Whether it's a new or existing patient who contacts your office about a dental emergency, you and your team have to handle the call with the utmost sensitivity. These patients may be in pain. They need to be treated at a practice that knows how to manage the situation, allowing them to feel relaxed and confident about the impending care. Many new patients find that visiting a dental practice is often an unfamiliar, anxiety-provoking experience. But if you've developed a strong, effective protocol for dealing with dental emergencies, these new patients may ultimately overcome their hesitancy and become enthusiastic patients. It's all about reading and attending to their unique needs.