I know exactly what it's like when you call a dental office and they don't have any interest in talking to you. I called a few in my new location (I just moved to western New York state 2 1/2 years ago) and a couple of the receptionists acted like they were in a hurry to get me off the phone.

I have learned to mention a few key points that "encourage" the receptionists to take me seriously. Here are some ideas:


- Be sure to mention that you are part of an online support group/forum for mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings.

"Hi. I'm calling because I'm interested in having my amalgam fillings replaced with something safer. I'm part of on online support forum dealing with the subject of amalgam safety and I'm curious if Dr. so-and-so follows any special safety protocols when removing mercury-based fillings."

When you say something like this, some offices will treat you like royalty; like the media is calling. Of course the goal is to find out if they follow any safety protocols during mercury removal and making yourself stand out with in intro like this is more likely to make them pay attention.

You will normally find that there are 2 kinds of offices:

(1) Those who are up on the subject of mercury, and

(2) Those who are not.

I generally find those who are will be much more helpful and genuinely concerned about answering your questions for you.


- Speak clearly and with authority.

I am so completely amazed at how different you are treated on the phone based on your "tone". Speak with the confidence of a doctor calling another doctor for professional services.


- Set the pace.

So many times you are greeted by someone with too much work and too little time and too much coffee. They sound like they cannot wait to get rid of you.

In these cases, I slow down, ask questions clearly, and accent certain words that let them know that I'm very polite but I'm not going away just because they want me to.

"Hello. I'm very interested in having my mercury-based fillings removed safely. Does your office do this kind of work?"


- Always be polite.

I'm a firm believer that kindness will get you further almost always. If an office gives you any reason to be unhappy on your first phone call, you will most likely be unhappy with them no matter what.


- Be positive if they seem receptive.

After the first statement, if the receptionist "passes the test" by being polite and saying something like, "Yes, we certainly do remove amalgams, and we use the Huggins protol for safety", you can come back and say:

"Great, that's just what I've been searching for. Now I just have a few questions if that's OK. Do you use a rubber dam? Do you use low-power x-ray machines? Do you have air filtration during the removal? Do you supply oxygen for prevent inhalation of mercury during the procedure?"


Just remember that if the office really cares about you, they will be willing to answer your questions. If you call 10 offices and still don't get the response you're looking for, just smile really big and pick up the phone and call 10 more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />