The Problem Nobody Talks About
23% of calls to dental offices go unanswered during business hours. Not after hours. During business hours.
At an average patient lifetime value of $2,000-5,000, those missed calls add up fast.
Why This Hits Bradenton Harder
Seasonal Population Swings — When snowbirds arrive, call volume jumps 40-60% overnight. Same staff, way more calls.
Competitive Density — Manatee Avenue has dental practices next door to each other. When someone can't reach you, your competitor is one Google search away.
Multi-Tasking Front Desk — Your front desk is checking in patients, running insurance, AND answering phones. Something gives.
The Math
50 calls per week × 23% unanswered = 12 missed calls
12 × 40% would have booked = 5 potential patients
5 × $1,000 average value = $5,000 lost per week
Why Voicemail Doesn't Work
- ✓80% of first-time callers won't leave a voicemail
- ✓67% call a competitor instead
- ✓Average callback time is 4-8 hours — by then, they've booked elsewhere
What Works
AI Voice Answering — When staff can't answer, AI picks up. Handles questions, books appointments, never goes to voicemail.
Instant Text Response — Missed call triggers automatic text within 30 seconds. Recovers 35-45% of missed calls.
Online Booking — Give callers another option to capture them even when you can't talk.