By Dr. Nate Booth

Let’s look at a series of word pairs that could be used in the dental setting. Which part of these pairs sends the message you want your patients to hear?

• staff vs. team
• waiting room vs. reception area
• drill vs. handpiece
• cut a tooth vs. shape a tooth
• appointment vs. visit
• interview vs. initial conversation
• tell vs. advise
• case presentation vs. case conversation
• checkup vs. continuing care visit
• cancellation vs. change in the schedule
• pay vs. invest
• discount vs. savings
• bill vs. statement
• pay for vs. take care of
• contract vs. agreement
• work vs. care
• filling vs. restoration

You might be saying, “This is just semantics.” You’re exactly right — it is semantics. The definition of the word “semantics” is the study of meaning in language. Meaning directs thinking, creates emotion, and produces action — three results not to be taken lightly.

Author bio

Dr. Nate Booth is a speaker, consultant, and author who provides dentists with the information and systems they need to thrive in their dental practices. Dr. Booth is a practice-management advisor for ChaseHealthAdvance. He is the creator of the in-office, DVD-based program, The “Yes” System: How to Make It Easy for People to Accept Comprehensive Dentistry. For more information, go to www.natebooth.com, or call (800) 917-0008.