Skip to main content

AI-Powered SMS Campaign Checklist

The Dently AI SMS System is the fastest way to generate instant appointments for your dental practice.

Updated over a month ago

“But we already run SMS campaigns, what’s different?”

💡 The difference is our AI follows up instantly, turning texts into real conversations instead of one-way blasts. On average, clients see an 82% increase in responses compared to their old SMS campaigns without AI.

How it Works

1) Send a text message to your inactive patient database

2) AI follows up via text and phone with any patients who show interest.

3) Ready-to-book patients are transferred to your front desk.

💡 Learn more about SMS campaigns by clicking here.

🎥 Watch: How to Launch an SMS Campaign (2 min)

📖 Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the video. We recommend reviewing these instructions too for added clarity.

1. Log in to Dently AI

2. Open the SMS campaign

  1. In the left menu, click Automation.

  2. Select SMS Campaign 1

3. Create your text message

  1. Click the messaging icon where it says SMS (Click to edit).

  2. You’ll see a text box — this is the SMS that will be sent to patients.

🗒️ Message writing tips:

  • Use the Templates drop-down above to select a ready-made message.

  • To write your own, choose None and follow this format:

    • NAME: Start with {{contact.first_name}}

    • SENDER: Say who it’s from → {{custom_values.name_of_ai_assistant}} and {{location.name}}

    • OFFER: Add your offer or reason for the message

    • ENDING: Tell them what to do → e.g., “Reply YES for more details”

💡 Alternatively, copy/paste a template and edit as needed.

Save the SMS campaign

👉 Remember to click Save both inside the text editor and again in the top-right corner before exiting.

4. Sending settings

  1. Return to the main dashboard.

  2. In the left menu, click Contacts → Import Contacts:

Click Contacts and click Next:

💡 The chat icon may sometimes cover the button slightly.

5. Upload your list

  1. Upload your file (CSV, max 30MB).

  2. Choose Create and update contacts.

💡If you’re starting with Excel, convert the file to CSV first.

6. Map contact fields

  1. Map your patients’ Name and Phone fields (other fields can be left unmapped).

  2. At the bottom, check the box: “Don’t import data in unmapped columns.”

  3. Click Next to continue.

7. Verify details and start campaign

  1. Check the box: “Add imported contacts to a workflow.”

  2. From the drop-down, select SMS Campaign 1.

  3. Review the mapping (Name and Phone needs to be correct).

  4. Check the box “I confirm all contacts in this import have consented…”

  5. Click Start Bulk Import.

✅ Done!

Your contacts have been added to the campaign, and SMS messages are now scheduled to send.

Will all my contacts receive messages at once?

No. To boost deliverability and comply with SMS regulations, the system sends about one text per minute during business hours. For example, if you upload 5,000 contacts, it will usually complete in about 10 business days. This approach also gives you a steadier flow of appointments.

💡If you need help or have questions, reach out anytime at [email protected].

Did this answer your question?