The Hidden Costs of Short-Staffed Practices.
Short-staffed? The cost of cancellations could be higher than hiring a locum.
The financial and patient care impact of understaffing and how S4S Team can help.
Running a profitable and cost-effective dental practice is already a challenge. Every decision must balance patient care with financial sustainability. Many practice owners are reluctant to book locum staff due to the higher hourly rates, viewing it as an added expense rather than a necessary investment. However, when you crunch the numbers, the cost of cancelling a full day’s diary of patients can far outweigh the cost of hiring a locum dental nurse.
The True Cost of Cancelling a Day’s Diary
When a key member of staff calls in sick or is unavailable, practice owners are left with two options:
Operate with reduced staff, which can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and increased stress for the remaining team.
Cancel patient appointments, leading to lost revenue, dissatisfied patients, and potential damage to the practice’s reputation.
The financial loss from a cancelled day can be staggering. A full schedule of patients means multiple treatment fees, potential high-value procedures, and opportunities for long-term patient retention. Cancelling appointments not only results in immediate revenue loss but can also drive patients to seek care elsewhere, affecting future income streams.
Beyond Finances: The Patient Experience
Since the catastrophic impact of COVID-19, wait times for general dentistry have significantly increased. Patients are struggling to find available appointments, and last-minute cancellations can add to their frustration. A short-staffed practice may lead to longer wait times, rushed treatments, and increased stress for both staff and patients. Prioritising patient care means ensuring the right team is in place to provide the best experience possible.
At S4S Team, we understand that patient satisfaction is paramount. That’s why we specialise in placing locum dental nurses who are not only qualified and experienced but also the perfect fit for your practice culture.
How S4S Team Can Support Your Practice
We pride ourselves on our thorough recruitment process, ensuring that every locum dental nurse we provide is professional, reliable, and highly skilled. Whether you require:
Ad hoc day shifts to cover unexpected absences
Long-term cover for holidays, maternity leave, or recovery periods
Specialist locum nurses to ensure continued specialist treatments (such as implant, orthodontic, or sedation nurses)
We have you covered. Our team works quickly and efficiently to match you with the right locum, minimising downtime and ensuring your practice runs smoothly.
Locum Staffing: An Investment, Not an Expense
While it’s true that locum rates are higher than salaried staff, the flexibility and continuity of care they provide ultimately protect your practice’s financial health. A well-staffed practice can maintain its diary, uphold its reputation, and continue delivering exceptional care—without the risk of losing patients to competitors.
The cost of not booking a locum can be far greater than the cost of securing one. When your practice is short-staffed, let S4S Team step in and provide the reliable support you need.
Written by Jen Upton, Marketing & People Engagement Director at S4S Team
For more information, feel free to get in touch with us directly through phone, WhatsApp, or email. We are always available to assist with any queries you may have.
📞 Call, Text or WhatsApp: 0114 478 5870
📧 Meg 📍 South Yorkshire, East & West Midlands, Merseyside & North Lincolnshire: meg.marsden@s4steam.com
📧 Chloe 📍 West/North/East Yorkshire, North East, Greater Manchester & Lancashire: chloe.burton@s4steam.com
Learn more about how we can support your practice: www.s4steam.com/for-dental-practices
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