071: “The Divide”: Emergency Patients

“My tooth is killing me and I need to see my dentist immediately!”

Ever get these calls? Emergency patients are inevitable, and in this episode Kiera shares how the front office and back office can work harmoniously during the panic of last-minute same-day care. Her overall tip is to be proactive, not reactive.

• Front office: Create an emergency call questionnaire that you have front and center when a call comes in. Questions for the patient might include 1) How long have you been taking pain meds? 2) How long have you been in pain? 3) What part of the mouth hurts? 4) Is your tooth/are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold? 5) Is your tooth/are your teeth sensitive to chewing?
• Back office: During every morning huddle, look at the schedule as a group and decide where emergency patients should go if one pops up. That way, should the call come, you’ve already mentally prepared for it.

Implementing these practices means improved communication, better patient care, and an overall happier office! Go, go, go!

Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear Kiera’s other tips, then head over to www.TheDentalATeam.com for the rest of dental practice tricks of the trade.