Scheduling & Appointments

Scheduling Appointments in Cognident

Efficient appointment scheduling is crucial for practice productivity. Here's how to master the scheduling system.

Quick Appointment Booking

From the main dashboard:

1. Click the "New Appointment" button
2. Search for the patient by name or phone number
3. Select the appointment type and duration
4. Choose an available time slot
5. Add any special notes or instructions
6. Click "Schedule" to confirm

Calendar View Options

Switch between different calendar views:

• Day View: Detailed hourly schedule for a single day
• Week View: Overview of the entire week
• Month View: High-level monthly planning
• Provider View: Individual schedules for each dentist

Appointment Types and Duration

Configure different appointment types with default durations:

• Consultation (30 minutes)
• Cleaning (60 minutes)
• Filling (45 minutes)
• Crown Preparation (90 minutes)
• Emergency (30 minutes)

Recurring Appointments

Set up recurring appointments for regular patients:

1. Schedule the initial appointment
2. Click "Make Recurring"
3. Choose frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
4. Set the number of occurrences or end date

Appointment Confirmations

Automatic confirmations are sent via email and SMS. Customize confirmation messages in Settings > Communications.

Advanced Calendar Management

Optimize your schedule with advanced calendar features and time blocking strategies.

Time Blocking Strategies

Create efficient schedules by blocking time for specific activities:

• Morning Block: Complex procedures requiring fresh focus
• Afternoon Block: Routine cleanings and check-ups
• Emergency Slots: Reserved time for urgent cases
• Administrative Time: Chart reviews and planning

Provider Schedules

Manage multiple provider schedules:

1. Go to Calendar > Provider Management
2. Set individual working hours for each provider
3. Configure break times and lunch schedules
4. Set vacation and time-off periods

Room and Equipment Scheduling

Track room availability and equipment usage:

• Assign specific rooms to appointments
• Schedule equipment maintenance
• Prevent double-booking of resources

Waitlist Management

Maintain a waitlist for popular time slots:

1. Add patients to the waitlist when preferred times aren't available
2. Automatically notify waitlisted patients when slots open
3. Prioritize by urgency or patient preference

Schedule Templates

Create reusable schedule templates for consistent planning:

• Weekly templates for regular schedules
• Special event templates for procedures
• Holiday and reduced-hour templates