Ever feel like you’re running a jam-packed schedule but still struggling to hit your production goals? You’re not alone! Many dental practices work long hours, juggling appointments, but miss out on efficiency and profitability.
The solution? Block scheduling. With the right structure, you can optimize your day, increase production without adding extra hours, and create a smoother workflow for both your team and patients.
Here’s how to make it happen in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Set Clear Production Goals
Before making changes to your schedule, you need to know exactly what you’re working toward.
- Look at last year’s production and set a realistic goal for at least 10% growth.
- Adjust your fee schedule (most practices increase fees by ~5% annually).
- Map out high and low months—some seasons may naturally be slower due to holidays, school schedules, or weather.
- Calculate how much each provider needs to produce daily to stay on track.
Having a clear target will help you design a schedule that actually supports your goals, rather than just filling your day with random appointments.
Many offices increase revenue by 10-40% simply by reworking their schedule—without seeing more patients or working longer hours!
Step 2: Structure Your Block Schedule for Maximum Efficiency
Once your goals are set, it’s time to restructure your schedule so you’re making the most of every hour.
- Prioritize high-value procedures—schedule crowns, implants, and complex treatments in designated blocks.
- Use dollar-based scheduling—ensure each provider meets their daily production goal by assigning time slots based on revenue.
- Group similar appointments—this prevents inefficiencies like back-and-forth transitions between major and minor procedures.
- Plan hygiene exams strategically—so doctors aren’t constantly pulled away from their production blocks.
How to Get Started:
1. Draft your block schedule using Google Sheets or Excel.
2. Assign revenue goals to each time block to ensure daily production targets are met.
3. Adjust hygiene and new patient blocks based on patient demand.
Mindset Shift: Block scheduling isn’t about restricting patient care—it’s about ensuring the right treatments happen at the right time so the entire office runs more smoothly.
Step 3: Train Your Team & Stick to the Plan
A great schedule only works if everyone follows it!
- Hold a team meeting to explain the new system.
- Train the front office team on how to schedule appointments within the new structure.
- Stick to the system—if a patient wants a 4 PM crown but crowns are scheduled in the morning, offer them the correct time slots instead of bending the rules.
- Evaluate and adjust after six weeks to fine-tune the system.
Real-World Example: One office increased annual production from $2M to $3.5M just by implementing block scheduling. No extra patients. No extra hours. Just smarter scheduling.
Turn Your Schedule into a Profit-Generating Machine
With block scheduling, you’re not just filling your calendar—you’re designing a workflow that works for your team, your patients, and your bottom line.
- More predictable production
- Less stress for your team
- Better patient experience
Want to start today? We’ve got a free Block Scheduling Template to help! You can download it HERE
Want even more practice growth tips? Listen to the full episode on the Dental A Team Podcast!