When you run a busy dental or medical clinic, the phone rarely stops ringing. Patients have questions every day, from the simple to the surprisingly complex. Understanding what those questions are helps you prepare your team, improve your systems, and deliver a smoother experience for everyone.

At Orvanti, we’ve listened to thousands of patient interactions while building our AI receptionists. Here’s a look at the most common types of questions clinics receive and what they really mean.

1. Questions About Appointments

Most calls begin with one simple topic: scheduling.
Patients want to know:

• When is your next available slot?

• Do you have evening or weekend appointments?

• How far in advance do I need to book?

• Can I reschedule or cancel my visit?

These are straightforward questions, but how they are handled makes all the difference. A fast, confident answer creates trust. A delayed or missed response can easily lose a patient.

2. Questions About Treatments

Patients often use phone calls to get clarity before committing to an appointment.
You might hear:

• Do you offer teeth whitening or Invisalign?

• What kind of facial treatments do you do?

• How long does a procedure take?

• Does it hurt?

These questions are really about confidence. People want reassurance that they are in good hands and that they are making the right choice. This is where tone and empathy matter as much as information.

3. Questions About Costs and Insurance

Money matters can be awkward, but they are a major reason why patients call instead of booking online.
Typical examples include:

• How much does a check-up cost?

• Do you accept my insurance?

• Can I pay in instalments?

• Is there a fee if I miss my appointment?

Clear, upfront communication here helps patients make decisions faster and reduces confusion later on.

4. Questions About Emergencies

Every clinic knows the pressure of an urgent call.
Common examples:

• I’m in pain, can someone see me today?

• What should I do if my crown has fallen out?

• Can I come in without an appointment?

Emergency callers are often stressed, anxious, or in pain. They need calm guidance and quick action. Having a consistent process for triaging urgent calls is essential.

5. Questions About Logistics

These are the small but important details that patients rely on:

• Where are you located?

• Is there parking nearby?

• What time should I arrive?

• Do you run on time?

These questions may seem simple, but answering them clearly can make a huge difference in the patient experience. It shows your clinic is organised and cares about convenience.

6. Questions After Treatment

Follow-up questions are just as important as the first contact.
You might hear:

• Can I eat normally after my appointment?

• When will I get my results?

• What happens if I need to come back?

This is where continuity of care really shows. Patients want to feel looked after, not just booked and forgotten.

Bringing It All Together

When you look at the full range of patient questions, one pattern appears again and again: people want clarity and care.
They want to speak to someone who knows what they’re talking about, responds quickly, and treats their time as valuable.

That’s exactly what Orvanti was built for.
Our AI receptionists handle these common questions instantly, with your tone and your policies, so your team can focus on what really matters: caring for patients.

Interested in seeing how it works?
Book a free demo and discover how Orvanti can make your clinic more efficient, consistent, and available — 24/7.