As we move further into 2023, dental practices are preparing for a future that is hopefully less impacted by the events of the past few years. While there have been significant challenges to navigate, dental practices are optimistic about the future and are adapting to evolving trends in the industry.
According to a recent article by Becker's Dental Review and a recent poll from American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute, dental practice schedules were 85.5% full in January of 2023, indicating a strong level of patient demand. This is a positive sign for dental practices, as it suggests that patients are still prioritizing their oral health despite any ongoing challenges.
However, there are still challenges that practices need to consider when it comes to scheduling and managing patient demand. As the industry continues to evolve, practices may need to adapt their scheduling strategies to ensure that they are meeting the needs of their patients and maximizing their revenue by offloading manual tasks like supplies ordering and inventory to automated technology solutions.
One key consideration for practices is the level of patient demand. As more people become aware of the importance of oral health, practices may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate an increasing number of patients. By staying up-to-date on industry trends and adapting to changing patient needs, practices can ensure that they are providing high-quality care to their patients while also running a successful business.
Another factor to consider is the availability of dental professionals and staff. Practices need to ensure that they have sufficient personnel to meet the needs of their patients while also avoiding overstaffing. By carefully managing staff schedules and optimizing their workflows, practices can ensure that they are making the most of their resources.
In addition, practices may need to consider the role of technology in managing their schedules. Electronic scheduling tools can help practices book appointments, manage patient information, and track revenue more effectively.
Technology can also play a crucial role in managing a dental practice's supply spend. By utilizing digital tools such as base86 to simplify their procurement process, practices can more effectively monitor and control their supply costs and avoid overstocking or understocking, reducing waste and saving money.
Furthermore, by integrating such tools with electronic scheduling systems, practices can ensure that they have the necessary supplies available for scheduled procedures, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.
In Conclusion, dental practice scheduling in 2023 is about finding the right balance between patient demand, staffing availability, and technology. By staying up-to-date on industry trends and implementing best practices in scheduling, practices can ensure that they are providing high-quality care to their patients while also running a successful and profitable business.
References
1. American Dental Association. (2023). Economic Outlook for Dentistry in 2023. Health Policy Institute. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/jan2023_hpi_economic_outlook_dentistry_report_main.pdf?rev=11a8aa4c0a6347c2a71a24282fe90a7e&hash=A17333B6DC29B4F02B89FC9C88C5CEEF
2. Becker's Dental Review. (2023, February 17). Dental practice schedules were 85.5% full in January. Becker's Dental Review. https://www.beckersdental.com/dentists/40279-dental-practice-schedules-were-85-5-full-in-january.html