Dos and don'ts for the new patient experience: Time is of the essence

For most people, motivation does not last long. No matter how eager new patients may be to come to your office, time tends to diminish their enthusiasm. Show them they are a priority for your practice by minimizing wait times.

Schedule new patients within seven days. Be certain that time slots are always available in the schedule for new patients. With all the price comparing that consumers do in the new dental economy, patients may be tempted to find a quicker, cheaper solution to their dental needs if their appointment is scheduled too far in the future.

Don't make new patients wait when they arrive. When new patients come in for their first appointment, the front desk coordinator should come into the reception area to welcome them. Make it a goal to get the patient into a treatment or consult room within three minutes.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the chairman and CEO of practice management consulting firm Levin Group.

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