Guest author: Bite Magazine
Opening your practice early, late, or on weekends can improve access for busy patients - but is it worth the extra cost?
Extended hours are increasingly in demand, particularly among professionals and families balancing work, school, and other commitments. For dental practices, offering greater flexibility can enhance patient convenience and drive growth. However, it also means higher staffing costs, more complex rostering, and the need for a well-defined strategy.
Know your demographic
Before making changes to your hours, assess your patient base. Patients working standard hours may struggle to attend appointments during the day, while retirees or families with young children may not require evening or weekend availability. Consider who your current patients are, who you want to attract, and whether extended hours will genuinely meet their needs.
A reputation builder, not just a revenue stream
Offering appointments outside traditional hours can be a powerful way to build your practice’s reputation. Patients who are seen promptly during an emergency or are offered appointments at times that suit their schedules are more likely to recommend your services to others. While these hours may not be the most profitable at first, they can significantly strengthen patient loyalty and trust.
Smart scheduling is crucial
When extending hours, it’s essential to monitor which time slots are in demand. Early mornings and late evenings often book out quickly, while weekend appointments can be less predictable. Many practices find that last-minute cancellations or no-shows on weekends are harder to refill, especially when competing with patients’ personal plans.
Securing commitment with deposits
To reduce the risk of missed appointments during high-demand hours, some practices take a deposit for early morning, late evening, or weekend bookings. This approach adds perceived value to the time slot and encourages patients to commit. It’s important to clearly communicate the reasons behind the deposit and to apply it consistently and fairly.
Supporting your team
Extended hours affect your team, so it’s vital to consider staff wellbeing and preferences. Some practices find success by hiring team members who are open to working flexible hours or rotating rosters to share evening and weekend shifts. Offering shorter workweeks, study days, or personal time can help maintain morale and avoid burnout.
Make it work for you
Extended hours can be a strategic advantage, but only if implemented thoughtfully. Clear goals, strong systems, and effective promotion are key. Communicate changes to your patients across your website, social media, and emails. Don’t forget to track performance so you can adjust where needed.
Seven tips to get extended hours right (from Carolyn Dean):
This article originally appeared in Bite Magazine. You can read the full piece here: Extended hours appeal to many clients but early mornings, evenings and weekends increase your operating cost. So, how do you make it work?
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