As dentistry continues to evolve at record speed, so must the systems that keep practices running smoothly.
That’s where the Dental Practice Clean Up Challenge comes in.
With patient expectations rising, and technology advancing faster than ever, this new guide from CURVE DENTAL is designed to help dental teams work smarter and stay ahead of change.
The 16-page paper offers 12 practical steps practice owners can take to simplify how their practice runs, from daily workflows to cash flow.
Curve Dental president, Jana Macon, said: “With the start of the new year, I find myself thinking about what’s actually holding dental practices back right now – and what truly moves them forward.
“For most teams, it isn’t a lack of effort or ambition – it’s complexity. Too much manual work and systems that quietly drain time, margin, and energy.
“That’s why we created the 12 Step Practice Clean Up Challenge, working alongside a seasoned dental practice consultant, to give you practical steps you can take so your team can operate with more clarity, efficiency, and confidence.”
Step 1: Clean up ageing accounts
Clearing old accounts receivable (AR) is like decluttering your practice’s financial health.
Overdue balances weigh down cash flow and create unnecessary administrative burdens.
Start by identifying overdue accounts, rephrasing payment requests, and leveraging patient-friendly tools like email and text-to-pay options.
Cleaning up your AR now ensures a fresh financial start for your practices.
Step 2: Streamline intake forms
Accurate intake forms are the foundation of smooth insurance claims and operational efficiency.
Take this time to review and refine your forms.
Are you capturing the necessary information for clean claim submissions, such as patient birthdates and member IDs?
Step 3: Consolidate consents
Consent forms shouldn’t be a source of confusion for your team or patients.
If you have multiple forms for different appointment types, now is the time to simplify.
Consolidate and organise them into a centralised library, labelling them clearly by visit type.
Step 4: Automate insurance checks
Insurance verification is one of the most-time-consuming parts of running a dental practice – and one of the easiest to modernise. Manual checks are a time suck that often create delays, frustrate patients, and lead to claim denials.
Today’s increasing demands on dental teams require faster, more-reliable ways to verify coverage before the patient ever walks through the door.
With automated tools, you can verify coverage details in minutes, reduce staff workload, and approach every appointment with clarity and confidence.
Step 5: Revamp you morning hurdles
The success of your day starts with focused and productive morning huddles. They provide an opportunity to align your team on daily goals, patient care priorities, and operational efficiency.
However, many huddles focus too heavily on production numbers, missing the chance to inspire and prepare the team for delivering exceptional care.
Consider shifting the focus of your huddles to emphasise standards of care, patient experience, and team collaboration.
Step 6: Optimise scheduling
Your schedule is the heartbeat of your practice, and small adjustments can make a big difference.
Consider expanding your online scheduling options to allow patients to book more easily.
Adding scheduling links to your website, email campaigns, or text reminders can fill gaps in your calendar and reduce missed opportunities.
Step 7: Accelerate daily deposits
How you handle end-of-day payments can make or break your cash flow.
When payments sit in limbo for days, it creates unnecessary strain on payroll, supply ordering, and monthly budgeting.
Focus on tightening your payment cycle so deposits happen faster, records stay accurate, and your team ends each day with confidence.
Step 8: Audit inventory supplies
Efficient inventory management is essential for keeping your practice running smoothly and preventing unnecessary costs.
An organised system not only ensures that you have the right supplies on hand, but also helps avoid overstocking or running out of critical items.
Take time to evaluate your inventory processes to ensure your practice is well prepared for success in the year ahead.
Step 9: Refresh your marketing
Your marketing strategy is the lifeline to attracting and retaining patients.
Now’s the time to assess what’s working and refine your efforts to maximise your reach and impact in the coming year.
A strong, consistent marketing plan will help grow your patient base while also strengthening loyalty and brand recognition.
Step 10: Update your communication strategy
Clear, consistent, and engaging communication is the backbone of building trust and loyalty with your patients.
Whether it’s through emails, texts, phone calls, or social media, your messaging should reflect your commitment to providing exceptional care while addressing patient needs and preferences.
Strengthening your communication strategies can boost patient retention, improve case acceptance, and enhance overall satisfaction.
Step 11: Update your fees
Reviewing and adjusting your fees is a crucial part of maintaining the financial health of your practice.
Regularly updating fees ensures that you’re keeping up with inflation, rising costs, and market trends while continuing to provide exceptional value to your patients.
This process is not just about profitability; it’s about sustainability and staying competitive in a rapidly-evolving industry.
Step 12: Celebrate wins and set goals
Taking time to recognise accomplishments and set clear goals for the future is essential for maintaining a motivated and aligned team.
Celebrating wins fosters a positive culture, while setting achievable goals provides direction and focus.
Reflect on your practice’s successes and plan for even greater achievements in the new year.