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Prompting Fundamentals
Get better results from AI tools with these five principles
1
Be Specific
Vague requests get vague results. The more specific you are, the better the output.
Instead of
Write an email to a patient
Try this
Write a friendly email to a patient who missed their cleaning appointment, offering to reschedule within the next two weeks
2
Give Context
Tell the AI who it should act as and who the audience is. Context shapes the response.
Instead of
Explain a root canal
Try this
You are a gentle dentist explaining a procedure to an anxious patient. Explain what happens during a root canal in simple, reassuring terms
3
Specify the Format
Tell the AI exactly how you want the output structured. Length, format, and style all matter.
Examples
Write 3 bullet points summarizing...
Keep the response under 100 words
Use a professional but warm tone
Format this as a numbered list
4
Include Constraints
Tell the AI what to avoid. This prevents common problems and keeps outputs focused.
Examples
Avoid medical jargon
Do not mention competitors
Keep it positive without minimizing concerns
Do not recommend specific medications
5
Iterate and Refine
Your first result is a starting point. Ask for adjustments to get exactly what you need.
Examples
Make this shorter
Sound more empathetic
Add a call to action at the end
Simplify the language for a younger audience