Same Day Dentistry Considerations Today
Same day dentistry considerations are not new to us in the dental world. However, it means something a little different today to us. As we find ourselves in a new space and “unprecedented” times. And the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change how we all function in our world. Dentists have a whole new challenge in production considerations. How do we make sure our practices continue to survive and thrive and provide the service our communities and our families depend on?
There are doubts and fears weaving through our dental community. Can our dental world pull through this challenge? I think most definitely.. yes! In fact, I have no doubts at all. Although it’s truly become a career choice for the courageous. I do believe dentists and their teams are the silent heroes of our time. Because these teams continue to gear up and show up. And with such resilience and determination!
Change Is Good For Us!
I’m not sure who said that! But change really can be a good thing. And can give us permission to call a time out. A chance to catch a breath and take a step back is helpful. We gain fresh perspective and greater insight. And perhaps we readjust our thinking and our lives. We accept we can do things a little differently. And perhaps we even want to!
Let’s start by taking some of the pressure off. And give ourselves permission to trust that we don’t have to have it all figured out. Our schedule is going to come together. The team will work together in a new way. All eyes will be on what’s happening in our hygiene schedules. Ears will listen differently to new patient calls. As we all revisit the option for same day dentistry with a more open mind. And realize it’s no longer just a way to fill an open appointment time. But it just might be our bread and butter! And better patient care!!
Considerations For New Patients
Same day dentistry considerations include our new patient calls. So, we may want to redesign our new patient intake form. I hear you! You say you just redesigned your intake assessment form to include COVID-19 considerations. And that’s great! But let’s take it one step further now and make an adjustment. Your team will be so grateful! When everyone is on the same page, there is less conflict. What do we want to ask our new patients about a tooth problem? And how will this information be used?
Instruct the team where to schedule new dental emergency patients each day. And as the schedule becomes more concrete throughout the day, provide some updates. Hopefully the schedule will grow as hygiene patients also receive treatment. And that is the goal. To help build the restorative schedule with emergency patients, new patients, and hygiene patients that need treatment.
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Same Day Treatment For Hygiene Patients
Take the time to look at the hygiene patients’ charts. This is especially helpful at appointment confirmation. Or even when the patient is scheduled. We can ask patients if they are having any tooth pain. Or is anything bothering them in their mouths? Something new could have come up for our patient. And they may also have unfinished dental treatment that can be completed on the same day as their hygiene appointment.
We always want to extend the opportunity to take care of it all if we can. Especially since the patient already has a hygiene appointment. Be careful not to promise things you may not be able to provide. And we also want to communicate with the team and in chart notes what our conversations have been. The more we can care for our patients’ dental needs in the same day, the better for everyone!
Same Day Dentistry Considerations & Training
Solid phone skills are necessary for same day dentistry to be successful. Everyone on the team must be prepared to answer the office phones with polish and expertise. Because anyone on the team could be called upon to answer the phones. Or maybe just to help with the phones. If you are wondering where all your new patients are, perhaps they were missed. And they were missed with the office phones.
Treatment and financial presentation are also key support tools. We all want and need this skill as well. Everyone on the team must manage this the same way. And eye contact is more important now than ever when we are face to face. We can convey confidence, trust, and assurance with just our eyes. But we can also communicate our own fears, doubt, or uncertainty as well.
Find the phone training and the financial presentation training your team needs right here! Purchase a membership for access to all support materials. Download the e-book bundle if you want just some printed materials. Please contact me for additional training and coaching options.
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Training New Team Members
When we bring in new team members, our practice dynamics change tremendously. Be sure to take the time to bring the team together for training. This is an opportunity to grow together as a team. And one to consider worth taking. A team training session each week even for established teams is powerful. And a team training session when a new member comes on board is as well.
Same day dentistry can be fun and exciting! Team members can learn from each other to follow cues and just make the day flow! You may find these days more rewarding and adventurous than anything you have known. Have some fun! Laugh a little. And be kind to one another. With a little flexibility and adaptability, you may see some of your best days yet. I’m here for you if you could use some one-on-one training. Or if you are unsure what options here might work best for you! I’m happy to answer any questions.
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