Sucktember Starts Long Before September

September has earned a bad reputation in dentistry, but is "Sucktember" really the problem? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Dana Pardue challenge the idea that a slow September is inevitable. Instead, they look at the systems behind treatment acceptance, unscheduled treatment, and patient follow-up. Many practices are sitting on hundreds of thousands, or even more than a million dollars, in diagnosed treatment that was never scheduled. The patient owns the decision to move forward, but the diagnosing practice still owns the process. That includes clear communication, assigned responsibility, consistent follow-up, and a system that does not allow patients to quietly disappear into a report. If your practice is waiting for patients to remember to call, this episode may explain why treatment acceptance is slipping. ## **Key Takeaways:** - Why your hiring process may be costing you great hygienists - The biggest mistake practices make during hygienist interviews - Why DISC is a powerful development tool—but a poor screening tool - Why licensed professionals want to meet the doctor early in the hiring process - How to remove unnecessary hiring roadblocks and move faster with confidence ## **Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:** 📣 **Identity Dental Marketing** – Strategic, ethical, brand-aligned marketing that works. 📊 **Practice by Numbers** – A unified platform that brings performance, workflows, and insights into one system—creating accountability without pressure and helping practices make smarter, data-driven decisions. ## **📲 Join the Conversation!** Have you ever lost a great hygienist during the hiring process? What's one change you could make this week to remove a roadblock for your next candidate? Join the conversation in the **Dental Drill Bits Facebook Group**. We'd love to hear what's working in your practice—and what hiring lessons you've learned along the way. ## **Upcoming Event** Front Desk Pro In-Person Seminar 📍 September 18, 2026 – Dallas, Texas 🎟️ Promo Code for $100 Off Tuition: SecretSauce