The Value of Time in Dentistry: Why It's Crucial to Stay On Time

People often say that time is perhaps our most important resource. It doesn't matter how wealthy you are or where you live in the world – we all have 24 hours in a day, and we can't buy more time. None of us can.

While we can live a better life and extend our lifespan, there’s no guarantee for that. We can't "save up" time and use it later, so it's essential to use the time we have wisely.

As a dentist, it's equally important to respect other people's time. We are frequently known for running late, which can cause frustration for both our patients and ourselves. This issue is prevalent in many medical practices, and it's time we reconsider how we approach it.

The Impact of Running Late on Patients

As doctors, we often end up running late, and this can lead to patients being frustrated. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a waiting room for an hour or two before seeing an orthopedic surgeon. Sorry, orthopedic surgeons! But this is a reality. You may sit in a waiting room for long periods, waiting for a 5-10 minute consultation.

Unfortunately, this often happens because practices are not as mindful of patients' time. In a fee-for-service practice like ours, we make it a priority to respect our patients’ time. It’s the right thing to do because if we don’t, patients get upset. It's not unusual for a patient to walk into a room and immediately say, “You’re late,” even if I’m only 10 minutes behind schedule.

We’ve trained our patients to expect us to run on time. And for the most part, we do. I ensure I don’t overbook myself and schedule enough time for each procedure. If a procedure takes me an hour, I may schedule an hour and a half to make sure I have enough time for the patient, and I can be on time for the next one.

The Importance of Being On Time: A Key to Success

Respecting your patients’ time can make all the difference in how smoothly your practice runs. If you want a practice where patients always show up on time, you have to be on time yourself. It’s a simple rule: you get what you give. If you’re consistently on time, your patients will follow suit.

I also apply this approach to meetings. In the past, I would try to fit in as many things as I could before heading to a meeting because my time felt so valuable. But I’ve learned that arriving early is a much better approach. There are several reasons for this:

1. It sets the tone – When I arrive early, others are more likely to be on time too.

2. It reduces stress – Being early lowers my stress levels and allows me to prepare mentally and physically.

3. It shows respect – Arriving early shows respect for the people I’m meeting. If I’m always late, others will likely follow that pattern.

The same logic applies to running your dental practice. By making time management a priority, you can create a more efficient and stress-free environment for both yourself and your patients.

Managing Time: Maximizing Every Moment

Time is limited, and we can’t create more of it. But we can make the most of the time we have by being respectful of it and understanding its value. As an overachiever, I try to maximize every minute of the day, always pushing myself to be productive. I joke that I don't want to spend my time just drinking Diet Pepsi, eating Doritos, and watching reruns of Wheel of Fortune. While some people do that, I value my time and want to make every moment count.

That said, I also know the importance of taking time to rest and recharge. If I push myself too hard, both mentally and physically, I break down. So, taking the time to recover and recharge is just as important as being productive. Finding a balance between productivity and recovery is key to maintaining long-term success.

Conclusion

Time is a valuable resource, and in dentistry, we must learn to respect not only our own time but also our patients' time. Being punctual, organized, and mindful of the time we spend with each patient creates a more positive experience for everyone involved. By implementing effective time management practices, you’ll reduce stress, improve your workflow, and create a better experience for both yourself and your patients.

Have a great day, everyone!