Everyone can run into a time issue sometimes and need to reschedule dental appointments. It can be complicated for some to know when they will have time for the rescheduled appointment between work, school, or kids so they end up rescheduling several times.
There is an etiquette to rescheduling dental appointments and you must consider that. However, most dental offices will allow you to reschedule an appointment as many times as needed to fit your schedule.
Appointment Etiquette
All dentists in toronto and doctor’s offices have rules about how far in advance you must call to reschedule an appointment. Many stipulate you must call at least 24 hours before your appointment while others say rescheduling or cancellations must happen at least 48 or 72 hours before an appointment.
Typically, the appointment scheduler in the dental office prefers a week’s notice to reschedule so you should make the change as soon as you know you can’t make it.
Some offices will give you a complimentary pass the first time you fail to reschedule within the stated time frame allowed but the office manager or scheduler will tell you it is a one-time courtesy.
You will need to look at the paperwork you signed when you became a patient or ask the appointment secretary at the dental office to know what your dentist’s rules are. However, one rule exists for all dental offices. No-shows are a no-no.
Dental and medical offices have policies that will issue a charge to those who fail to show up for a scheduled appointment. This is stated on the paperwork you signed when you became a patient.
Not showing up for a scheduled appointment will also cause a rift between you and your dentist. Some offices have policies that they “fire” patients who commit this appointment sin. You don’t want that, especially if you love your dentist.
Rescheduling Help
A dental office may offer extended hours to help meet the demands of your schedule. The scheduler, especially at our office, will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you to reschedule.
It is common courtesy that you not reschedule again when the scheduler has gone to so much effort to accommodate your schedule. However, most will reschedule again if making the appointment is impossible.
How Many Times Can I Reschedule?
There is generally no limit to the number of times you can reschedule a dental appointment. However, rescheduling more than a couple of times is considered rude as those are times other patients can be seen.
It is also inconsiderate to the dentist and staff as they are making time for you. You should also honor their commitment by making time for the appointment.
However, you may find yourself in a situation where you are tied up for several weeks or a month or two with work, family obligations, health issues, a family crisis, a sudden lack of dental insurance, or other stresses. This is a case where it’s best to simply cancel the appointment and make another one after life settles down for you.
Your dental office may send you reminders to follow up on your appointment. You may want to call them to tell them the situation so they know when you may be able to make an appointment. You don’t have to make an appointment then even though they may suggest making one several months away. Just tell them you will call them back when the time is more convenient. Then, you won’t be getting constant reminders.
Open Communication
The key element in dealing with your dental office or rescheduling is to be open and honest in the rescheduling. Staff and dentists want to work with you and are better able to do that if they know the situation.
For instance, telling them your husband is having emergency surgery and you are unsure when you’ll be able to keep an appointment is much better than trying to reschedule at a time they suggest but that you know probably won’t work.
Appointment schedulers are accustomed to making changes so they will understand if you give plenty of notice.
