In this episode of The Dental Practice Fixers podcast, Dr. Richard Madow shares three simple but powerful questions that can transform your patient relationships—and your entire practice. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist or just starting out, these questions will help you build deeper connections, uncover hidden treatment opportunities, and create an experience your patients won’t forget. Plus, hear why one playful, slightly snarky question might be your best rapport-builder yet. You’ll never look at a new patient exam the same way again.

Encourage patients to share their smile goals

Avoid closed-ended questions like “Would you like whiter teeth?” — these shut down conversation.

Instead, ask: “If you could do anything to change your smile, no matter how small, what would it be?”

This empowers patients to share small or big concerns and can uncover opportunities for elective or cosmetic treatments they might otherwise keep to themselves.

Prioritize comfort at every step

Frequently ask: “Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?” — before, during, and after treatment.

This question shows genuine care, helps differentiate your practice, and often leads to immediate actionable feedback (e.g., room temperature, music choice, position adjustments).

Strengthen practice culture and loyalty

By truly listening and showing interest in patients’ lives, dentists can create a more positive, human-centered environment.

This approach can help shift patients from seeing themselves as “just another appointment” to feeling part of a community.

1 – Sign up for our e-newsletter. It’s filled with up-to-date practice building tips, event announcements, and more! madow.com/newsletter

When you sign up for the newsletter, you are automatically enrolled in our drawings for your own personal Dental Practice Fixers coffee mug!!

2 – Download our special free report,  “The Dirty Dozen:  HOW TO ANSWER THE MOST DIFFICULT QUESTIONS THAT PATIENTS ASK!” madow.com/ask

3 – Schedule time on Dr. Rich’s personal calendar to discuss any practice issues or ways to improve! (This is for practice-owning dentists only!)   madow.com/calendar

4 – Save money every single month on autopilot by paying a low, flat, monthly fee for credit card processing! Stop wasting money, and lower your overhead with one call!   madow.com/save

5 – Get the absolute most for your dental scrap with Southern Dental Refining. Deal directly with the owner, cut out middlemen and salespeople, and get some real mailbox money!    madow.com/gold

6 –Boost your practice with SimplyClear aligners from OrthoBrain. Skip the middlemen and work directly with US-based orthodontists for top-notch care. Make your patients smile and watch your practice thrive!  madow.com/ortho 

7 – Attract the perfect new patients with Simple Impact Media’s expert SEO, tailored just for your dental practice. Skip the generic and get a free consultation and audit with founder Evan Lazarus. Elevate your online presence and watch your ideal patients come in!  madow.com/simpleimpactmedia

8 – Meet up with us in our private FACEBOOK group to continue the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentalplace123