Ask new patients how they heard about your practice. Once patients have been welcomed, find out what made them choose your practice. A simple question like, “Who can we thank for referring you?” indicates an appreciative office with a positive attitude. This is the type of environment where most people prefer to have dentistry performed. Once the patient identifies the referral source, a comment such as, “Mr. Jones is a wonderful patient and I am so pleased he referred you,” begins to solidify the relationship.