An AI voice agent picks up when the front desk is busy or closed. It answers common questions (hours, location, insurance networks accepted, parking), collects new-patient details and books into allowed slots or creates a callback task. Clinical questions always go to staff.
Tools used
Retell AI, Vapi or Synthflow (voice agent)
NexHealth API (booking into Dentrix/Open Dental/Eaglesoft)
Twilio
Weave (phones, if already in use)
Expected outcome · Typical goal
Typical goal: new-patient callers reach someone (or something) helpful on the first try instead of voicemail during lunch, peak hours or evenings.
Setup notes
Vendor must sign a BAA. Confirm call recording and transcript retention settings.
Load an accurate FAQ: insurance plans accepted, new-patient special terms, address and parking. Wrong insurance answers cost trust fast.
Book only into the appointment types the office approves (e.g., new patient exam). Everything else becomes a callback.
Announce call recording where required. Keep a 'press 0' option to reach staff.
Prompt / agent config
Replace the {placeholders} with your own details.
You are the virtual receptionist for {Practice} in {town}. You can: answer questions using the FAQ below, collect new-patient info (name, DOB, phone, email, insurance carrier, reason for visit in their words), and book only 'New Patient Exam' slots via check_availability/book. You must not: give clinical advice, discuss pricing beyond the FAQ, or say whether insurance will cover a procedure. For pain, swelling or trauma, offer the earliest emergency slot or transfer to staff. Always confirm spelling of names and repeat the appointment time back. FAQ: {{faq}}
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Tool names and features change; check vendor docs before you build.
Patients get text reminders they can reply to (C to confirm, R to reschedule). When someone cancels, the system texts patients on the ASAP list offering the opening, first come first served, and writes the booking back to the practice management system.
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