FAQs

Q How does The Dental Reception affect the patient journey?

A You can do all the advertising you like and ask for referrals until you are blue in the face – but what will your potential patients think if they can’t get through on the phone to make that initial contact? They won’t be very impressed and you can’t blame them for going elsewhere. We make sure that they start their patient journey positively.

Q Why do I need The Dental Reception when I already have a receptionist?

A How many calls does your receptionist miss because she is busy or on the phone? We pick up all the calls that would otherwise remain unanswered or that hit the answer machine. We can also cover lunchtimes, sick leave, training sessions and even half-days

Q Why do I need The Dental Reception when I already have an answer machine?

A Research shows that seven out of ten people hang up when they hear an answer machine*. Your patients should expect to receive a personal response from your practice. The phone is often their first means of contacting you. By using The Dental Reception you can be sure that your calls will be answered promptly by trained staff.

Q How can The Dental Reception assist the daily running of my practice?

A We are able to guarantee that anyone phoning your practice will get a personal answer. You will therefore know about cancellations as soon as possible – and the lost time can often be matched with the emergency patient who you will also know about at the earliest opportunity.

Q How does The Dental Reception assure confidentiality?

A We realise that confidentiality is of critical importance to you. All our staff are bound by rigorous confidentiality clauses.

Q What if the caller asks a question about our practice?

A There’s no need to worry – we can respond using the information you give us about your practice. We work for you – what we say to your patients is agreed beforehand with you.

Q What if a patient needs to contact us in an emergency?

A Any emergency calls are prioritised. You will already have told us which calls fit into your crisis category, such as pain, trauma, complaints, same day cancellations or laboratory queries. They will be patched through to your second (private line).

Q How do you know when a call is for us?

A When we pick up one of your calls, your data is displayed on a computer screen in front of our receptionist – your call is then answered in your practice name. Your specific call data, which we will agree with you, allows us to tailor the subsequent conversation to suit your requirements.

* BT research