The basic concept is to schedule blocks of productive time. This consists of filling blocks of time each day first to help achieve the bulk of your daily production goals, and then filling in the rest of the day around this block. In this way, you keep the appointment book uncluttered and productive. If someone comes in on Monday and needs a bridge, they can be seen that week perhaps in the block on Thursday. The best way to use this concept is to actually draw a block in the appointment book with a green marker pen.
Mornings are usually the best time for block appointments.
This particular version of block scheduling comes from a combination of ideas and systems from people like Cathy Jameson, PhD, Dr. Bill Blatchford, Dr. Ken James, Dr. Jim Pride, Dr. Pete Dawson, and a host of others. Green time is for production only. Do not double book green time. Pink and orange times can usually be doubled booked. These procedures usually require only 1-2 cirsoid assistants so you may choose to use reduced staff at this time or have the other staff person complete other office tasks and then go chairside when needed.