it's a trap...
Name the elf that wanted to be a dentist
Hermey
Do you take Delta Dental?
We have a lot of patients on that plan! We will do everything we can to maximize your plan, despite any restrictions or limitations.
I need to talk to my wife first.
I totally understand. I would do the same thing! What do you think she'll say?
What's the song written by a 2nd grade teacher in 1944 about a child who would like to speak clearly, but keeps whistling instead?
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth
Which common Christmas ornament accidentally caused thousands of dental-related ER visits in the 1980s and 1990s?
Glass ornaments mistaken for candy by toddlers
Why did the snowman go to the dentist?
To fix his frostbite!
I just started a new job and really need to come in after 4pm
It sounds as if you're really busy! We reserve time especially for what you're wanting to accomplish at 8 am. You'll be the only patient, and we'll be able to make the best use of your time. We can consolidate your treatment to minimize your treatment - will that work for you?
How much are implants?
Thank you so much for calling! Do you mind if I ask who I'm speaking with?
Tell me what you're wanting to accomplish..
It sounds like you've been doing some research - What do you know about implants?
I know Dr. would want to meet you and take a look personally - How about tomorrow at 2 pm for a complimentary consultation?
He had gingervitis!
My filling came out and now my tooth is really sensitive. I've been online and it sounds like I might need a root canal. what do you think?
Oh no! I'm so sorry you're having trouble. Do you mind telling me your name?
I'll bet Dr. Brady will want to meet you and personally take a look. We have time reserved especially for our new patients with these type of situations - can you make it in tomorrow at 2pm?
I received a list from my insurance saying I have to find a new dentist
That's absolutely not correct. We have several patients on your plan! Our doctor made the decision to change the relationship we have with your plan because they were asking us to downgrade our standard of care, and you deserve better!
What's unusual about reindeer teeth?
They only have teeth on the bottom!
How much do you charge for a new patient visit?
Do you mind if I ask who I'm speaking with?
I'm so glad you called! It sounds like you're looking for a new dentist - tell me what you'd like to accomplish on your first visit...
Which one is the worst one? Can you prioritize this for me?
It's really up to you. Where would you like to start?
There all kind of tied for first. It sounds like you want to spread out the treatment. Tell me more...
You get to decide where to start. Most of our patients like to take care of everything in a couple of well-planned visits to save time. What do you think?
How do you do an implant?
Great question! Tell me what it is about the process you'd like to know?
Can you just send a pre-determination?
We don't do many of those, but I'd be happy to get one out for you. The fee to submit a predetermination is $150, and we'll apply that do your treatment when you begin. Can you tell me why you're wanting to send a pre-det?
I don't want any x-rays today.
Why did Rudolph visit the dentist?
He wanted to get his BUCK teeth fixed!
No, I don't want x-rays.
This is likely an indication that you didn't base the x-rays on the patient objectives!
Tell me more...
Based on what you shared with me (want to keep teeth, keep them healthy, etc.) x-rays are a wonderful tool that will help you accomplish what's important to you.
Can't you just do a filling?
Tell me a little bit more...
You mentioned earlier that you want your teeth to be healthy - a filling won't help you achieve your objective.
How many times do you want to work on that tooth?
I'll do what my insurance will pay for.
You get to decide how much, if any treatment you want to complete. What if your plan doesn't cover things that are important to you?
Most patients have found that their dental plan is more of a 'rebate' or supplement, than actual insurance. Would it be helpful if you could spread out your financial obligation in the event you want to accomplish something that your plan doesn't cover?
That's a lot of money! There's no way I can do it.
I hear you - the good news is that the plan you chose represents most of the dentistry you'll have for the next several years. Would it be helpful if we could spread out the investment?
I just want to get my teeth cleaned.
Great! Do you mind me asking who I'm speaking with?
I'm so glad you called! Why is it important for you to get your teeth cleaned?
What are you looking for in a dental office?
What else would you like to accomplish when you come in?
Do I have to do everything at once?
Absolutely not. You get to decide the pace!
Most patients like to minimize their visits and take care of everything in 1-2 well planned visits - it sounds like you might want to spread it out - tell me more...