The survey was taken as part of the ADA’s monthly “Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry” report for the week of May 15.
Patient no-shows and cancellations were also the top barrier to full practice schedules in April.
Here are the factors 807 respondents said prevented full practice schedules:
- Patient no-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours before their appointment: 81.3 percent
- Patient no-shows and cancellations more than 24 hours before their appointment: 46.3 percent
- Not enough patients making appointments: 39.9 percent
- Trouble filling vacant staff positions: 33.7 percent
- Other: 6.2 percent
- COVID-19 safety protocols: 3.5 percent
