Dental Hygiene Schedule Management
Dental hygiene schedule management can make or break our day. And we do well to remember that we are the schedule master. So, we get to decide who goes on our schedule each day. In addition, we also determine where on the schedule.
Therefore, a solid template is the only way to go. First, because this shows the team exactly where to schedule and how to schedule our hygiene patients. Second, we know are meeting our specific practice needs.
Let’s Build Your Template
How many active perio blocks do you need? Where do you prefer kids on the schedule? And just how do you manage your exams? These are all great questions to ask as you build your hygiene template.
Create different templates for different days if you like. Or even varying templates for each hygienist. This is an area where you can truly be as creative as you wish. And as you need.
Patient Conversations
Next, let’s consider what we way to our hygiene patients. As we schedule our patients, let’s communicate our reschedule policy. We can do this in a kind and firm manner.
“Mrs. Jones, you are on Sarah’s schedule for June 6th at 2 pm. Please remember that Dr. Brown asks for 2 business days’ notice, should you need to reschedule that appointment. Can you do that for us?” Pause.
Wait For It!
Then, allow your patient to commit to the reschedule policy. Gentle eye contact is sufficient. And a smile! Now we know our patient consents to comply with our request.
Most importantly, repeat this conversation each and every time. With every single patients. Leave no room for misunderstanding or miscommunication here. It’s an always and forever kind of thing.
Dental Hygiene Schedule Management With 3-Strikes
Dental hygiene schedule management is no baseball game. So, it’s not 3 strikes and your out! No. We use this 3-strike system to manage our schedules. Not to kick our patients out.
Three short notice reschedules in an 18-month period and we go in a different direction. This patient is not pre-scheduled. At least not for now. First, let’s help them manage their schedules. Because it impacts us.
Short Notice Call List
This patient now goes on our call list. Find out the days and times that work best for the patient. And their best contact number. Then work the patient into the hygiene schedule with schedule changes.
Our patient may find this works well for them. Especially if they have a difficult schedule. Or things might settle down for them. And they are able to pre-schedule their hygiene visits again.
Short-Notice Call Lists
One of the best tools in our toolbox is our call list! Because no matter how well we communicate our reschedule policy, life happens. And life doesn’t follow our reschedule policy very well.
Therefore, an effective call list saves the schedule every day. So be sure to use this for the powerhouse it is. Know who is available on short notice. And who likes the adventure of an unexpected schedule change.
Presentation is Everything!
How we present ourselves and our tone set the stage for our patients. Both in compliance to our requests and policies. And in asking a patient if they might be open to an appointment today!
Pre-Built Operations Manual
