What is a common modification to patient chair time in an advanced-function practice?

In an advanced-function dental practice, modifications to patient chair time usually aim to enhance efficiency and productivity while still providing high-quality care. Maintaining the same chair time in a specific room suggests a consistent approach to scheduling that ensures predictable appointment lengths for both patients and staff. This consistency can also contribute to streamlined workflow and improved patient management.

Emphasizing the same duration allows dental teams to optimize their schedules, which can be particularly beneficial when implementing advanced functions and techniques. Additionally, it can help in training staff to manage appointments effectively and utilize room resources appropriately.

Adjusting chair time, whether increasing or decreasing, can create challenges, such as rushed appointments or extended wait times, which might not align with the goals of an advanced-function practice. Allowing more downtime between appointments can also lead to inefficiencies, as it may increase the average time a patient spends in the office without improving overall service delivery. Therefore, keeping chair time consistent is a strategic choice that enhances the effectiveness of dental practice management.