Jona Secures Dentist Appointments in a Record 12 Seconds

TurnUp, a Belgian startup co-founded by Jona De Cubber, has successfully filled 70,000 dental appointments by using artificial intelligence to predict and mitigate patient cancellations. By analyzing 40 distinct variables, including weather patterns and traffic, the company’s software reduces no-show rates to one percent and allows practices to rebook empty slots in as little as 12 seconds.

How Does AI Predict Patient Cancellations?

The TurnUp software utilizes a predictive model that evaluates 40 specific risk factors to determine the likelihood of a patient missing their appointment. According to co-founder Jona De Cubber, the system tracks historical patient behavior alongside external data points such as traffic conditions and local weather forecasts. De Cubber notes that individuals are statistically more likely to skip non-urgent dental visits when the weather is favorable, opting for leisure activities instead. The system also accounts for demographic trends, noting that younger patients show a higher tendency to miss appointments than older cohorts.

Why Do Dental Practices Struggle with Empty Slots?

Empty dental chairs are often the result of a combination of last-minute cancellations and complete no-shows. De Cubber reports that 11 percent of dental appointments are not honored: four percent of patients fail to show up entirely, while seven percent cancel too late for the practice to effectively fill the time. This problem is significantly more pronounced in hospital settings. Before the implementation of automated rebooking tools, receptionists bore the administrative burden of manually calling patients from a waiting list, often encountering voicemails or returning calls only to find the slot had already been filled. TurnUp’s software automates this process, allowing staff to focus on patient care rather than logistics.

What Are the Next Steps for Healthcare Scheduling Technology?

With 1,300 Belgian dentists across 250 practices currently using the technology, TurnUp is now expanding into the European market. The company recently secured two million euros in funding to facilitate growth, specifically targeting the United Kingdom. De Cubber explains that the problem of missed appointments is more acute in the UK, particularly for National Health Service (NHS) patients. Because the barrier for NHS patients to skip appointments is lower, the financial and operational impact on practices that rely on high patient volume is significant. By applying similar predictive analytics in the UK, the company aims to stabilize practice revenue and improve access to care.

Pro Tips: Reducing No-Show Rates in Your Practice

• Multi-Channel Communication: Use a sequence of automated reminders starting with email, followed by SMS or WhatsApp, and finalizing with a phone call if necessary.
• Analyze Historical Data: Track which patient demographics are most prone to missing appointments to prioritize outreach efforts.
• Leverage External Factors: Be aware that seasonal changes and local events can influence patient attendance rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does TurnUp reduce the burden on dental receptionists?

The software automates the rebooking process when a patient cancels, eliminating the need for staff to manually call through waitlists and manage voicemails.

What happens if a patient is identified as high-risk?

The system triggers an active, multi-stage reminder process via email, text, or WhatsApp to ensure the patient confirms or cancels well in advance.

Is this technology applicable outside of dentistry?

Yes, the company notes that the issue of missed appointments is even more prevalent in hospital settings, where the software could potentially be applied to improve efficiency.

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