I have ChatGPT, so basically I'm a dentist.
Can't you just save my tooth instead of replacing it with an implant?
Tell me a little bit more...
How long do you want it to last?
How many times do you want to work on that tooth?
You mentioned earlier that you want your teeth to be healthy - at this point trying to save this tooth will prolong the inevitable and could affect your overall health.
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 husband first.
I totally understand. I would do the same thing!
What do you think he'll say?
Would it be helpful if we were to schedule a zoom call to include him in the conversation?
When would you like for me to follow up with you?
What do you charge for crowns?
Thank you so much for calling! Do you mind me asking who I'm speaking with?
It sounds like you're looking for a dentist... Tell me a bit more about what's going on?
I'll bet Dr. Brady would love to meet you and take a look personally. How about tomorrow or Monday at 2 pm?
It's not bothering me, so I think I'll wait after vacation this summer.
I'm so glad you're not in pain... yet.
It sounds like you're seeing a benefit in waiting until you're in pain. Do you mind telling me more?
What's your back up plan if you have trouble with this tooth while you're on vacation?
Deep cleaning? What do you mean I have gum disease?? I've saw my previous dentist for 27 years and they never said anything about gum disease.
I can tell you’ve done a great job being consistent with your visits — that’s awesome! This isn’t about what someone missed — gum disease can be sneaky.
If we were to fast forward 10-12 years from now, what's going to be most important to you when it comes to your teeth?
If we see some things that could potentially get in the way of you reaching your objectives, how proactive would you like to be?
To achieve your long term goals that you've shared and protect what you’ve worked so hard to keep healthy, this will be a great plan.
Why aren't you on the list for my insurance anymore?
Our doctor was finding that the limitations of your plan restrict the time she is able to spend with you, as well as the quality of dentistry. She isn't willing to sacrifice either - you deserve better!
I just started a new job and really need to come in after 4pm for my surgery
Congratuations! that's awesome - tell me about your new job!
What if could consolidate your treatment to minimize your time away from work?
We actually structure our schedule in a way that saves your time. Our doctors have reserved 8 am especially for that procedure. You'll be the only patient, with no interruptions.
Would Tuesday or Thursday work best?
How much is a new patient visit?
Thank you so much for calling! Do you mind if I ask who I'm speaking with?
It sounds like you're looking for a dentist - Tell me more...
What are you wanting to accomplish during your first visit?
We'd love to meet you - we have a time set aside especially for our new guests, so that we can give you 100% of our undivided attention. How about Thursday or Monday next week at 2 pm?
If the cost arises again... 'to accomplish what you've shared, your first visit will be $_____'
After you've quoted the fee...
I'm going to have to get back to you to schedule.
'Absolutely. I sense some hesitancy. Do you mind sharing?'
The goal is to uncover the unspoken objection.
'When would you like for me to follow up with you?'
My filling came out and now my tooth is really sensitive. ChatGPT said I probably need a root canal. What do you think?
I hate that you're having to deal with this! But you've definitely come to the right place.
We're still gathering information, but what would your ideal outcome be for that tooth?
How important is it that you keep the tooth?
As we work together to come up with a solution, what's your expectation when it comes to longevity?
How would you feel about exploring long-term solutions that will provide your desired outcome, even if it means you don't keep your natural tooth?
How much will my insurance cover?
Good question – do you know what your maximum is for your plan?
It depends on the restrictions and limitations on the plan chosen by your employer - the great news is that you have $1000 to go toward your treatment.
I’m not sure, but I can promise you that we will work hard to maximize your plan.
What if we find out your insurance doesn’t cover any of the treatment that you want to have completed – is this still what you’d like to do?
It sounds like cost is a factor for you – if we are able to help you with your out-of-pocket investment and make it comfortable, say a monthly payment, would that be helpful?
That's a lot more than I expected. Can I make payments?
'Absolutely - tell me what you had in mind...' (not in-house financing - referencing 3rd party)
'We have experts that have set up a system for our patients that want to spread out their investment. We can go ahead and get the ball rolling...'
'Our doctor is a much better dentist than he is a banker... many of our patients like using a credit card with points or miles... some have been able to get a line of credit with their bank, home equity, etc... what resources do you have that might work in this situation?'
If not approved for 3rd party and no re sources...
'Some of our patients set up an account with us to build up a credit by making regular payments until they are ready to start the process - what do you think?'
I'm wanting to get my teeth bleached - do you guys do that?
Absolutely! Do you mind if I ask who I'm speaking with?
Tell me what you're wanting to accomplish..
What do you know about whitening
how soon do you want your teeth whitened.
Other than the color, what else is important to you?
I know we can help! We have a time set aside especially for our new guests, so that we can give you 100% of our undivided attention. How about Thursday or Monday next week at 2 pm?'
Which one is the worst one? Can you prioritize this for me?
It sounds like you want to spread out the treatment. Tell me more...
How well do you want everything to match?
Based on what you want to accomplish, you'll have the best results if we address everything together.
The good news is that we'll be able to to take care of everything in a couple of well-planned visits, which will 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?
Can you tell me why you're wanting to send a pre-det?
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.
It doesn't look like my insurance will cover very much of my treatment - Can I get a discount?
You've made an excellent decision with your plan, and you're going to love the result!
It sounds like cost is a concern... we have a great program for our patients with good credit that will allow you to spread out your investment. What do you think?
Do you offer sedation?
'Thank you so much for calling! Do you mind if I ask who I'm speaking with? '
'You asked about sedation - Tell me a bit about what you're looking for'
If patient is nervous...
'Please know that you're not alone. Many other patients have felt the same way. You've definitely called the right office, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for our doctor - she is extremely gentle and your comfort and confidence is her main priority'
'I know she'd love to meet you - how about Tuesday at 2 pm?'
Can't you just do another filling? (after presenting treatment for a broken filling /tooth where a crown is indicated)
'It depends - how long are you wanting it to last?'
'You mentioned earlier when we discussed your goals that you'd prefer to be proactive. Based on what you want to accomplish long-term, a filling wouldn't get you there'
'Tell me more about your hesitation...'
I was on the internet and saw that 'same-day' implants are a thing. Do you guys do this?
Great question! Do you mind telling me about your situation?
It sounds like you're wanting some quick results. What's your timeframe?
Tell me what you want to accomplish with implants?
How long do you want them to last?
Focus on desired outcome FIRST.
Will my insurance cover this if it’s medically necessary?
That's a great question. I'm not sure, but I can promise that we'll do all that we can to maximize and available benefits.
What if your plan doesn't cover things that are important to you? How do you feel about that?
Most patients have found that their dental plan is more of a 'rebate' or supplement, than actual insurance.
(if they indicate finances are an issue)- 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?
I'm too old to spend that kind of money on my teeth.
'How are your teeth affecting your day-to-day life right now?'
'What have you stopped doing, eating, or enjoying because of your teeth?'
'Thank you for sharing that with me. That really helps me understand what matters to you - If this weren’t about age or money for a moment — what would you want for yourself?'
'Given what you’ve shared, what feels like the right next step for you?'
I need to cancel my appointment for tomorrow morning. Something came up at work.
Oh goodness - are you able to rearrange your schedule to keep your reservation?
It will be ____ weeks before Dr/RDH will be able to see you again.
Why can’t you just fix the front ones? The back don’t show.
“That’s a really common question, and I get it — the front ones are what everyone sees when you smile. Tell me what benefit you see in addressing only the front teeth"
“Ultimately, it’s completely up to you. How important is it to you that what we do lasts long term?”
"Other than appearance, what else will be important to you when it comes to your teeth 10-12 years from now?"
"Taking care of your back teeth as well will help protect that smile, long-term — what are your thoughts?"