptionist’s appearance. In order to establish a lasting and professional impression, receptionists should dress neat and clean, providing patients with a smile that is warm and welcoming.

Calming a Patient’s Worries Over the Phone

Nerves don’t start when the patient arrives. They often worry about going to the dentist before they even pick up the phone to make an appointment. This is why telephone interactions are also important in dental patient experience.

To help patients feel comfortable about talking about their dental problems, phone etiquette is important. The greeting should be clear, concise and friendly. Ideally, phones should be answered away from the front desk to allow the receptionist to focus on the present patient.

Being Friendly to Patients and Other Staff Members

Patients in the office should be welcomed with a positive interaction, eye contact, and a nice smile to build client relationships and trust. Patients who trust their receptionists feel at ease and are more likely to enjoy their check up and look forward to coming back. Receptionists relationships amongst themselves should also be clear and have consistent systems put in place to ensure positive patient experiences that lead to cooperative and collaborative relationships. Another important key to improving dental patient experience is how the staff and receptionists communicate with each other.

Speaking Properly to Patients

Receptionists tend not to use “medical terms” with patients who have questions or are just receiving information from the clinical team.

As such, receptionists should be able to understand the information that was given to the patient by the clinical team and be able to reinforce that information. It’s easier for the patient to understand and is also beneficial in helping to create client relationships, trust, and the right impressions.

The importance of improving dental patient experience is not only crucial for first-time patients, but it is also very significant in improving that experience with patients who have had bad interactions in the past with other dentists or with patients who just have a fear of being at a dentist office.

Whatever the dismay might be, it is essential to keep the same amount of awareness and care for each patient and continue to work towards a greater dental patient experience.