Scheduling blocks are the foundation of a well-run practice. They ensure you dedicate focused time to specific tasks, to maximize your productivity (and minimize your stress). But creating these blocks is just half the battle. You need to honor your scheduling blocks—or risk watching your schedule crumble!
Think of scheduling blocks as appointments—not just for patients, but for yourself and your team. They represent commitments you’ve made to keep your practice flowing smoothly. It’s important to honor the blocks.
For example, when a patient needs to reschedule, resist the urge to play phone tag. Instead, offer them specific appointment slots that align their procedure with your pre-determined schedule blocks. This empowers them to choose a time that works for them, while preserving the integrity of your schedule. Everyone wins—especially those who might’ve been impacted by a rescheduling ripple effect.
A well-defined schedule is a critical tool in running a successful practice. No one wants to look at their schedule a see a precarious tower that’s at-risk of toppling over. Remember that you can be flexible, while staying focused. Instead of deconstructing your schedule piece by piece, build it strong, one block at a time.
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry. Kirk has been a featured speaker at every major dental meeting in the United States. His company, ACT Dental, has consistently been ranked as one of the top dental consultants in Dentistry Today's annual rankings for the past 10 years. In addition, ACT Dental was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc Magazine, appearing on their Inc 5000 list. Kirk's motivational skills are widely recognized in the dental industry. Dr. Peter Dawson of The Dawson Academy has referred to Kirk as "THE best motivator I have ever heard." Kirk has also assembled a trusted team of advisor experts who work with dentists to customize individual solutions that meet their unique needs. When he's not motivating dentists and their teams, Kirk enjoys coaching his children's sports teams and spending time with his amazing wife, Sarah, and their four children, Kinzie, Lily, Zoe, and Bo.
