Managing Upset Dental Patients

You know this situation – you answer the phone and unexpectedly, out of the blue you get run over by an upset patient.

It can ruin your whole day. No – it can ruin your whole week. It makes working at Midtown Dentistry not enjoyable.

Well, you figure out other dental clinics might have upset patients too – or do they all come to Midtown Dentistry.

And then comes your manager to the rescue. In five seconds flat she fixes the problem and presto – the patient is happy again.

How did that happen?

How can I resolve these problems so well?

In this class you will learn:

• Why do people get angry?

• What types of anger are there?

• What are the ten steps to help manage an upset patient?

• How to feel better even when a patient is upset

 Additional material to read –Turn-Upset-Patients-into-a-Practice-Asset

WHEN A PATIENT IS UPSET, THEY USUALLY WILL LET YOU KNOW.

• A patient tells you they want the dentist private cell number – what do you do?
• A patient asks for the hygienist private e-mail – What to do?

First, you probably have a clue why they want the number. That will give you the best direction on what to do.

• Is it to congratulate Dr. Penchas on his award winning ballet dance?
• Is it because the patient seems upset and wants to complain?
• Is it because the patient wants to ask a question that you can answer for them?

Obviously if they have a complaint and you don’t know how to resolve it to their satisfaction – immediately call your supervisor or the dentist involved in the treatment.

Here is what you need to do to give a patient  the provider contact details:

1. Ask: “ Is there anything I may help you with?” –   If there is a question or need that you can answer do so.
2. If the patient wants an e-mail or telephone number. – give them the business card of the provider they want. These cards are available at every front desk of our offices.
   On that card is the personal e-mail for the provider as well as the telephone number that they can use to leave a message.
3. Ask them if they would like the provider to contact them : “ Would you like me to ask Dr. Penchas to contact you?”. If the answer is yes- send the provider an e-mail with the information: “Who, When, What, Why.”