Collections are one of the most stressful parts of running a dental practice. They fuel payroll, overhead, growth, and ultimately, peace of mind. When collections aren’t consistent, stress levels rise, and it can feel like no matter how much you produce, the money isn’t there to match.
At Dental A Team, we recently worked with a client who faced this exact challenge. Within just two months, they tripled their collections, not because they worked harder, but because they worked with consistency and structure.
The Power of Focus
This client entered consulting with collections sitting at only 40 percent, with a large backlog in AR. Production was happening, but the systems to consistently collect were missing. Like many doctors, their instinct was to produce more to make up for the gap. The truth? Producing more without fixing the root issue doesn’t solve collections problems, it makes them bigger.
The first step was simple: identify where the breakdown was happening and pick one lever to pull. Instead of trying to fix ten things at once, we narrowed in on collections.
Building a Cadence
Collections improve when there’s a rhythm. Sporadic follow-ups and occasional AR calls don’t create results. Consistent, scheduled time does. For this practice, we created a cadence: specific weeks for patient AR, insurance AR, statement sending, and follow-up calls. Just like a workout routine, the results compound when the reps stay consistent.
When insurance AR had been neglected due to front office turnover, the practice outsourced it to ensure steady attention. That single change alone created an immediate jump. Add in a structured cadence for patient AR, and suddenly collections became predictable instead of stressful.
Consistency Creates Results
The comparison to the gym is a powerful one. If you work out three times a week for months, you see results. But the moment you stop, progress fades and you start over. Collections are the same. Sporadic effort leads to starting from scratch, while consistency builds momentum.
Within two months of committing to their cadence, this practice tripled collections. What had felt overwhelming became manageable. The doctor saw the results, the team felt the wins, and the stress lifted.
Lessons for Every Practice
Every dental office has the ability to improve collections. The secret isn’t complicated, it’s consistency. Know your numbers. Build a cadence for AR. Stick to it week after week. Whether you outsource or keep it in-house, make sure someone is accountable and the system doesn’t get pushed aside.
Practices that track, measure, and stay disciplined will see results. Whether your collections are at 98 percent or 40 percent, consistency will determine if you stay there, or if you grow.
Final Thought
Collections don’t improve with hope. They improve with structure, accountability, and follow-through. Just like this practice, you can transform results faster than you think by focusing on consistency first.
Want help building systems that stick?
Schedule a Complimentary Practice Assessment call and ask for our support in creating your collections strategy.
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Last updated: October 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team