The 14-Day Rule: Removing the Mind Changing

Appointment cancellations are a waste of resources and time for your dental practice.  They create administrative burdens related to re-scheduling appointments, or a blank slot on the appointment book.  Cancellations also cause your practice to lose money from missed procedures. 

How can you reduce cancellations and no-shows, while increasing your business?  It really calls for a change in the mindset of both your patients and your staff.  You can train your staff to be more persuasive with patients as well as to better understand their behavioral motivations.  If you and your staff can convince patients of the necessity for treatment, you can decrease the chances of them canceling appointments.

Try the 14-day rule.  When patients need additional procedures or treatments, train your staff to encourage patients to book those additional visits within a 14-day period.  When more than 14 days passes between treatments, patients tend to lose focus on the importance of following through, and are more likely to cancel an appointment or simply forget to show up.

If you can successfully avoid patient cancellations, your dental practice will benefit through a full appointment calendar.