A dental practice’s revenue depends on recall compliance — patients returning for their regular six-monthly check-ups. Yet most Perth dental practices manage recalls manually, with reception staff working through lists, making phone calls, and leaving voicemails that rarely get returned. Automated recall systems change this entirely.
How automated dental recalls work
The system tracks each patient’s last visit date and treatment plan. When their next recall is due, it automatically sends a personalised SMS: “Hi [Name], your check-up and clean at [Practice] is due. Book your preferred time here: [link].” If they don’t respond within a week, a follow-up SMS goes out. Then a final email. Only patients who haven’t responded to three automated touchpoints get flagged for a personal phone call.
The math that matters
The average Perth dental check-up and clean generates $200-350. If automated recalls bring back just 10 extra patients per month, that’s $2,000-3,500 in recovered revenue — from patients who would have otherwise lapsed. Most practices see far more than 10 additional recall conversions once the system is running.
Beyond basic recalls
Advanced recall systems also track treatment plan acceptance. If a patient was recommended a crown but didn’t proceed, the system sends a gentle follow-up after an appropriate interval. This systematic approach to incomplete treatment plans captures significant revenue that otherwise evaporates after the patient walks out the door.