Sales Seasonality in Dentistry

Dr. Jacinta D. Watkins, DDS

Dr. Jacinta D. Watkins, DDS

Dentistry is a serving profession that is impacted by sales seasonality in a similar manner to retail businesses. During the holiday seasons, we see more employees working in our favorite retail stores to accommodate the demand for services which translates into more revenue for the business.

An example of sales seasonality in dentistry would be that historically, May and September tend to have slower patient traffic, while April, August, October, and November tend to have higher patient traffic. If the practice has a pediatric dentist, orthodontist or treats a significant number of pediatric patients, the school year calendar can also factor into which months generate revenue.

If this is your first year of practice, it may be difficult to establish a baseline as it relates to sales seasonality. A great place to start would be to consider the previously mentioned trends in the dental profession.

Here are three ways that you can plan and budget around the sales seasonality in dentistry while investing in your practice.

1. Invest in major equipment, software or renovations.

Slower months will provide you with the opportunity to install major equipment, complete renovations or implement a new software program. that will have a minimal impact on your patients. It is important to review the feedback that you are receiving from your patients and your team to ensure that the practice continues to develop and add value to the community.

1. Invest in major equipment, software or renovations.

Slower months will provide you with the opportunity to install major equipment, complete renovations or implement a new software program. that will have a minimal impact on your patients.

It is important to review the feedback that you are receiving from your patients and your team to ensure that the practice continues to develop and add value to the community.

2. Invest in your team and patients.

When you are aware of the slower months in your office, this is a great opportunity to develop and establish rapport with your team. Research continuing education events, trainings or other conferences that would be beneficial for the personal and professional development of your team. Hosting a special event or taking your team out for lunch is a fantastic way to boost the morale of your office that will be noticed by your patients.

Another way to keep the patients engaged would be to contact them. There are different applications, social media platforms or mail options that will allow you to stay connected with your patients while they are away from your office.

2. Invest in your team and patients.

There are different patient engagement techniques and strategies that can be initiated during the slower months of your practice. Advertising unique promotions for your patients to take advantage of during the slower months will allow them to stay engaged with their treatment. Another way to keep the patients engaged would be to contact them. There are different applications, social media platforms or mail options that will allow you to stay connected with your patients while they are away from your office.

3. Invest in yourself.

Investing in your personal and professional development during the slower months is critical to creating a work life balance that many dental professionals are looking for. This is a great opportunity for you to research which continuing education courses will be offered during the lower revenue months that will advance your clinical skills. Lower revenue generating months are an ideal time to plan a vacation and spend time with your family and friends.

Sales seasonality is a reality. As we all begin to develop our new sense of normal after the pandemic, it is important to budget and plan for the future. By taking time out of your schedule to review your monthly revenue and the historical trends in the dental profession, you will become more efficient and create an exciting environment for you and your team.