GPs are now required to offer online booking, here's why you've always needed it.

When the UK mandated that all GP practices must now offer Online Booking, it sent a clear message: patient expectations have changed - and digital convenience has never just been a ‘nice to have’.

While this new rule applies only to GPs, the implications reach far beyond general practice. For dental practices, it’s an opportunity to lead. Does your practice already offer online booking to your patients?

The message behind the mandate: Efficiency + Accessibility = Outcomes

The decision to make Online Booking mandatory for GPs isn’t just about technology. It’s about access, efficiency, and experience. We are living more of our lives online – from weekly food shopping to managing finances and healthcare, which must keep pace.

The same patients who can now book their GP appointments online are the same patients looking for a dentist, and if your practice still relies on phone calls, limited reception hours, or manual scheduling, you’re already falling behind their expectations.

The champion of choice is convenience

At Software of Excellence, we’ve seen first-hand how online booking transforms patient engagement in dentistry. It’s not just about filling slots – it’s about removing friction from the journey.

Patients increasingly choose practices that:

• Let them book anytime, anywhere: Enjoy your evenings, weekends and lunch breaks without worrying about someone manning the phone. Data collected by Software of Excellence said that 47% of bookings are made outside of normal business hours.
• Let them self-serve: Nearly 70% of 18-34 year olds actively avoid phone calls – how will dental practices evolve to meet a generation of patients who can’t book in any other way?
• Let them take their time: Let’s face it, no one wants to be on the phone for long, least of all your reception team. But sometimes, a patient needs to mull over their options: to check the calendar, to check with their partner etc. Online booking has the patience your patients deserve!

Recent improvements make Online Booking in EXACT even better

We’ve recently introduced several updates designed to make Online Booking even more powerful:

• Simplified booking journeys that help patients find and confirm appointments faster.
• Improved synchronisation with your existing diary for seamless integration.
• Enhanced mobile experience to boost engagement and reduce drop-off rates.

You can read more about the latest enhancements here.

Don’t wait for mandates: lead with insight - not obligation

Where GP practices are now compelled to act, dental practices technically still have a choice. But the direction of travel is clear: digital-first patient engagement is the new benchmark. Don’t wait for mandates. Lead the way in patient experience.

We’ve been committed to delivering a seamless experience for you and your patients for over 30 years – and now we’re focused on helping you stay ahead. That’s why we recommend exploring Dentally’s Online Booking.

Designed to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced digital world, Dentally offers a more comprehensive, future-ready way to manage patient communication, streamline admin, and grow your practice – speak to our team today to discover how.