AD. Are you wondering how you might be able to run a more efficient dental practice? If so, this guide is here to help you. We take a look at how you can take a more business-like approach to your enterprise and serve your patients better at the same time. Don't be afraid of being more business-minded in your day-to-day running of your clinic. Ultimately, it benefits everyone, not just your pocketbook.
[Photo by Sam Moghadam on Unsplash]
Optimize Your Schedule
The first thing you'll want to do is use dental software to optimize your schedule. Too many dentists are still using manual scheduling and trying to force complex workflows into spreadsheets. Don't do this. Instead, leverage block scheduling and software that can work flexibly around your team's workflows. The best way to schedule your time is to split it up between high-production, medium-production, and low-production activities.
- High production might include things like bridges and root canals. These often have the highest margins but take the longest time.
- Medium production includes things like fillings and simple extractions that generally take less than an hour.
- Low production, or filler appointments, could be quick adjustments and consultations.
You need software that can manage all of these.
Eliminate Administrative Friction
It's also absolutely critical that you work towards minimising or eliminating as much administrative friction as you possibly can. For example, when it comes to no-shows and cancellations, use automated text sequences, leverage software It's also absolutely critical that you work towards minimising or eliminating as much administrative friction as you possibly can.
For example, when it comes to no-shows and cancellations, use automated text sequences. Leverage software that can continually remind patients that they need to show up to an appointment or tell you that they're going to cancel with at least 24 hours' notice or however much you need.
Also, you'll want a system that allows you to fill last-minute unfilled slots immediately. For example, you could operate a wait list where emergency patients can join and then wait for a same-day slot if another patient bails.
Standardize Your Clinical Operations
It might sound trite and a bit businesslike, but it makes sense to standardise your clinical operations. Try to make sure they are consistent over time and across space. For example, every operatory should be stocked identically. Make sure you have left- or right-sided setup adjustments, which are the only variable. Assistants should be able to walk into any of the rooms in your practice and not notice any difference. If they're having to constantly adjust, that's a problem.
Run A Strict 10-Minute Morning Huddle
The last thing you'll want to do is look into running a strict 10-minute morning huddle. We're not saying that your meetings need to go on for half an hour or more, but it can help get everyone in the same room and discuss the major issues for the day.
Make sure that your meeting is data-driven, crisp, and focused on different points in the morning. Don't hold a meeting unless there's a real reason for having it.
