3 Tips To Track, Reschedule and Cancel Your Dentist Appointment With Finesse

It happens to the best of us.

Your phone buzzes. It’s an appointment confirmation email asking you to verify your 10 a.m. dentist’s visit. But you’re in a meeting, and you mark it as read.

The next day, you’re stuck at your desk through noon. Your dentist deals with a canceled appointment at best … and a no-show at worst.

We know handling texts, emails, calls and reminders for dental appointments can be a hassle. Still, track and reschedule appointment dates so your oral health stays in great shape! 

Let’s ease any stress. Here are Cascadia Dental’s top dental appointment scheduling tips.

[Related: 3 Reasons Why You Are Avoiding Going to the Dentist]

Three Easy Tips To Handle Your Dental Appointments

Admittedly, some of these pointers may seem like no-brainers. But we promise that your dentist’s office really appreciates your efforts. (We certainly do!) 

Upcoming appointments can seem like they appear at short notice. That’s where reminders pull you through — and you don’t have to reschedule appointment after appointment.

[Related: Stop Suffering From Recurring Swollen Gums]

1. Set Reminders Everywhere

First, try to book your dental appointment weeks or months in advance. Scheduling early doesn’t just give you a long-term mental “bookmark.” 

Wait times can be long, especially if your clinic is in a big city. And you don’t want to deal with missed long-standing appointments that may lead to long-term tooth pain.

Next, use your smartphone calendar to create weekly reminders that you have a dentist appointment, noting the time and date. Increase the number of reminders in the days before your appointment.

When the actual visit rolls around, you’re also more prepared in terms of your work and family obligations. You’ve had the date in the back of your mind for a while.

Note. Simply replying “Yes” to an appointment reminder text goes a long way. Your dentist office knows to have your medical history ready, while your action plants the visit in your memory.

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A Few Bonus Reminder Tips

Take full advantage of both technology and good old-fashioned paper. You can find digital versions of many traditional paper planners.

For Tech-Inclined Patients 

You may be most comfortable using mobile devices for reminders. Try these digital options:

• Activity scheduler app
• Appointment tracker app
• Automated scheduling apps and calendar settings
• Google calendar add-ons (like these)

For Paper-Inclined Patients

Or you may be more of a “I-need-to-see-this-in-writing” person. Count on these staples:

• Daily calendar, calendar book, calendar planners or calendar organizers
• Agenda planner, personal planner or planner book (like these)
• Sticky notes
• Whiteboard and erasable marker
• Large wall calendar or desk calendar

Whatever system works best for you is what works best for remembering your upcoming dentist appointments. You can even ask a family member to remind you when the day draws near.

[Related: Your Guide to Flossing]

2. Stay in Touch With Your Dental Office

Don’t hesitate to inform your dental clinic if something pops up before your appointment — and respond to their reminders, too. They truly need the notice!

Whether you have a standard or same-day dentist appointment, let the office know if you’re running late. Your quick call (or text or online message) lets them know you’re en route ASAP.

And tell your dental office right away if you hit a roadblock before an appointment. 

Although most clinics already contact you in the days and weeks before your appointment, your proactive notice is helpful. That’s especially true if you have ongoing dental work, like a root canal.

In short, keep your dental office’s staff in the know. They need to track your overall health and dental treatment plan alongside your appointments.

Note. An honest “I can’t make it on this day at this time” does the job. You don’t have to explain in detail. Staff can generally reschedule appointment times in minutes.

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3. Reschedule or Cancel 48 Hours Ahead of Time

This is our most important — and practical — dental appointment scheduling tip.

Let office staff know at least 48 hours beforehand if you can’t make it to your current appointment. 

Healthcare clinics often ask you to do so for a reason. Medical offices, including dentist’s offices, frequently have waitlists. 

When you can’t be there and staff know in advance, your spot and dental services can go to someone else. The clinic’s workflows and time slots continue uninterrupted, while you get a new appointment. 

And if you have to cancel appointments, don’t be afraid to tell your dentist’s office instead of ignoring reminders. If that means you cancel appointment dates for the third time in a row, don’t feel anxious. 

Appointment cancellations happen! Canceling an appointment is better than not communicating, especially if you have more complex procedures (like oral surgery) lined up. 

You still make workflows smoother for your dentist, dental hygienist and office staff. Meanwhile, they can make sure to follow up and keep your oral health exemplary. 

Plus, you save money on potential cancellation fees and avoid unnecessary reminders.

Note. Some dentist’s offices offer patient portals and apps. If your provider has one, you can track, reschedule and cancel your dental appointments there.

[Related: Periodontal Cleanings: What You Need To Know]

Contact Cascadia Dental for Year-Round Dental Health

We’re glad to make your dentist’s appointment as timely and painless as possible with our services at Cascadia Dental. 

Whether you need a routine exam or an oral cancer screening, our dentists and dental hygienists have you covered. We can even accommodate a same-day dentist appointment for emergency treatment, depending on your situation.

Our doctors and staff understand that life happens. All we ask is that you give us a heads-up if a hiccup arises. Here’s our number!

Contact us with any questions, or book an appointment today for the finest dental care in Bellevue. 

Featured image via Pexels