5 Reasons Patients Dodge Dental X-rays…Helpful Solutions Inside
The PS Team
Oh the dreaded dental x-ray conversation, right? As a dental professional you understand why dental x-rays are critical to the patient’s overall dental health. However, we’re positive you also have experienced the patients who avoid them like the plague.
“I get enough radiation going through the automatic doors at the grocery store.” (actual reason given by a patient)
“You don’t need to take x-rays to clean my teeth.”
And the winner is, “if my insurance won’t pay for them, then I must not need them.”
So, how can you help the patient understand the importance of x-rays and get their buy-in? In this article we will touch on the top five reasons patients dodge dental x-rays and strategies you can start using today to help overcome their objections.
We hear many different approaches from our clients, scripts if you will. However, before you offer up a ‘canned line’ to refute the patient’s opposition you need to discover the root reason, or reasons, behind their hesitation.
You will notice a theme as we move through the most common reasons patients dodge dental x-rays. There are two powerful solutions in guiding conversations with your patient about dental x-rays:
Empathy – Patients want to feel understood and not coerced. As dental professionals, often we forget what it’s like to be the patient; to NOT know what we know.
“I understand how you feel, many of my patients felt the same way, and what they’ve found is that…”
Effective Question – A simple, yet effective question will get the conversation going and help you fully understand their hesitations. Providing you with the opportunity to give them facts and details about why x-rays are so important.
“If you don’t mind my asking, what’s keeping you from having this done for yourself?”
Once your patient has expressed the concern, follow up by obtaining verbal buy-in:
“If _____weren’t a concern, is this something you would want to do for yourself?”
This can help the patient separate their objection from the necessity of the procedure, making it easier for them to accept a solution and agree.
Let’s look at the top five reasons patient’s dodge their dental x-rays:
Their Concern: Patients often worry that getting X-rays will take too much time out of their day. With work, family, and other commitments, they might feel that a dental visit, especially one involving X-rays, is a time-consuming process.
How to Help: If time is the issue, start by acknowledging their busy schedule. Reassure them that modern dental X-rays are quick, usually taking just a few minutes. Emphasize that this small time investment now can save them from longer and more inconvenient treatments down the road.
If they need a full set of X-rays but are short on time, you can offer to take the annual set at this visit and suggest they plan for a longer appointment next time. For patients with significant dental issues, it might be best to complete the X-rays and examination now, and then schedule another visit for their hygiene appointment.
Their Concern: Dental anxiety is a big hurdle for a lot of patients. The thought of getting X-rays can bring up fears, whether it’s about discomfort, not knowing what to expect, or worries about radiation.
How to Help: Start by digging into what exactly is causing their anxiety. Is it discomfort, the unfamiliar process, or something else? The first thing to do is show empathy and reassure them. A simple, validating phrase can make a big difference.
Patient: I get enough radiation going through the automatic doors at the grocery store
You: “I understand where you are coming from, and you are not alone in feeling that way. What I have found is…” [here’s your chance to educate]
Explain that dental X-rays are safe, with radiation levels lower than what we’re exposed to in daily life. Discuss the comfort measures your practice offers, such as lead aprons, and the quick, painless nature of the procedure.
Their Concern: Cost is a common worry, especially for patients without insurance and with tight budgets, or those whose insurance has strict limitations that may not align with the patient’s necessary care. They might skip X-rays because they see them as an extra expense they can avoid.
How to Help: If the patient has shared that money is their concern, ask, “If money weren’t a concern, is this something you would want to do?”
This helps the patient focus on the benefits of the procedure rather than the cost, making them more likely to proceed.
Explain how X-rays can actually save money by catching problems early before they turn into bigger, more costly issues. Let them know the options they have in your practice to pay for the x-rays such as payment plans or financial assistance options to make it easier.
Their Concern: Some patients might be skeptical about whether they really need X-rays, wondering if it’s necessary or if it’s just about making a profit.
How to Help: If you notice hesitation, try asking, “What’s making you unsure about getting this done?” If trust seems to be the issue, take the time to explain why X-rays are important for their specific oral health. Give them clear, evidence-based reasons that relate directly to their situation. Being transparent helps build trust, so be upfront about how the X-ray results will influence their treatment plan.
PRO TIPOften giving the patient an analogy they can relate to in real life can help them understand dental treatment better. “If we don’t take x-rays, it’s like asking a mechanic to diagnose an engine problem without opening the hood. X-rays are what allow us to see ‘under the hood’ of your mouth, if you will.”
Their Concern: Some patients don’t see the need for X-rays, especially if they’re not in pain or noticing any dental issues. They might think it’s okay to wait until something actually goes wrong.
How to Help: If they’re not feeling a sense of urgency, explain the value of preventative care. Let them know that many dental problems start small and painless, often unnoticed. It’s over time that they become more serious and harder to treat. Highlight how regular X-rays can catch issues early, helping them avoid more invasive and costly treatments later on (like regular oil changes and tune-ups).
This can help the patient reconsider the timing and understand that delaying X-rays could lead to more significant issues.
Understanding and addressing these common concerns can help you guide your patients toward making informed decisions about their dental health. By asking the right questions and offering clear, empathetic responses, you can alleviate their worries and gain their trust, ensuring they receive the care they need.
