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FlexSchedule: Simplifying Dental Scheduling for Patients and Practices

Written by Team Flex | January 24, 2025

As more and more dental offices open each day, standing out amongst the rest is crucial. Patients seek convenience, while practices need precise schedule control. That’s why you need FlexSchedule – a groundbreaking leap in online appointment scheduling that caters to both needs seamlessly. Here's how FlexSchedule keeps your practice consistent and ahead of the curve.

Unmatched Convenience for Patients

FlexSchedule transforms the scheduling experience with its mobile design, making it so intuitive that anyone can book an appointment effortlessly. This user-friendly approach not only appeals to tech-savvy patients but also to those less familiar with technology, helping them navigate the process with ease. By offering such a simple and convenient booking option, your practice becomes more attractive to potential patients. 

With a majority of patients booking online, the option to schedule an appointment any time is essential for dental practices. It gives patients the flexibility and freedom to book whenever they want, even on the weekends or odd times. In a recent study based on 400,000 new patient appointments, Flex found that 41% of them were booked outside of typical office hours. This means your practice could be losing nearly half of its potential clients by not utilizing this feature.

Efficient Schedule Control for Practices

FlexSchedule isn't just about convenience; it's about control. Its human-style scheduling adapts dynamically to fill your appointment book as efficiently as a front-desk staff member would. This smart scheduling ensures that open slots are filled promptly, often adjacent to existing appointments. That means no double-booking or merging, optimizing available appointment slots and maximizing the practice’s productivity.

Advanced Features for Precision Scheduling

FlexSchedule's advanced features give you unparalleled control over your schedule:

  1. Real-Time Availability: Direct integration with Open Dental allows for real-time updates, so your schedule is always current.
  2. Specific Customization: Tailor availability by provider, appointment type, and even operatory, ensuring that every slot is utilized optimally.
  3. Assistant and Provider Time Management: FlexSchedule is the only platform that accounts for both assistant and provider time across multiple operatories, making it ideal for practices with complex scheduling needs.
  4. Block Scheduling: Pinpoint specific times for certain appointment types, enhancing the organization and flow of your daily operations.
  5. Proprietary Scheduling Algorithm: By telling FlexSchedule which times and dates you can or can’t do, the algorithm prioritizes the appointment slots you prefer, mirroring the personalized touch of a live scheduler.

Enhancing Patient Commitment with FlexPay

It's a common misconception that online bookings are more likely to result in no-shows. To address this concern, some offices have implemented policies requiring a credit card hold or deposit to secure appointments. Combining FlexSchedule with FlexPay also adds an extra layer of commitment through credit card holds or deposits. This helps support compliance with your office policies and reduces the risk of no-shows.

Holds and Deposits Explained

  • Holds: Securely store patient card information to apply fees for cancellations, without charging upfront.
  • Deposits: Charge a predetermined amount to reserve an appointment, providing a higher level of commitment from patients.

This flexibility allows practices to choose the best approach for both new and returning patients, ensuring a smooth and reliable booking process. However, the booking process is appointment- specific, allowing them to choose which appointment types require holds or deposits.

Branding and Customization

FlexSchedule offers customization options that align with your practice’s brand and voice. From the booking interface to automated appointment confirmations and new patient forms, every touchpoint reinforces your brand identity. This high-touch onboarding experience not only welcomes new patients but also fosters engagement before they even step into your office.

Take the First Step 

FlexSchedule is more than just a scheduling tool – it's a comprehensive solution that enhances patient convenience while giving practices the control and efficiency they need. By integrating cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, FlexSchedule ensures consistency, boosts engagement, and allows your practice to stand out amongst the competition.

Want to learn more about FlexSchedule and other amazing Flex features?