Featured Tip from Academy of Treatment Coordinators Author Sandra Issiac! 

 

1. "Quote" - premier orthodontic practices don't give quotes.  "Quote" implies that the patient needs to shop around for the lowest price or that the cost of treatment is negotiable.  Orthodontics is not like getting new gutters or a new fence. 
Try using the word "fee." 

 

of "discount," try offering a "courtesy."  For example, "There is a 5% courtesy for paying for treatment in full."  Or "Because your daughter is already a patient here we are offering you a $500 courtesy for your son."

 

3. "Emergency" - there are rarely true emergencies in orthodontics.  Emergencies are those issues that require the use of 911.  If a TC uses the word "emergency" during the initial exam, then he/she is setting the practice up to receive phone calls after hours.  Instead of "emergency," try using the word "repair."  Sometimes things happen with orthodontic appliances that need to be repaired and most of the time these things are not urgent nor are they true emergencies. 

In honor of Veterans Day 2010, we would like to feature a few veterans in our November newsletter.  If you know an orthodontist or orthodontic professional who served in the armed forces, please e-mail us!