Short Dental Office Weeks & Adjustments
Short dental office weeks occur at the holidays. And it’s a fun time of year. Whatever holiday it is, it’s just fun! However, holidays bring some adjustment. And we have a shorter time at the office to get it all done. So how do we get it done? Especially if our four day work-week is now a 3-day week? Or if we close entirely for a week or more?
It’s necessary to reduce the list! And it’s okay to do that. We create our own “to-do” list. And at the “most wonderful time of the year”, let’s focus on necessity. Remember, some things will be there when we return. There’s no need to create more stress. So, take a deep breath and cross some things off that list.
Things That Must Get Done!
Customize a special phone greeting. Be sure to include emergency patient considerations. What do you want your emergency patients to do during your closure? And include the date the office reopens for patient care. Be sure to wish your patients a happy and healthy holiday. And let them know you look forward to speaking with them soon.
Keep up with patient statements until the office closes. Also be sure all insurance and personal payments are posted. And all upcoming lab cases are in the office. Or you know where these cases are. Double check the schedule for the first day back. Recheck that all automated confirmations are on track. And be sure everything is set to go.
Things That Can Wait!
Weekly Management Systems can wait. Collection calls and letters can wait. Hygiene reactivation systems are not necessary. And even insurance claims that are past due can hold. There are so many other things to do in a short week. It might even be rejuvenating to give these things a rest.
Short Dental Office Weeks And Reorganization
Short dental office weeks are great weeks to reorganize our work areas. Be sure we wrap everything up that needs attention. Thoroughly clean desktops, screens, stacking bins, etc. This creates a more inviting place to return to. And we might find we look forward to it a little more.
Pick up where you left off. But not the first day back in the office. After a holiday break, our phones and schedules need attention. However, in a day or two, things calm down. And we can jump back in to our routine. This includes Weekly Management System management.
Clean Up Office Decorations Before You Go!
Nobody wants to return to holiday decoration clean up. So, be sure to add this to your list “to do”. And leave the office clean and fresh as you close the door. It’s just one more way to invite some calm into your reopening. It’s a great idea to keep any holiday decorating to a minimum. Avoid clutter and contamination. And honor that everyone has their own beliefs and customs.
But regardless of customs, we all need a little break. So, take advantage of those shorter work weeks. Cross some things off that “to do” list. Stick to the essentials. And keep the spirit of the season in your hearts and minds. Enjoy. Smile. And maybe even Rest. See you soon!
