6 Tips for Fitting a Dentist Appointment Into a Crazy-Busy Schedule

These days, it seems like we’re all busy. Between shuttling the kids to soccer practice, juggling a demanding job, and staying on top of household chores, it can be tough to squeeze in a dentist appointment.

Nevertheless, regular trips to the dentist are a critical aspect of oral health. That means no matter how busy things get, it’s essential to prioritize these appointments.

Luckily, a few strategies can make it easier to fit a dentist appointment into even the busiest of schedules. Here’s how to make it happen.

Communicate with the receptionist.

If you have specific time constraints, let the receptionist know this when you call to schedule your appointment. Also be sure to specify exactly why you’re making the appointment. This will enable them to give you a sense of how long the appointment might take and advise you regarding the best time to book.

Schedule the first appointment of the day.

This significantly increases the chances that you won’t have to wait long to see the dentist, because there won’t have been time for other appointments to run over before yours. This also helps ensure you get your appointment over and done with before your day is overtaken with other tasks.

Be sure to book your appointment well in advance, because it can be difficult to land the coveted first slot. And no matter the time of day, make sure you show up on time so you aren’t the one causing delays.

Call ahead.

If you scheduled your appointment for later in the day, you may want to call the dentist’s office an hour or so prior to your appointment to confirm that they’re still on schedule. This way, you can avoid showing up earlier than you need to.

Arrive prepared.

If you know you’ll need to fill out paperwork prior to your appointment, ask the receptionist if they can send you the paperwork ahead of time. This way, you can arrive with your forms already filled out so you don’t lose time completing them at the dentist’s office.

Additionally, make sure to bring along your insurance card, payment, and any other materials you may need during the appointment. This will help ensure you aren’t delayed by bureaucratic procedures.

Use wait time productively.

If you’ve followed the proceeding steps, odds are good you won’t have to wait long before starting your appointment. But if you do have to wait for a bit prior to seeing the dentist, you can still use that time productively. Bring along some work reading or other portable tasks so you can continue to make progress on your to-do list while you wait.

Commit to preventative care.

The better you care for your oral hygiene, the higher the odds that you won’t require lengthy treatments. If you brush twice a day, floss every day, eat a healthy diet, schedule regular professional cleanings, and so on, this should help limit the amount of time-consuming work that your dentist has to perform on your teeth.

With a little savvy, some preparation, and an ongoing commitment to oral care, even the busiest people among us can find time for regular dental checkups.