Chapter 19: Increasing Same-Day Starts

Eliminating Barriers to Immediate Treatment

One of the most powerful ways to grow an orthodontic practice is by increasing same-day starts—getting patients to begin treatment immediately after their consultation. Every day that a potential patient delays treatment, the chances of them not moving forward increase significantly. Whether they’re hesitant about cost, unsure about timing, or just indecisive, your job is to eliminate their doubts and make it as easy as possible for them to say “yes” on the spot.

Eliminating Barriers to Immediate Treatment

Anticipate and remove common barriers so patients can say yes on the spot.

Common Barriers & How to Overcome Them

• “I need to think about it.” – Create urgency with limited-time incentives.
• “I need to check with my spouse.” – Encourage both to attend or offer a quick call/video.
• “It’s too expensive.” – Offer in-house or third-party financing with low or $0 down.
• “I don’t have time to start today.” – Offer immediate starts with ready workflows.