Down time is frustrating for all in the dental practice. Although down time gives clinical team members additional time for other duties or catch-up, it can be a source of worry for the dentist who loses revenue for each unit of down time.
On a monthly basis, document your total unfilled down time and convert it into dollars to see how much revenue is lost from down time.
- Try not to leave time units between patient appointments
- All team members should play a role in reinforcing the importance of dental treatment and why patients should return to complete all necessary treatment.
- Ensure that your patients are aware of your appointment policies and cancellation policies. These policies should be clearly stated in your office brochure and on your appointment card.
- Don't change patients' appointments. If you do so, you are in effect giving them permission to do the same.
- Communication is the key - communicate the importance of dental treatment.
- Maintain and use a "Short Call" list for fitting patients into cancelled appointments
Receive our Deluxe Practice Management Library!
Comprehensive learning tools that focus on the core business and communication systems of a busy dental practice. A valuable addition to your Practice Management Library. Includes:
- Embracing Change in Dentistry (Book & Data CD)
- The Right Words are Worth a Thousand Smiles: Survival Handbook of Dental Quotes (Book)
- Patient Follow-Up Letters (Data CD)
- Patient Portfolio & Marketing Items (Data CD)
- Insurance & Collections in Dentistry (Data CD)
- A Profitable Dental Hygiene Practice (1 Audio & 2 Data CDs)
- A View from the Outside (Audio DVD)
- I Wish I Could Say it Like You! (Audio CD)
- The Ultimate Staffing Guide (Audio & Data CD)
- Implementing a Treatment Coordinator (Audio & Data CD)
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