Josh Wren, Best Practice Consultant Manager talks about the impact of the NHS UDA target and how you can lift patients' confidence and encourage their return to practice.
It is fair to say that 2021 did not start as we all would have liked. While the vaccine is providing a positive glimmer of light, the latest set of restrictions introduced by the government to tackle the spread of the virus, present the dental community with continuous challenges. Many NHS practices that I have been talking to are particularly worried about hitting the revised 45% UDA target.
Many of you feel that this target is simply not achievable. Dentists I talk to are naturally concerned about the sustainability and future of their practice. Some highlight the complexity of providing a safe, socially distant patient journey in the practice space they have, while others stress staffing problems as many of our colleagues are isolating or home schooling.
To complicate matters, latest figures published in the BDA (in this press release) indicate that many members of the public do not consider a routine dental appointment as a necessary reason to travel. This attitude from patients, coupled with confusion about whether practices are open or not, are contributing to higher FTAs and difficulty in getting patients in the chair.
This is a very challenging position for any business to be in. However, there are things you can do to help your practice through, and future proof your business.
1. Communicate, even over communicate.
Let your patients know that you are open. Educate them about the importance of regular check-ups to maintain good oral health. You made a huge effort to make your practice safe for visiting patients. Let them know about that and about what they should expect when attending their appointment. Learn more about communicating with your patients during lockdown in this blog
2. Optimise your workflow.
During the first lockdown we worked with thousands of practices helping them find ways to make their workflows more efficient, safer and reduce pressure from reception teams. We can discuss ways to minimise both the number of patients in your waiting room and the time they spend at the practice, while maximising the use of available chair time.
To help you ensure your patients receive the excellent oral health care you deliver, and future proof your business, we are offering a complimentary Business Health Check. An hour long remote meeting where our Best Practice Consultant will help you explore your vision for your practice and build a plan to a sustainable future for your business. Click here to find out more.