In the weeks around the holidays, a patient in pain calls their general dentist, and the front desk has a few minutes to find someone who can see them. The office that is easiest to reach usually gets that call.
Make it easy. In early December, send each referring office a simple card, sized to sit next to their phone, with:
Your holiday hours and closed dates
The days you are holding same-day emergency spots
A direct line for their front desk, and the name of the person who will answer
Tuck it in with a small treat for their team. It is helpful, it is thoughtful, and it will stay taped up by the phone until New Year's.