The holiday season is a hectic time of year for everyone. Between work, family, and social commitments, it's tough to find time for anything else. But what does that mean for dental practices? How does the holiday season affect dentistry?
Let's take a look.
Increase in Cosmetic Procedures
During the holiday season, people are constantly attending parties and get-togethers. As a result, many people want to make sure their teeth are looking their best. That's why there's usually a significant increase in the number of cosmetic procedures being performed during the holidays. Whether it's getting your teeth whitened or getting veneers to cover up any imperfections, people want to be confident when they're seeing family and friends.
Of course, this also means that there's an increase in the demand for cosmetic dentists. So if you know patients thinking about getting a cosmetic procedure done, it's best to book an appointment well in advance. That way, they can avoid the holiday rush and get the procedure done at a time that's convenient for them.
Dental Problems Increase Due to Stress From Holiday Season
The holiday season is also a very stressful time of year. People are generally more stressed out during this time and that can have an impact on their oral health. When we're stressed, we're more likely to grind our teeth or clench our jaws.
This can lead to headaches, TMJ problems, and even tooth damage. People are also less likely to brush and floss their teeth when preoccupied or stressed, which can lead to an increase in cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, people who have preexisting dental conditions are more likely to experience flare-ups during periods of stress. So it's important to be aware of this and keep an eye out for any red flags.
Kids After Halloween Have Lots of Cavities
Halloween is a great holiday for kids, but it's not so great for their teeth! The influx of candy can cause cavities and other problems for young children. In fact, dentists see a significant increase in the number of cavities being filled during the months after Halloween. It's probably no surprise that sugary snacks are bad for teeth, but it's still important to be aware of it.
If your child does eat a lot of candy during Halloween, be sure to have them brush their teeth extra well and floss regularly. You may also want to consider taking them for a cleaning a few weeks after the holiday.
Cancelation & Scheduling Mishaps
The holiday season is also a difficult time when it comes to scheduling appointments and managing cancellations. Many people are traveling or have family in town which makes it tough to schedule appointments.
And with all the parties and events going on, cancellations are more common as well. So it's important to be flexible and have a plan B ready just in case something comes up.
For example, you may want to consider offering evening or weekend appointments to accommodate people's schedules. And if someone does cancel, try to fill that spot with another patient rather than leaving it empty.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a busy time for everyone - including dental practices! By being aware of the challenges and knowing how to adjust, you can make sure your practice runs smoothly during this hectic time.
Above all, it's important to make sure you have qualified staff in your office in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. Hiring flexible staff as things get busier is essential and that's where Stynt comes in.
With our easy-to-use platform, you can quickly find and book quality dental professionals for your office.