Missed Appointments

Amy Beth Dukoff, D.M.D.
Missed Appointments

Amy Dukoff	ISSED APPOINTMENTS can play havoc with a doctor’s schedule. Besides the down time, the loss of income can be a strain on the practice. One-visit endodontics is the key to reducing the number of missed appointments. Many patients are anxious about the endodontic procedure because of their previous experience or because of what a friend has said about the procedure. Pain motivates the patient to come for treatment. After the pain has been relieved, many patients miss the follow-up appointment. Completing the procedure in one visit eliminates the need for the patient to return to complete the treatment. Furthermore, completing the procedure in a single visit eliminates the patient’s risk of an incomplete treatment with possible re-infection or breakage of the coronal structure. One-visit endodontics creates a positive environment for the patient — especially the apprehensive one. Certainly, keeping the patient’s interest in the treatment is key. Undoubtedly, many patients have very busy, complex lives that match the bustling pace of city life. Just getting a patient to commit to a time or treatment plan can be quite an arduous task. Completing the endodontics in one visit can enhance the general dentist’s treatment plan, for the restorative can begin so much sooner. One-visit endodontics is wonderful for the patient—who is delighted that the procedure is over—at the same time that it reduces the likelihood that the patient will miss the next appointment. There will always be some patients who do not keep their appointments. Learning to make good use of the “empty” time that results is a constant struggle. Discipline is needed to utilize the time properly. Managing your time in the office is key to making a missed appointment’s time into a productive period. There is always work to do in the office. Having a to-do list for one’s self keeps wasted time to a minimum. Missed-appointment time is a good time to review accounts, inventory, and patients’ histories. It’s time for catching up on reading and correspondence. These unexpected holes in one’s schedule can become valuable to the practitioner. Missed appointments are always an unwelcome surprise. Making the “down time” into positive, productive time is challenging. It becomes rewarding when the time is well spent. November-December 2002

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