If your schedule is looking a little too empty for comfort, you’re not alone — it happens to every dental practice. But before you panic or start slashing fees, take a deep breath.
You still have time to end the year strong and hit those production or collection goals (and maybe even earn that team bonus you’ve been eyeing 👀).
If you’re more the listen than read type…I made a video all about this. You can watch it here:
Today, I’m sharing three fast, proven ways to fill your schedule before the year wraps up. Whether you’re a general dentist, specialist, or orthodontist, these ideas work — and you can start implementing them immediately.
These are for action-takers. If you pick even one and run with it this week, your schedule will thank you by Monday.
Quick Summary: 3 Ways to Fill Your Dental Schedule Fast
| Strategy | What It Is | Why It Works | Quick Action Step |
| 1. Follow Up with Unscheduled Patients | Reach out to patients who were diagnosed but never scheduled treatment. | Most “no’s” are really “not now.” A friendly follow-up reminds patients you care. | Assign a team member to call, text, or email all pending treatment patients this week. |
| 2. Send a “Last Call for Benefits” Reminder | Notify patients that their unused insurance benefits expire soon. | Creates natural urgency and helps patients avoid losing value. | Send an email/text campaign reminding patients to book before benefits reset. |
| 3. Run a Holiday-Themed Promotion | Create a fun, festive campaign to fill open spots. | Boosts engagement and gives your team energy while attracting new patients. | Offer a limited-time bonus, raffle, or “Holiday Smile Makeover” package. |
1. Follow Up with Patients Who Haven’t Started Treatment
Why This Works
Most dental practices have a goldmine of opportunity sitting quietly in their system — people who were diagnosed, presented with a treatment plan, and then… disappeared. Maybe the timing wasn’t right. Maybe life got busy.
Whatever the reason, it probably wasn’t about you — and it definitely doesn’t mean they’re a “no” forever.
So here’s your move: follow up. Reach out to every patient with unscheduled treatment. A friendly call, text, or email can go a long way in reminding them that you care — and that now’s a great time to move forward.
What To Say
Script a simple, friendly message your team can use:
“Hi [Name], we wanted to check in about the treatment we recommended a few months ago. We care about your dental health and want to help you prevent bigger issues later. If you’d like to get back on track before the end of the year, we’d love to get you scheduled!”
That’s it. No pressure — just care.
Make It Enticing (Without Discounts)
If you want to boost your results, pair your follow-ups with a limited-time incentive — not a discount.
Try:
- Complimentary teeth whitening
- A fun goodie bag or ultrasonic retainer cleaner
- Entry into a holiday prize draw (think: AirPods, cozy winter baskets, or spa gift cards)
The key: make it exclusive and time-bound.
“Book before December 20th to qualify!” Urgency gets results.
2. Send a “Last Call for Dental Benefits” Reminder
Why It Works
So many patients have unused benefits waiting to vanish when the calendar flips. They paid for them (or their employer did), and most don’t know those dollars don’t roll over.
This is your chance to be the helpful, proactive hero who reminds them before it’s too late.
How To Do It
Send out a quick email and text blast:
“Don’t lose your 2025 dental benefits! Most insurance plans reset on January 1st — schedule now to make the most of your coverage.”
Include a quick example:
“If you’ve been putting off that crown, filling, or cleaning — this is your sign to get it done before your benefits expire!”
Make It Stand Out
Everyone sends this reminder — few make it memorable.
Add your unique twist:
- A small bonus (e.g., whitening pen, free fluoride, or raffle entry)
- Fun, branded messaging in your tone
- Personalization (“We noticed you still have treatment pending — let’s take care of it before year-end!”)
Want more help crafting irresistible patient communication? Check out my Dental Coaching Programs for done-with-you marketing support that actually converts.
3. Run a Fun, Holiday-Themed Promotion
If you want to fill your dental schedule fast and have some fun, a holiday-themed campaign is the way to go. It energizes your team, delights patients, and builds buzz online.
Creative Ideas
- Holiday Smile Makeover: Bundle cosmetic services with whitening — “Get ready for holiday photos with a brighter smile!”
- Gift Cards for Treatment: Perfect for family members gifting dental care (veneers, implants, whitening).
- Festive Raffle or Giveaway: Patients who book in December get entered to win a holiday prize.
Holiday promotions create engagement and visibility — especially when you pair them with great social media content.
Need guidance on what to post? Explore my Marketing Resources for Dentists for content ideas and social strategies that attract your dream patients.
4. Get the Word Out — Fast
Once you’ve chosen your strategy (or all three!), it’s time to spread the word.
Quickest ways to do it:
- Leverage your team: Phone calls, texts, and emails.
- Email & text campaigns: The fastest path to your patient list.
- Social media: Make it visual, festive, and fun.
- Paid ads: A little budget can bring a big end-of-year boost.
Skip printed postcards for this — they won’t hit in time.
5. Action Beats Perfection
Don’t wait until it’s perfect — done is better than perfect.
Whip something up, get your team on board, and launch it.
If you hate discounts, skip them. Offer bonuses instead — small, high-value extras that make people feel special without hurting your margins.
Need more help getting started? My Dental Diva Method™ teaches the leadership, mindset, and growth tools every woman dentist needs to build a thriving, drama-free practice — including smart marketing that works.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got this.
The fastest way to fill your schedule isn’t about gimmicks — it’s about taking smart, focused action.
Start with follow-ups, send those benefit reminders, or launch a holiday promo — and watch your schedule fill up fast.
For more inspiration on leadership, marketing, and practice growth, explore the Her Dental Journey Success Blog.
And if you want to learn even more about effective marketing and patient psychology, the American Dental Association’s Practice Management Resources are a great place to start.
Let’s make this your best 4th Quarter yet.
