If you're a dental practice owner navigating the world of multi-location operations or looking to improve a single practice's performance, this blog is your guide. We recently sat down on The Dental A Team podcast to conduct what we call "Office Autopsies"—deep dives into real client offices that reveal what’s working, what’s not, and how to create lasting profitability.
What Is an Office Autopsy?
Think of it as a detailed post-mortem on the health of your practice. We analyze numbers, workflows, team dynamics, and production trends to uncover the exact reasons a practice might be thriving or bleeding profit.
Multi-Location Reality Check
We often see group practices where one or two locations carry the weight while others consistently underperform. The hidden cost? Time, energy, and profit lost as owners stretch themselves thin across locations. Here’s where the Office Autopsy comes in.
Step 1: Separate the Numbers
If all your practices operate under one financial umbrella, you’re flying blind. Break down your P&Ls and KPIs by location. This clarity allows you to see which offices are truly profitable and which are draining your business.
Step 2: Analyze Fixed Costs and Production Capacity
Start with a BAM (Bare A$$ Minimum): how much each practice needs to produce to cover overhead. Then ask, what percentage of that production is tied to YOU, the owner? If you're the key producer, you’re not scaling—you're surviving.
Step 3: Associate Performance Calibration
To reduce owner dependency, hire strong associates who align with your production type. Don’t just hire for "bread and butter" dentistry if your practice thrives on advanced procedures. Use numbers to calibrate associates and hygiene teams to your ideal case mix.
Step 4: Adjust Staffing and Marketing Strategically
If a practice isn’t pulling its weight, revisit your staffing model. Can you move to part-time until patient volume grows? Are your marketing efforts aligned with the community's actual demographic? The Lululemon mom and the Target mom need entirely different outreach strategies.
Step 5: Burn the Boats, But Set a Timeline
Avoid the tempting distraction of moonlighting elsewhere to cover losses. Instead, commit to a clear timeline for profitability and make decisions accordingly. Need help? That’s where a coach or consultant can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways:
-
Separate your numbers by location to identify profit centers and pain points.
-
Know your BAM and align staffing and production accordingly.
-
Hire and calibrate associates who match your clinical and cultural model.
-
Don’t distract yourself with external gigs—focus on fixing what you own.
-
Set a profitability timeline and make data-backed decisions to hit it.
The Dental A Team is here to help you perform your own office autopsy—and bring your practices back to life. Want a second set of eyes on your data? Schedule a call.
Don't forget to check out our podcast for more tips.
