Enhance Patient Care: By Ditching "Just" & "Little"
Language is powerful and in your dental practice, it can shape both patient experiences and team dynamics. Seemingly harmless words can have a minimizing effect on your message—and its impact. Take words like "just" and "little:"
"I'm just calling to remind you of your appointment" sounds dismissive, like the appointment doesn’t really matter. Compare that to "I’m calling to confirm your upcoming appointment," which clearly conveys importance.
"It's only a little cavity" diminishes the importance of the condition and the treatment. It’s easy to downplay a “little” cavity. "This cavity requires attention " is more effective and better-communicates the seriousness of the situation.
Removing "just" and "little" from your vocabulary is a great step toward communicating better. To adopt a more mindful and impactful communication style, keep these other tips in mind:
Specify! “I’m recommending a prescription toothpaste because…”
Elaborate. “Gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, which is…”
“Do you have any questions about…”
Well-chosen words can make a big difference. By fostering a culture of mindful language in your practice, you'll empower your team and create a more positive experience for your patients. Be specific, be meaningful, and watch the power of mindful language transform your practice!
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry. Kirk has been a featured speaker at every major dental meeting in the United States. His company, ACT Dental, has consistently been ranked as one of the top dental consultants in Dentistry Today's annual rankings for the past 10 years. In addition, ACT Dental was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc Magazine, appearing on their Inc 5000 list. Kirk's motivational skills are widely recognized in the dental industry. Dr. Peter Dawson of The Dawson Academy has referred to Kirk as "THE best motivator I have ever heard." Kirk has also assembled a trusted team of advisor experts who work with dentists to customize individual solutions that meet their unique needs. When he's not motivating dentists and their teams, Kirk enjoys coaching his children's sports teams and spending time with his amazing wife, Sarah, and their four children, Kinzie, Lily, Zoe, and Bo.
