Why We Do an Office Autopsy
In consulting, we call it an office autopsy, a deep dive into a practice’s systems, schedule, and team dynamics to identify what’s really driving (or stalling) results.
It’s not about pointing fingers. It’s about finding the small but critical levers that move a practice forward.
The Case: A Legacy Practice at a Standstill
One of our consultants, Trish, recently worked with a third-generation practice carrying a proud family legacy. But despite decades of history, the current owner faced major challenges:
- A six-week wait for new patients
- Hygiene patients struggling to get back in
- Congested schedules filled with “busy” but not productive time
- Overhead confusion and financial stress
- A team that had stopped paying attention to goals
This wasn’t a practice lacking effort, it was a practice stuck in systems that no longer served them.
What Changed During the Office Autopsy
Rather than overcomplicating things, Trish and the team focused on a few targeted shifts that produced fast ROI:
1. Added Hygiene Capacity
a. Brought in another hygienist, which meant reorganizing doctor time.
b. Strategic doctor blocks and staggered schedules kept production on track.
2. Expanded Practice Hours
a. Shifted from Monday–Thursday to Monday–Friday.
b. More operatory access meant more new patient availability.
3. Filtered New Patients
a. High-need patients were scheduled directly with doctors instead of waiting for hygiene.
b. This allowed comprehensive cases to be diagnosed and started sooner.
4. Case Presentation Upgrade
a. Dusty intraoral cameras became daily tools.
b. Visual treatment presentation dramatically improved case acceptance.
5. Team and Provider Engagement
a. Doctors bought into the changes, and even a little friendly competition pushed consistency.
The Results in Months, Not Years
- Hit production goals for the first time in over a year, and kept hitting them.
- Team re-engagement with numbers and goals.
- New build-out plans already in motion.
- A re-energized doctor, excited about the future instead of weighed down by the past.
What You Can Take Away
An office autopsy doesn’t require an overhaul. Sometimes, three or four well-placed changes can transform production and morale.
- Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable, growth comes from breaking old habits.
- Focus on the highest-impact levers, not every problem at once.
- Engage the entire team so systems stick.
Final Thought
Every practice has blind spots. A fresh perspective can uncover opportunities you can’t see while you’re buried in the day-to-day.
If your practice feels stagnant, an office autopsy might be exactly what it takes to get you back on track.
Ready for Your Own Office Autopsy?
If you see pieces of your story in this case, it may be time for your own dental office autopsy. Our consultants will walk through your schedule, systems, and team flow to find the fastest path to profit and peace of mind.
Schedule a Complimentary Practice Assessment call with The Dental A Team today.
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Last updated: October 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team