For dental office managers: It's time to get your practice into end-of-summer mode

It may be weird to think about, but fall is just around the corner. When I walk through the stores, I see that the fall fashions are out and back-to-school specials are common. Dental offices should think in a similar fashion what do we need for the new season?

Every new season is a marketing opportunity and fall is one of my favorites. When was the last time you raffled off a fall basket? My favorites are the ones that are complete with pumpkin seeds, candy corn, and a fall wreath. A “back to school basket” is also perfect (don’t forget the coffee shop card, Domino’s card and cool notebooks). Fall is the time to approach coaches to offer mouthguards for the players and to investigate sponsorship of the teams.

This is also a good time to ramp up the review of the outstanding treatment plans. Our patients can schedule appointments to use their yearly benefits and any health savings account funds they may have. They need reminders to schedule though! This is where you come in by emailing or calling them to discuss their options.

Although the lazy days of summer are coming to an end, you can see that fall will bring much activity. Plan accordingly so you can keep your schedule full. Good luck!

Editor's Note: Also around the corner is the American Association of Dental Office Managers' 10th annual conference, set for September in San Diego. Check out this video preview on the conference with AADOM executive director Kim McQueen.