While most people look forward to the summer holidays with anticipation, for many dental practice owners, the thought of taking a break can bring more anxiety than excitement. If you’re a principal who feels chained to your practice, even a few days away can feel like an uphill battle – juggling patient care, staff queries, and the inevitable “just one thing” that always seems to crop up.
You’re not alone.
Running a dental practice is all-consuming. The responsibility sits heavily – staffing, compliance, patient retention, financial pressures, CQC inspections, marketing, equipment maintenance… the list is endless. And when summer arrives, the idea of stepping away can feel more like a logistical nightmare than a well-earned rest.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Start Building for Freedom, Not Just Survival
Taking real time off starts with changing how your practice is structured. Here are some of the longer-term strategies that can help shift the burden off your shoulders:
Build an Associate-Led Model
If you’re currently the main income-generator in the practice, the thought of being away for a week might be terrifying. But with the right associates in place, trained to uphold your standards and supported with clear systems, your practice can continue to thrive even when you’re not there.
Strengthen Your Management Team
A great practice manager can be worth their weight in gold. Invest in someone who can handle day-to-day issues, manage the team, and make key decisions in your absence. Delegation isn’t a weakness – it’s a skill.
Systemise Everything
From treatment plans to staff rotas, systemise your operations. The more repeatable and consistent your workflows are, the less reliant your business is on you personally. This doesn’t just improve your ability to take time off – it also adds value to the practice.
Think Like an Owner, Not Just a Clinician
It’s easy to get stuck in the surgery. But if you want freedom, you need to wear your ‘business owner’ hat more often. Step back. Review your numbers. Assess your team. Plan your future. That’s the work that leads to a business that doesn’t need you 24/7.
Set Boundaries & Practice Leadership
It’s okay to be unavailable. Set expectations with your team about when and how you can be contacted. Empower them to problem-solve. Your absence shouldn’t feel like a crisis – it should feel like a normal part of how your business operates.
Or… Is It Time to Take a Different Path?
Despite the best strategies, not every principal wants to keep running at full tilt. If the thought of spending another summer shackled to your practice fills you with dread, maybe it’s time to explore something different.
Selling your dental practice doesn’t have to be an end – it can be a beginning. For many principals we work with, the decision to sell is about reclaiming balance, time, and control. Whether you’re looking to retire, reduce your clinical hours, or simply enjoy a life outside of dentistry, selling your practice could be the key to finally switching off – physically and mentally.
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we’ve supported thousands of practice owners through that transition. We’ll help you understand your options, evaluate the market, and plan the next steps – on your terms.
Because the summer holidays should feel like a break, not a burden.
Thinking about your exit?
Let’s have a confidential conversation about how you can take back control.
