Opening Checklist
A one-page checklist for getting the front desk ready before the first patient arrives.
Practice: Date: Completed by:
Arrival time:
Before you unlock
- Turn off the alarm and note the time:
- Walk the reception area: lights on, floor clear, chairs tidy
- Note anything unusual (door, window, spill, odd smell):
Front desk setup
- Turn on computers, monitors and the check-in/printer equipment
- Log in to the practice software
- Check phones: voicemail messages listened to and logged (count: )
- Check email and online booking requests (count: )
- Print or open today's schedule
- Note any open slots to fill:
- Note any patients flagged for forms, balances or paperwork:
- Stock the front desk: pens, clipboards, forms, business cards, tissues
Team
- Confirm which team members are in today; note any late or absent:
- Hold the daily huddle (see the Daily Huddle Agenda)
- Flag any equipment or supply problems to the office manager:
Ready to open
- Unlock the patient door and switch the sign to Open
- Phones set to answer live
Notes:
Follow your office policy for anything not listed here. For anything clinical, follow your dentist's instructions.
A starting point. Adjust it to your office policy.