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FYI - Partnering with you to create healthy smiles

FYI

Partnering with you to help create healthy smiles

Beat summer scheduling blues

Jul 01, 2026

By Delta Dental

Summer can be a dynamic season for dental offices, with fewer appointments due to vacations and increased business from back-to-school visits. Let’s look at what you can do to keep your schedule full, prepare for busy periods and market your business.
 

Appointment scheduling

  • Start booking children’s appointments early to avoid late-summer scheduling bottlenecks.
  • Proactively contact patients to encourage early scheduling, especially for back-to-school visits.

Staffing & operations

  • Coordinate your staff’s vacation schedules to make sure you have enough employees to keep up with demand.
  • Cross-train staff members to fill in during absences and maintain consistent coverage.
  • Prepare for increased cancellations or no-shows with additional appointment reminders that emphasize cancellation penalties.
     

Patient care

  • Promote routine checkups and preventive care while kids are out of school and schedules are more flexible.
  • Educate patients on seasonal risks such as sports injuries, and remind them of prevention strategies like mouth guards.
  • Use visits as opportunities to reinforce oral hygiene habits and education.
     

Marketing & promotion

  • Increase marketing efforts during summer by using seasonal campaigns such as back-to-school specials and contests.
  • Lean on social media, email and digital ads to reach families and promote timely scheduling.
  • Build community presence through local events, partnerships, sponsorships and outreach.
     

Team engagement & culture

  • Keep staff motivated with team-building activities, appreciation events and continuing education.
  • Boost morale with seasonal perks like casual dress days, social gatherings and small gifts.