Missed appointments are pure lost revenue: an empty chair, slot, or survey window that can't be resold after the fact. In sectors like dental, no-show rates commonly run 10–20%, and each missed high-value slot can be worth hundreds of pounds.
Recovery works on two timelines. Before the appointment: confirmation calls and reminders (voice, SMS, email) with an easy way to reschedule. After a no-show: a prompt, friendly outreach to re-book rather than writing the slot off.
Automation makes it viable to do this for every appointment without burning reception time. An AI agent can run recall and reminder batches in the evening or at the weekend, book straight into the practice-management system, and follow up non-responders, work that would otherwise be unpaid overtime. As with all automated contact, the AI must disclose it's AI and honour opt-outs.