Maximising the last two weeks before Christmas in your dental practice

The Final Fortnight: How to Lead Your Practice Calmly to Christmas

The final two weeks before Christmas bring a unique challenge for UK dental practice owners. Patients rush to book last-minute appointments, your team juggles holiday plans, and you must keep the practice running smoothly while preparing for the new year. This period tests your leadership and organisation more than any other time of year. Staying calm, visible, and focused will help you lead your practice confidently through this busy stretch.

Keep calm and lead clearly

December can feel chaotic, but your role is to steady the practice, not add to the noise. Patients expect last-minute slots, and your team may feel stretched. Instead of reacting to every demand, set clear priorities. Focus on completing outstanding treatment plans and lab cases rather than chasing perfection. This approach helps reduce stress and keeps the practice moving forward.

Daily team huddles are essential. Use these short meetings to share updates, identify gaps in the diary, and boost morale. When everyone knows the priorities, the team can work together efficiently.

Focus on completion over perfection

The last fortnight is not the time to start new, complex treatments. Instead, concentrate on finishing what’s already in progress. Review all open treatment plans and encourage patients to book their remaining appointments. This focus helps improve cash flow and clears the way for a fresh start in January.

Push to complete lab cases promptly. Delays here can cause bottlenecks in January, so clear these before the holidays. Communicate clearly with your dental technicians and labs to ensure smooth handovers.

Keep marketing active and relevant

Marketing often slips during busy periods, but December is a crucial time to stay visible. Share patient stories, answer common questions, and update your team’s news on social channels. This keeps your practice front of mind and encourages bookings for the new year.

Ask satisfied patients for reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback builds trust and attracts new patients when January arrives.

Plan ahead with your management team

Set aside at least half a day to meet with your management team. Use this time to review the year’s performance, identify what worked well, and outline plans for 2025. Book training sessions and set 90-day action plans to start the new year with clear goals.

Confirm holiday rotas and on-call cover to avoid last-minute confusion. Make sure everyone knows their schedule and responsibilities during the festive period.

Protect your wellbeing to lead effectively

Burnout in December leads to poor decisions in January. Prioritise your health and encourage your team to do the same. Finish strong but finish healthy. Taking breaks, managing stress, and maintaining a positive mindset will help you lead with clarity.

A practical checklist to finish the year strong

Use this checklist to guide your final fortnight:

• Hold daily huddles with clear priorities

• Review and follow up on unbooked treatment plans

• Fill late cancellations proactively

• Schedule all January training and events

• Confirm holiday rotas and on-call cover

• Maintain daily social media posts and review requests

• Meet with your treatment coordinator to review Q4 conversions

• Finalise marketing plans for January launch

• Schedule 2026 business planning sessions

• Thank your team personally for their hard work