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Taking Vacation While Keeping Your Practice Profitable

A vacation shouldn’t come at the cost of your practice’s profitability. But many dentists struggle with stepping away because they’re unsure what the team should focus on while they’re out. The good news? With the right plan, you can leave confidently and come back to a more efficient, forward-moving practice.

 

What should your dental team do while you're on vacation?

When the doctor is away, it’s the perfect opportunity for your team to tackle high-impact projects that often get pushed to the back burner. These aren’t just busywork tasks—they should drive profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth.

Here are proven strategies to keep your practice productive while you're out:

1. Finalize or Update Your Operations Manual

This is your practice’s playbook. Without it, consistency and training suffer.

Action steps:

  • Assign each team member a set number of protocols to document
  • Use a standardized format: Purpose, Step-by-Step, Supplies Needed, and Visual (if applicable)
  • Store documents in a central, editable location (like a shared folder)

2. Re-Engage with Recare and Unscheduled Treatment Patients

These lists are GOLDMINES for boosting production!

Action steps:

  • Prioritize patients by production value and urgency
  • Create a VIP quick-fill list to backfill cancellations
  • Set daily call or reactivation goals for each team member

3. Aggressively Clean Up Your Accounts Receivable

You’re leaving money on the table if you’re not following up.

Action steps:

  • Triage AR by aging and balance size
  • Designate call days for insurance vs. patient balances
  • Track progress daily to stay on target

4. Implement New Software or System Upgrades

Downtime is the BEST time to onboard new tools.

Action steps:

  • Appoint a software champion to lead internal training
  • Have the team create protocols for using the new system
  • Schedule short, focused implementation sessions

5. Boost SEO and Online Presence

This builds long-term visibility and credibility.

Action steps:

  • Respond to all patient reviews across platforms
  • Film short educational videos or marketing reels
  • Draft and schedule social content ahead of time

6. Optimize Inventory and Supply Systems

Waste and disorganization will kill your margins.

Action steps:

  • Clean and restock using tip-out bins
  • Log inventory counts and usage data
  • Negotiate with vendors for better pricing

7. Track and Celebrate Progress

What gets measured, gets improved!

Action steps:

  • Assign measurable goals for each initiative
  • Hold a recap meeting when you return
  • Celebrate wins with your team to reinforce great habits

What projects should you avoid during team-only weeks?

Skip the "urgent" but routine tasks. Your team will naturally complete daily ops like sterilization, sharpening, and case submissions. Use this time for high-value work that will compound over time.

Tip: Marketing content is fun, but can be a time suck. Cap content creation to 2 hours max and focus on projects that produce revenue or efficiency.

Build a Summer Plan That Works for You

Whether you take one week or several off, having a clear project roadmap for your team ensures your vacation is stress-free and productive for your practice.

Need help building that roadmap or holding your team accountable? The Dental A Team helps practices like yours set up systems, write ops manuals, and collect unscheduled treatment while the doctor is out!

Book a free strategy call at TheDentalATeam.com to get started.

 

Don't forget to check out our podcast for more tips!

Dental production increase

Last updated: June 2025

Author: Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team