What is the best dental practice management policy on length of a new patient exam?
51% schedule a minimum of 40 minutes for comprehensive dental exams, this survey found.
Only 27% of dentists said they perform comprehensive exams in less than 30 minutes.
“Actually, I schedule an hour and sometimes it takes longer The compete exam is THE single greatest internal dental marketing technique,” offered one dentist, a subtle comment for comprehensive exams being a part of an overall dental marketing plan.
Here’s how dentists responded to this survey asking what length of time they schedule for an initial comprehensive exam:
- 4% 10 minutes.
- 10% 15 minutes.
- 10% 20 minutes.
- 3% 25 minutes.
- 22% 30 minutes
- 51% 40+ minutes.
Here are some further comments on scheduling comprehensive exams from dentists:
It should be one hour …
“One hour. It’s COMPREHENSIVE. That cannot be done in less than 45 minutes. It means you are looking at radiographs, perio probing, restorative, occlusion, TMJ, health history, and oral cancer exam. I defy anyone who says that a “comprehensive” exam can be done any faster.” (Georgia dentist)
“For new patients, an hour max, but if I only give them 20 minutes of my time, I don’t get the case as often.” (Illinois dentist)
“Really should schedule 50 or 60 minutes on adults.” (General dentist)
“We schedule one hour initial exam for perio charting, radiographs, photos, models, charting restoration, and for getting to know the patient.” (Michigan dentist)
“We schedule an hour, but sometimes it takes even longer.” (California dentist)
It should be more than an hour …
“We schedule 1 1/2 hours for initial medical history gathering, interview, complimentary Velscope cancer screening, necessary x-rays and comprehensive exam. NO cleaning at this appointment.” (Minnesota dentist)
“I actually spend and hour and a half for each new patient examination. Not one gets into hygiene without a NP exam.” (Washington dentist)
“My first appointment is 1.5 hours in length with a pre-paid reservation fee.” (California dentist)
“My patient is scheduled for 2 hours. In that time we take photos, x-rays, models and intra-oral images as well as the full exam, interview and charting with the doctor.” (New Jersey dentist)
“We schedule 90 minutes. 45 minutes for the exam and 45 minutes for records.” (Florida dentist)
Note: Survey sample included 100 respondents.
