In my years working in dental practices, I’ve come to appreciate the Dentrix unscheduled list as a crucial tool for maintaining a full and productive schedule. It’s not just a random collection of names; it’s a strategic asset that, when managed effectively, can significantly impact the practice’s bottom line.
What I find is you are using the Dentrix pinboard as your unscheduled list. You just move the appointment over to the pinboard so you can follow up with the patient. Stop doing that!
I always emphasize keeping the pin board clean. This means regularly reviewing the list and ensuring that appointments are not sitting there indefinitely. Instead, think of the unscheduled list as a holding bucket for appointments that need follow-up. Patients should not be left waiting for too long.
To manage the unscheduled list effectively, I have a few rules. First, I implement a three-month limit for patients to sit on the list. After this time, if they haven’t scheduled an appointment, they are removed from the list. Regular follow-up with patients is also crucial. I encourage my team to use the office journal to keep track of contact notes and any follow-up needed.
Using the office journal not only helps you stay organized but also shows our patients that we care about their oral health. Additionally, reaching out to patients who have missed appointments is an opportunity to address any underlying issues they may have, whether it’s fear of the dentist or financial concerns.
Bottom line is the unscheduled list is a valuable resource that, when managed effectively, can help keep your schedule full and limit the number of active patients from falling through the cracks. By keeping the pin board clean, regularly following up with patients, and using the office journal to track contact notes, you can ensure that your team will have a more streamlined system for keeping the schedule full.
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