Summer Scheduling: Reason vs. Excuse

Memorial Day weekend, traditionally marks the beginning of summer! Which as you know kicks off the summer schedule chaos. Often, we hear as coaches in dental offices that the summer schedule lends to holes in the schedule and late cancellations.

"Susie forgot she had graduation"

"Mr.Smith forgot his family was going on vacation."

Are these reasons or excuses?

Approaching situations proactively will lessen the burden of stress in scheduling. What exactly does this mean? If May had lots of gaps from cancelations, what value did we leave the healthy patients back in November, 6 months ago? Knowing we can't "shoulda," we can start a new path of value TODAY!

Let go of all excuses and add value to who you are and what you do. Whether it be in the hygiene chair or on the phone, what can you do to add value to the cancelling patient?

Adding the VALUE

• In the hygiene chair - Mrs. Jones, your mouth is healthy today. It is healthy because we partner together, by you doing your part, daily; brushing and flossing and us doing our part professionally in evaluating your oral health. If you keep your maintenance appointment at a 6 month interval, not extending it or late cancelling, your dental costs will be minimized. Add preventative fluorides daily and your decay rate will hover around zero!
• In the restorative chair - Mrs. Jones, your dental work is all done! Our notes say you are healthy with a recommended 6 month re-care. Keeping your 6 month interval will minimize your dental costs. Add preventative fluorides and your future decay will be minimal or non-existent. Extending your interval or late cancelling could cause periodontal disease.
• On the phone - Yes, Mrs. Jones, the interval of time to keep you healthy is 6 months according to your chart. By keeping this interval and not extending it or late cancelling your appointment, you can stay healthy and keep dental costs to a minimum. Add preventative fluorides and the chance of getting decay is minimal to none!

Reasons rather than Excuses

We can't change today, but we can use reasons rather and excuses in providing the best health, the correct interval of care and explain to the patient why this is. There is no excuse today for decay or ill care. We can choose to be proactive with our patients and share what we know, honestly and forthright. The results will drive health, fill your chairs and patients with value for what you do.