How to Inject More Approachability into Your Dental Practice

Last week I spoke to the Greater St. Louis- "You'll be the next smile taken care of."
Dental Society. My session was filled with primarily- "I'll give you a chance to bite me in just a
hygienists, receptionists and chair-sideminute."N - NEXT
assistants.We explored something I call The OINGInviting the next patient in line to enter the
Model.Oing represents four types of encountersoffice- "Are you ready for the best cleaning of
between employees and patients, each of whichyour life?"
is an opportunity to inject (no pun intended) a little- "Hurry or I'll start without you!"
more of your personality into each- "Come on in, your smile is waiting!"
encounter.About 160 people filled out index cards- "Get moving!"
with potential lines, expressions and greetings that- "Ready or not, here I come!"
were a bit more creative, fun, unique and of- "Did you draw straws?"
course, approachable. Many of these suggestions- "Did you flip a coin?"
are listed below, along with a brief description of- "Are you ready to rock and roll?"
each category. (Remember: not all of these are- "Come on down! You're the next contestant
gold. It's an exercise in creativity that brainstormsat..."
ideas to make your patients feel more- "Let's get this party started!"
comfortable in a more unforgettable- "My superpowers have been recharged: I'm
environment.)O - OPENERready for you now!"G - GOOBYE
Answering the phone in the office, possiblyAs patients exit the office, you give them a
greeting a walk-in- "This is Beth, I'm here to help..."lasting impression- "Don't forget to scrub them
- "Smiles are our business, how can we makebugs away!"
them yours?"- "We'll see you in 6 months or 6,000 smiles!"
- "Good morning, and how can we help your child- "Power to the Plaque Miester!"
smile today?"- "I'm so glad you got to see me!"
- "You have the pleasure of talking to Rena..."- "See ya later alligator!"
- "Lovely morning to ya!"- "Alright, I'm finished picking on you."LET ME
- "World's greatest dental office..."ASK YA THIS...
- "This is your hunting dentist..."Do you OING?LET ME SUGGEST THIS...
- "Damn we're good, when do you want toBrainstorm five new ideas for each of the four
come in?"encounters with your staff. Try them out, then
- "Hello, flash us your smile..."I - IN A MINUTEcall me in the morning ;)© 2006 All Rights
Telling a patient you'll be right with them during aReserved.Scott Ginsberg, aka "The Nametag
busy time- "I've lost my mind - you can help meGuy," is the author of three books and a
find it in just a sec..."professional speaker who helps people maximize
- "OK, give me two seconds. Startapproachability, become unforgettable and make a
counting...NOW!"name for themselves.
- "I'll be with you as soon as I catch this kid..."