In a dental practice, if the dentist and the dental chair represent the engine, the secretary and the schedule are undoubtedly the steering wheel and the control system. Effective management of the schedule can be the key to a practice’s success, while poor management can lead to its downfall.
How many practices have full schedules but struggle to convert this into revenue? And how many others grapple with patient recalls due to a lack of effective protocols?
The schedule is not just a working tool; it’s an ecosystem where various needs intertwine, such as staff coordination, patient satisfaction, financial management, balancing the workload of the dentists, and minimizing delays.
To address these complex needs, over the years, I have developed a method that divides “the Schedule” into five thematic areas, each representing a fundamental pillar for the growth and sustainability of the practice:
- Patient Records
- Timing
- Financial Area
- Communication
- Management Control
These five areas, interconnected and complementary, support the secretary and the practice in the optimal management of the schedule, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
