---
title: 6 Super Easy Ways Dentists Can Stop No-Shows
description: Patient no-shows are a frustrating reality for most dental practices. Here are six tools you can use to help incentivize your patients to show up.
image: https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hubfs/Blog/Q2%202021/6%20Super%20Easy%20Ways%20Dentists%20Can%20Stop%20No-Shows%20Image%20-%201000x383.jpeg
---

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# 6 Super Easy Ways Dentists Can Stop No-Shows

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No-shows dental patients are a frustrating reality most practices face regularly. 88% of dental practices report that they have at least one patient no-show every day, according to a December, 2020 industry survey. Drawing upon our 35+ years of experience working with dental practices, patients and industry experts, we present our top six proven ways to get your patients in the chair on time, every time. 

![6 Super Easy Ways Dentists Can Stop No-Shows Image - 1000x383](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Q2%202021/6%20Super%20Easy%20Ways%20Dentists%20Can%20Stop%20No-Shows%20Image%20-%201000x383.jpeg?width=900&name=6%20Super%20Easy%20Ways%20Dentists%20Can%20Stop%20No-Shows%20Image%20-%201000x383.jpeg)

#### 1. Develop a reminder system for your “at-risk” offenders.

Start sending your patients automated text and email appointment reminders 2 weeks out. Call anyone who hasn’t confirmed by the day before their appointment and tell them that if they don’t confirm by 2 PM you are releasing the appointment to another patient.  

#### 2. Create a lifetime whitening program.

Offer patients a tray and provide free whitening gel and 1-2 syringes as long as they keep their regular hygiene appointments. The cost to you is minimal compared to the revenue lost from a broken appointment. 

#### 3. Offer a warranty on your practice’s dental work.

Provide a warranty that you guarantee your work for a certain number of years as long as the patient keeps their recommended hygiene appointments. One caveat: accidents are not covered. 

#### [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6936809/2e459501-bb1c-4ebc-ae06-55944a24ef46.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6936809/2e459501-bb1c-4ebc-ae06-55944a24ef46)4. Create the expectation that your patients keep their appointments.

At the end of their first appointment, explain the 3-4 things the patients can expect from your practice. Follow that by explaining the one thing you expect of them: “If you make an appointment, you show up.” 

#### 5. Charge a fee to hold the appointment.

Charging a small fee to hold all new appointments is a highly effective way to reduce no-shows. Let patients know the non-refundable $25 charge to their credit card will be applied toward the treatment. 

#### 6. Dismiss the patient.

If nothing else works, dismiss patients who are habitual no-shows. Let them know that you’re happy to recommend another dentist who is more casual about making appointments. 

### Leave a Comment

## Related Articles

[![](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hubfs/phone.jpg)](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/turn-a-dental-shopper-into-a-keeper)

[Business of Dentistry](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/business-of-dentistry) [New Patients](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/new-patients) [Patient Experience](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/patient-experience) [Key Resources](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/key-resources)

### [Turn a Dental “Shopper” into a “Keeper”](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/turn-a-dental-shopper-into-a-keeper)

We know having patients call about fees first can be frustrating. But remember, we're all shoppers before we are buyers.

![Futuredontics](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Futuredontics%20Logos/FUTUREDONTICS-FAVICON-32X32-2.png?width=45&name=FUTUREDONTICS-FAVICON-32X32-2.png) 

[Futuredontics](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/author/futuredontics) 

[Read More](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/turn-a-dental-shopper-into-a-keeper)

[![](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1573204975.png)](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/dental-marketing-start-getting-better-online-reviews-0)

[Business of Dentistry](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/business-of-dentistry) [New Patients](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/new-patients) [Patient Experience](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/patient-experience) [Futuredontics News and Updates](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/futuredontics-news-and-updates) [Key Resources](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/tag/key-resources)

### [New Patients Nearly Double Profit Margins](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/dental-marketing-start-getting-better-online-reviews-0)

All in all, new patients are VERY valuable to your Dental Practice.

![Futuredontics](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Futuredontics%20Logos/FUTUREDONTICS-FAVICON-32X32-2.png?width=45&name=FUTUREDONTICS-FAVICON-32X32-2.png) 

[Futuredontics](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/author/futuredontics) 

[Read More](https://insights.join1800dentist.com/blog/dental-marketing-start-getting-better-online-reviews-0)

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