Back-to-Busy Season: How to Keep Your Dental Team and Patients Smiling
The air feels a little crisper, the coffee lines are longer, and school drop-offs are back in full swing — welcome to September in a dental office.
For many practices, this month brings a surge of activity. Schedules are full, patients are trying to squeeze in overdue visits before year-end benefits expire, and your team is adjusting from summer’s laid-back pace to the fast-moving “back-to-busy” rhythm.
It can be exciting. It can be exhausting. And it’s the perfect time for a reset.
1. Start With Your Team Culture
When things get hectic, it’s easy to shift into “just get through the day” mode. But September is the ideal time to check in with your team — not just about schedules and procedures, but about how they’re feeling.
Try adding one “small win” share at your morning huddles this month. It could be a patient compliment, a successful case, or simply a funny moment that made the day brighter. These little boosts help keep morale high and remind everyone they’re working toward the same goal.
2. Refresh Patient Communication
BAfter a busy summer, some patients have fallen off track with their care. Reaching out doesn’t have to feel like chasing — it can be a warm, personal invitation.
Swap generic reminders for friendlier, benefit-focused language:
“Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Dental Office]. We noticed you’re due for your next visit and wanted to give you the opportunity to come in to see us before your benefits reset for the year.”
It’s a small change, but it makes patients feel remembered and cared for, not just scheduled
3. Streamline Scheduling
Back-to-school season means parents’ calendars are jam-packed. Make it easy for patients to say yes by:
Offering early morning or lunchtime appointments.
Sending confirmations by text for quick responses.
Using your priority list proactively — those last-minute openings can be filled in minutes if you have a plan. (Notice, I didn't call it a cancellation list!)
4. Keep it Fun
Yes, September is busy — but it doesn’t have to be stress-only. Try a “Smile at Work” challenge for your team, with small daily prompts like “Share your funniest patient story” or “Snap a team coffee break selfie.”
When your team enjoys their workday, patients notice. And happy patients are more likely to return, refer, and rave about your office.
Final Thought
September is more than just a change in the calendar — it’s an opportunity to refresh your systems, reconnect with your team, and re-engage your patients. By focusing on culture, communication, and efficiency now, you’ll set your practice up for a strong, positive finish to the year.
Here’s to keeping both your team and your patients smiling — no matter how busy the season gets. If you are looking for extra support, please reach out to me at monica@blossomdentalconsulting.com.
With Courage and Encouragement,
Monica Watson