Benevis cited appointment cancellations as one of the biggest scheduling barriers for dental practices, adding that no-show rates are higher among disadvantaged and underserved populations because patients may struggle with inflexible work schedules, family obligations and transportation issues.
As part of the extension, the DSO’s practices will extend their hours to include more weekday evenings and Saturday appointments.
The DSO said it conducted a pilot in May in which extended hours were offered to patients. During the pilot, Benevis offices were able to serve up to 25 percent more patients per day.
The DSO said Sept. 12 that the changes will be implemented gradually across its network. It also plans to expand recruiting efforts to accommodate the new scheduling at its practices. The organization said it has already added 100 dentists to its practices to date and expects to increase doctor capacity by about 30 percent by the end of the year.
Benevis supports practices in 13 states.
