The 2020 Guide To Dental Appointment Scheduling Software
Learn how online scheduling software can lead to a 400% increase in new patient appointments!Let’s say I went to your website right now. Could I make an appointment without having to send you an email, filling out a contact form, or picking up the phone? In other words: has your practice invested in online dental scheduling software?
If not, you’re getting left behind. Recent research shows that 33% of people are still making appointments over the phone. However, 67% of people say that booking online is their #1 choice when scheduling an appointment and 59% say they are frustrated when put on hold or an office is not open when they call to make an appointment.
In today’s post we’ll talk about the advantages of online dental scheduling software, take a closer look at the main players in the field, and answer a few common questions.
Why online appointment scheduling?
Do you only answer the phone during your practice’s business hours? Does it take you a day or so to respond to inquiries sent through your website’s contact form? What do you think potential patients are doing while waiting for a response?
Many will keep looking for a new dentist, especially if they’re in a hurry to get an appointment. Online appointment scheduling offers instant gratification and gets new patients started right away without any unnecessary waiting.
Key benefits of dental scheduling software
| For your patients | For your practice | |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience |
Can schedule an appointment anytime, even when your office is closed |
Less time spent answering the phone means more productive time in the office |
| Flexibility |
Can choose the appointment time that fits their schedule without back and forth communication |
You specify when your dentists and hygienists are available, minimizing downtime |
| Ease |
Schedule an appointment with just a few clicks, no phone call needed |
Once your scheduling software is set up, it does the work for you |
| Eliminates frustration |
No waiting on hold, no voicemails, and no hassle |
Online scheduling saves time and eliminates accidental double-booking |
| Appointment Reminders |
Patients can get reminded about their appointments via text, email, or phone call |
Your staff will spend less time sending and following up on appointment reminders |
5 leading dental scheduling software platforms
NexHealth
★ Delmain’s Pick ★
Key Feature: Nexhealth helps dentists acquire new patients and keeps them coming back. Also features automations to reduce no-shows and cancellations.
LocalMed
Key Feature: Seamlessly integrates with most practice management systems and keeps your schedule up to date at all times.
Setmore
Key Feature: Highly flexible and configurable with many bells and whistles, including online payment. But the learning curve may be steep!
ZocDoc
Key Feature: Not just an appointment platform, ZocDoc aims to be a directory of dentists, doctors, and other healthcare practitioners. It may be a key source of new patients for your practice.
Picktime
Key Feature: Currently free, Picktime is the new kid on the block. Known for responsive support. However your practice may prefer a more established partner.
At Delmain, we work with dentists around the country. Many have increased their new patient appointments and overall patient satisfaction by investing in dental scheduling software for their practices. While there are a variety of options to choose from, most of the practices we work with use Localmed, Nexhealth, or Zocdoc based on their unique needs.
Check out a few of our dental clients and see how they’ve made scheduling software part of their websites:
What to think about when choosing a dental scheduling platform
HIPAA compliance
Take your patients’ privacy seriously. Before you sign up for any dental scheduling software, ask about its HIPAA compliance. While there are many new startups creating dental scheduling software, they may not take patient privacy and security as seriously as more established companies.
Practice management system integration
Dentrix, Lighthouse 360, PracticeWorks, EagleSoft, and SolutionReach are a few of the most practice management systems used by dental practices. When selecting a scheduling platform, find out how it will integrate with your current workflow.
Essential features for your practice
If your practice has more than one dentist, more than one location, or offers unique specialty services, make sure to take these into consideration when allowing patients to book appointments online. Will the software allow patients to pick their provider or office location? Will they be able to request a longer appointment to discuss implants, veneers, or gum disease treatments? Look for flexibility and software that can grow with your practice.
Ease of use and user experience
Remember, the whole point of dental scheduling software is to make it easier for your patients to make an appointment. When you’re evaluating different platforms, try them yourself! Put yourself in your patients’ shoes.
Ask questions like:
- How many steps does it take?
- Is it obvious what information is needed?
- Is the process different on a smartphone? Remember that over 50% of your patients are likely to be on a mobile device.
- What happens after you schedule? Is there an email or other confirmation?
- Integration with your CRM
- Works with social media — Instagram, Facebook, etc.
- Flexible enough for your needs
The proof is in the results
Dr. Patel, a San Francisco holistic dentist, used a traditional contact form on her website to solicit new patient inquiries. After investing in an online appointment booking solution, she saw her appointments increase by nearly 400%.
Dr. Patel says of the success she’s seen working with Delmain,
“Dan and his team do quality and amazing work. I love my new website and all the work you’ve been doing. I’ve had more time to focus on my non-profit and to work on my book, Age With Style. Thank you so much!”
Read more about Dr. Patel’s success with online appointment scheduling and how we redesigned her website and created a winning SEO strategy.
