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!