By Gary Takacs 

Every patient who walks into your dental practice has a story. It’s a story of their dental history, their fears, their past experiences, and their hopes for the future. Yet, too often, this story remains locked away behind a series of clinical questions and forms. The key to building a relationship-driven dental practice is to unlock that story, and the most effective tool for this is a simple, carefully crafted new patient interview.

This interview is not about gathering clinical data. It’s a conversational, one-on-one session designed to build rapport and demonstrate a genuine interest in the patient as a person. The best place for this is a quiet, comfortable consultation room—away from the clinical setting. The team member sits knee-to-knee with the patient, with no clipboard or computer between them, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere.

The value of this patient interview is in its versatility. Consider the contrast between a 65-year-old patient with severely worn dentition and a 20-year-old college student who has never had a cavity. The older patient has a complex dental story full of history and needs. The patient interview allows you to understand the full context of their oral health, not just the current condition. For the younger patient, the interview allows you to celebrate their good oral health and set a foundation for a lifetime of proactive, preventative care.

Seven Questions that Uncover a Patient’s Dental and Human Story

I highly recommend the following seven questions, sequentially asked.

1. “Linda, other than having your teeth cleaned, have you had much dentistry done?” This opens the door to their past. The patient’s answer can reveal everything from simple routine care to a history of complex procedures, giving you a baseline for their dental journey.
2. “In your past visits to the dentist, has anything good happened?” This question uncovers what the patient values. Did they have a great relationship with a previous dentist? Did they appreciate a specific procedure or a kind team member? This helps you understand what to replicate in your own dental practice.
3. “On the other hand, has anything bad ever happened?” This is a crucial question for building trust. By asking about negative experiences, you show that you care about their comfort and fears. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge their concerns and assure them that your practice will be different.
4. “I’d like to learn more about your family’s dental history. Do you know much about your parents’ or grandparents’ dental history?” This question can reveal genetic predispositions or family patterns of oral health, such as a history of dentures or significant dental disease. It allows you to frame a conversation about preventative care.
5. “On a scale of one to ten, with ten being ‘could not be any better,’ how would you rate the oral health and appearance of your teeth and gums?” This simple question is powerful because it reveals the patient’s self-perception. Their subjective rating gives you a window into their concerns and priorities, whether they are focused on health, aesthetics, or both.
6. “Did you know that oral health can impact your overall health as well? Because of that, I’d like to know about your family’s medical history…” This question connects oral health to systemic health, a link that many patients may not be aware of. It also gives you critical information to discuss with the doctor and hygienist, allowing for a more thorough and holistic exam.
7. “Earlier you rated your oral health as a [number]. What would need to change for that to be a ten?” This is the final and most important question. It gives the patient an opportunity to express their personal goals and desires in their own words. They might mention wanting whiter teeth, fixing a gap, or correcting a crooked tooth. Their answer provides the perfect opening for the doctor to discuss specific treatment options that align with what the patient truly wants.

This interview transforms a new patient from a number on a chart to a person with a story. It’s a powerful, relationship-building tool that sets your practice apart and paves the way for a lifetime of trust and loyalty.

Healthcare has degraded into a very impersonal experience for far too many people. Yet, there is a large segment of the population that will seek a healthcare environment where they are treated by professionals who they know, like and trust. This is especially true in dentistry! The webinar The Relationship-Driven Practice on Restorative Nation provides specific, actionable strategies to create a relationship-driven practice that will provide personal, professional, and financial satisfaction.