If you’re a part of a dental office team, you know the importance of keeping that appointment book full and ensuring patient satisfaction. Today, I’ll be sharing my top 3 tips to maximize your dental scheduling calendar and boost dental patient retention. Let’s take a deep dive right into these helpful strategies!

Proactivity- be proactive with appointment reminders

We’ve all been there – that moment when you realize you’ve completely forgotten about an important appointment. Whether it’s the mechanic, our taxes, or a simple tooth cleaning; there’s almost always something on your personal schedule. It’s the exact same for your patients! Life gets busy, and sometimes we just need a little reminder. To keep your dental scheduling calendar running smoothly, be proactive with appointment reminders:

Create a consistent reminder strategy, whether that’s 2 weeks before, a week, etc
Make sure to use the preferred communication method your patient requests
Ask patients to call you with any questions you can answer for them before the appointment

These strategies will not only help your patients remember their appointments but will also provide an opportunity to reschedule if necessary. By being proactive, you’ll minimize no-shows and cancellations, ultimately improving dental patient retention.

Furthermore, make sure to customize your reminders with relevant information such as the appointment date, time, and the dentist they will be seeing. Some patients may only want to see a certain hygienist or doctor. It’s important not to play favorites and try to put yourselves in their shoes. There could be any number of reasons, or just personal preference. Keep your doctors and hygienists happy by scheduling them with regular patients and strengthening professional bonds. Personalizing the reminder can increase the chances of patients reading and responding to it, keeping your schedule up to date.

Flexibility – the secret sauce for dental patient retention

A common reason patients avoid the dentist is the lack of convenient appointment times. By offering flexible scheduling options, you can make it easier for patients to find a time that works best for them. This can be a game-changer when it comes to dental patient retention. Some options to consider include:

extending your office hours to run past rush hour for certain days,
offering weekend appointments,
or even providing limited same-day appointments for emergencies

Additionally, consider having a system in place for managing last-minute cancellations, such as a standby list for patients who are most willing to come in on short notice. By being more accommodating, you’ll make it easier for patients to prioritize their dental health and keep coming back to your office. Plus, it shows that you’re truly dedicated to care no matter what the circumstance. Remember, when patients feel that their preferences are considered, they’re more likely to stay loyal to your practice. By offering flexibility, you’ll foster trust and build lasting relationships with your patients.

Prioritize- Give new patients and “VIPs” priority

We all have those VIPs. The unicorns who never cancel. Never show up late. And always pay their copay or insurance portion in full. These are your primary patient base, and they should have considerable options when it comes to appointment booking. Of course, it’s important to also balance that with new patients who come in each month.

Try to calculate your new patient number each month and consider this with some of your most popular time slots. Starting off on the right foot means you and your patient can both walk hand in hand in the future.

The Full Schedule you’ve always dreamed of is possible

By being proactive with appointment reminders, offering flexible scheduling options, and making sure your calendar is open to new patients, you’ll keep your appointment book full and your patients happy. Looking for a way to better streamline this process? eAssist’s Full Schedule platform is your greatest ally in establishing and maintaining patient retention. You don’t pay unless patients are scheduled. And, you’re getting bespoke service from customer service experts who know how to “speak dental”. You won’t get angry patients from “used car salesmen” here. You’re getting the white glove treatment and more consistent scheduling. Remember, a healthy dental practice starts with a well-managed calendar! Speak with a Business Development Specialist today about how Full Schedule can foster peace of mind in your practice. There’s no obligation, and it’s as easy as clicking below!