Scheduling is the command-and-control system that helps manage all other practice systems. If you get the scheduling system right, other systems can be built to excellence. If you get it wrong, other systems can only reach certain levels of maximum potential, regardless of how well they are designed.
Take the time to analyze the schedule mathematically and then build an ideal schedule that will not only increase production but lower stress and fatigue.
Set annual production goals. If your practice doesn’t have an exact production goal every year, you are making the first and most fundamental mistake. Many schedules are built in such a way that the practice cannot exceed a certain level of production. We receive regular contact from practices that are frustrated that their production has not risen to a level that they would expect. We often find that their current schedule is the barrier and capacity simply will not allow for growth.
Don’t forget to block the schedule. Train the team to block the schedule based on procedures. We see many practices that have high-volume days and low-volume days and days that are all over the place. It’s exhausting. Once again, smaller procedures that are lower production can crowd out the opportunity to schedule larger procedures.
Dr. Roger P. Levin is CEO of Levin Group, a leading practice management and marketing consulting firm. To contact him or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit LevinGroup.com or email [email protected].
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