Your choice of words matters: Part 1
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.
