Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “fill last-minute cancellations and keep the schedule full”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

30 min
typically, every day
60%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Let patients book online and text the ASAP list when a slot opens

Online booking that reads your real schedule takes new patients and cleanings any time, and a text to the ASAP list fills a cancellation in minutes instead of a round of calls.

Typically saves about 40% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Turn on online scheduling for simple visit types (new patient exam, cleaning, emergency) in your booking tool (NexHealth, Weave, LocalMed or your practice system).
  2. 2Set rules for which providers, chairs and times can be booked online.
  3. 3Keep an ASAP list and use mass text to offer openings first-come, first-served.
  4. 4Add the booking link to your website, Google Business Profile and reminders.

Tools: NexHealth · Weave · LocalMed · Your practice management system (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, Curve, Denticon, CareStack or similar)

Fix 2 of 2

Automation

Let recall reminders and confirmations go out automatically

Automated recall texts and emails go to every patient due or overdue for a cleaning with a link to book, and appointment confirmations run by reply. Staff only call the patients who do not respond.

Typically saves about 65% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Turn on automated recall and confirmation messages in your patient communication tool (Weave, NexHealth, RevenueWell, Lighthouse 360 or Solutionreach).
  2. 2Set the sequence: due date, 2 weeks overdue, 2 months overdue.
  3. 3Include a booking link in every message.
  4. 4Pre-appoint the next cleaning before patients leave the chair.
  5. 5Call only the short list of non-responders each week.

Tools: Weave, NexHealth, RevenueWell, Lighthouse 360 or Solutionreach · Your practice management system (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, Curve, Denticon, CareStack or similar)

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do recall reminders go out automatically with a link to book?
Your patient texting tool can remind everyone due or overdue for a cleaning and let them book online. Staff only call the few who do not reply.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Dental office managers / treatment coordinators