You can have the best marketing strategy in the world, but if your phone skills are lacking, patients will walk. In this episode, Dana and Sandy get real about what happens when dental teams unknowingly drive callers away with poor phone habits, disconnection, or defaulting to "no."

They walk through mystery shopper call examples, red-flag language to avoid, and the mindset shift every front desk team member needs to convert, not repel, new patients.

This one's packed with real talk, laugh-out-loud stories, and practical ways to be the cheerleader your practice needs.

You'll learn how to:

✅ Build rapport in the first 7 seconds of a call ✅ Ask the right questions during discovery ✅ Avoid "no" language and still set boundaries ✅ Take control of the appointment conversation ✅ End calls in a way that reduces broken appointments

📓 Listener challenge: Call your own office or listen to a recorded call (if legal in your state). Would you schedule an appointment based on how it sounds?

Key takeaways:

• Your marketing dollars are wasted if your phone skills don't back it up.

• "Unfortunately" and "Sorry" are red flags—replace them with warmth and guidance.

• Patients don't want homework. Take the lead, get their name and number first.

• Schedule with confidence. Too many options = confusion.

• A cheerful, confident voice beats fancy scripts every time.

Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert. 👉 www.IdentityDental.com

The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices — simple, secure, and patient-friendly. 👉 www.PlanForward.io

VoIP for dental practices that want fewer missed calls, better patient communication, and stronger scheduling. 👉 www.MangoVoice.com

📲 Join the conversation! Drop your favorite phone call tip or share a "worst call ever" moment in the Dental Drill Bits Facebook Group—your post could inspire our next episode!