The new year is just around the corner, and I’ve got a challenge for you and your team: declutter your dental practice processes and set yourselves up for a more productive, efficient, and profitable 2025. Think of it as your practice’s New Year’s clean-up. A streamlined practice doesn’t just run better—it grows stronger.
Let’s dive into these bite-sized steps to transform your workflows. Complete all the steps to finish the challenge and position your practice for success in the new year!
Start the 7-Step Practice Efficiency Challenge
Step 1: Purge Aging Accounts Receivable
Aging accounts can drag down your financial health and clutter your books. Start by auditing your accounts receivable and clearing out overdue balances.
- Offer online payment options or send friendly text reminders to make it easy for patients to pay.
- Update your messaging with a positive tone, like: “We’ve made it even easier to settle your balance—click here to pay online today!”
✅ Outcome: A cleaner ledger and improved cash flow heading into 2025.
Step 2: Refresh Patient Intake Forms
Intake forms are the foundation of a well-oiled practice. Are yours up to date?
- Ensure the forms capture all the details your team needs, from insurance information to treatment preferences.
- Add fields to spark conversations about elective treatments like whitening or aligners.
- Go digital to minimize errors and streamline the process for your team and patients.
- Have your forms been reviewed by counsel recently? Consider sending them to your legal advisor to make sure they are up to date on current privacy and other laws.
✅ Outcome: Fewer insurance hiccups and better opportunities for treatment acceptance.
Step 3: Consolidate Consent Forms
Too many forms can create chaos for your team and patients. Simplify things by consolidating similar consent forms into one organized document.
- Group consents by appointment type (e.g., “New Patient Visit Consents”) and clearly label sections.
✅ Outcome: Streamlined paperwork that’s easier for everyone to manage.
Step 4: Declutter Your Schedule
An organized schedule is key to reducing stress and maximizing productivity.
- Organize appointment types into workflows that minimize downtime and maximize production.
- Double-check your online scheduling system—are patients finding it easy to book appointments, even after hours?
✅ Outcome: A smoother schedule and happier patients.
Step 5: Create a Smooth After-Hours Experience
Patients value convenience, so make sure they can connect with your practice outside of office hours.
- Enable online scheduling, two-way texting, and automated responses to stay accessible.
- Test how easy it is for patients to book or reach your team when the office is closed.
✅ Outcome: A more connected and patient-friendly experience.
Step 6: Reimagine the Morning Huddle
Your morning huddle should be more than a rundown of appointments—it’s your team’s daily strategy session.
- Use data-driven insights to focus on key priorities like unscheduled treatments, outstanding balances, and patient-specific notes.
✅ Outcome: A motivated and aligned team ready to tackle the day.
Step 7: Make Space for Growth
Decluttering your workflows now clears the way for growth in the new year.
- Identify inefficiencies and look for opportunities to simplify processes.
- Use this clean-up as a foundation to support practice growth in 2025.
✅ Outcome: A streamlined, growth-ready practice.
Bonus: Let Technology Help You Declutter
Feeling overwhelmed? The right tools can make this challenge easier and more effective.
Curve Dental’s® cloud-based all-in-one practice management software streamlines everything from billing to scheduling and beyond:
- Tidy Up Aging Accounts: Automate payment follow-ups and send statements via text or email.
- Streamline Intake Forms: Customize digital forms to promote accuracy and boost treatment discussions.
- Organize Consent Forms: Group consents by appointment type for easy access.
- Declutter Scheduling: Maximize efficiency with Curve’s Tag Methodology and online booking tools.
- Enhance After-Hours Access: Stay connected with Curve Mobile’s two-way texting and 24/7 patient communication.
- Boost Morning Huddles: Use real-time data from Curve’s Snapshot Tool to guide focused team meetings.
Ready to Complete the Challenge?
Finish all the steps to declutter your practice processes and set the stage for a productive, profitable 2025. Explore how Curve can make it easier to meet your goals and grow your practice!
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