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NHS and private practices

Phone greetings for dental practices

Callers to a dental practice usually want one of three things: help with pain, an appointment, or to know whether you take NHS patients. A good greeting answers the first and routes the other two.

Scripts for a dental practice

Listen · 0:28

Closed, urgent care via 111

Thank you for calling Castlegate Dental Practice. The practice is now closed. If you're in pain and need urgent dental care before we reopen, NHS one one one can help you find it. We're open again at half past eight on our next working day. To change or cancel an appointment, leave your name and date of birth after the tone.

Menu

Pain first

If you're in pain and need to be seen at [Practice name] today, press one. To book or change a check-up, press two. For questions about a treatment plan or payment, press three.

NHS places

New NHS patients

If you're calling to join the practice as an NHS patient, please press four. We'll tell you whether we have space or can add you to our waiting list.

Private

Hygienist and private list

For hygienist appointments and our private patient list, press five. Our hygienist works on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternate Saturdays.

Reminder

Cancellations

If you can't make your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours before. It means we can offer the time to a patient in pain.

What is different for dental practices

Urgent care out of hours

The NHS website says NHS 111 can help with dental problems, including finding an emergency dentist. Point patients there when the practice is closed, rather than to your own voicemail.

The NHS place question

NHS guidance says patients may be asked to join a waiting list before they get an appointment. Callers ask about this daily; a dedicated menu option saves reception from explaining it on every call.

From the studio

01

Reassure, then route

Someone in pain wants to hear in the first sentence that you will help. Put the pain option first.

02

Date of birth, not address

For appointment changes, name and date of birth are what the front desk needs to find the record.

Questions

Should a mixed NHS and private practice use one greeting?

Yes, with a menu. One welcome, then separate options for urgent care, NHS appointments and private treatment.

What does a greeting cost?

€19 excl. VAT per greeting. Most practices order a welcome menu and a closed message.

Hear your greeting before you pay.

Free preview, no subscription. €19 (approx. £17) per finished greeting.

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