My Clinic Schedule

Summer of 2010, I had some fun creating a work schedule.  :-)

Here's what I did:

1. Determined what I hours I most enjoyed working.... and what hours would be best devoted to personal time.  
2. Determined what hours would best serve the community of Oakridge, OR.
3. Coordinated these hours.....

Factors I considered for office hours:

• I love to get up at 6 or 6:30am, but I do NOT like going to work at this hour.  The first few hours of every morning are juicy with creativity for me.  I like to spend the time writing, reading, meditating, sitting outside with coffee.
• I do want an 1-1/2 hour lunch so I can go home and eat/rest.
• 4 days a week max.
• PTS often work, so I need to accommodate those working traditional hours.

Factors I considered for schedule flow:

• I do like to work in a stress-free zone; I function best there.  I allow 90 minutes for adult recalls and for quadrant perio tx.  That way there's plenty of time for patient-centered care, and plenty of time for room turnover.  I schedule 60 minutes for kid recalls if I'm not doing a mouthful of sealants.  If they do need a bunch of sealants, I schedule more time or have them come back, whatever seems to fit me and the child the best.  
• I do schedule 105 minutes for adult new patients.  If their med hx is simple and all forms, insurance info, and previous records arrive before the appt date, then I just schedule for 90 minutes.

What this translates to at my office for now:

The schedule is:

Wednesday through Friday:  10-5:30 

 Saturday (most)  10-4

What I've found:

• Pt's don't mind coming later in the day.  If they work banker's hours and can't come in, they schedule for Saturday 
• Pt's LOVE that I'm open on Friday.  They also love that I'm right down the street from the schools.

What you need to know:

• Obviously, there is more work to do after the patient care is over.  Prescriptions need to be called in, financial reports printed, correspondence between offices.  Monday is a day that I make any remaining follow up phone calls, and communications with any patients' dentists.
• And then there is the bookkeeping.  Someone has to do it!  (I am doing my own with Quickbooks.  Find out more about Hygiene Bookkeeping at the website.)
• Oh and ordering supplies.  Oh and billing insurance (this is getting easier).
• One last thing you need to know:  always, always, always.... you **MUST set your business up properly** before opening up shop.  Come learn with the Hygienists in Independent Practice study club or visit the website for more information.  It's well worth it!