Introduction: A Moment of Stillness

Dr. Alvarez leaned back in her chair, the hum of the suction no longer echoing down the hallways. Three hygiene cancellations. Two new patients rescheduled. For the first time in months, the calendar had white space she didn’t ask for. The silence in her practice wasn’t peaceful—it was unsettling.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re new to dentistry or decades in, slow times eventually come for all of us. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. In fact, how you respond to these moments can define your future success more than how you ride the busy waves.

This article is for every dentist who has asked themselves, “What now?” when the schedule thins. The answer? Keep moving forward.

Step 1: Shift Your Perspective—Slow Doesn’t Mean Failure

It's easy to equate a slow schedule with poor performance. But don’t forget: economic cycles are normal.

• During the 2008 recession, many dental practices saw a dip in elective procedures but rebounded stronger with optimized systems.

• In the early COVID era, production plummeted—but rebounded to all-time highs in 2021–2022.

Slow seasons aren’t a verdict. They’re an opportunity.

Step 2: Evaluate and Improve Your Systems

Use this downtime to tighten up the machine. Here’s where to focus:

Insurance and Billing Processes

• Are claims being submitted the same day?

• Are outstanding claims followed up weekly?

• Can you negotiate better PPO fees now?

Treatment Presentation

• Review your case acceptance workflow.

• Refine how financial options are presented.

• Train team members to communicate value better.

Team Training

• Host role-playing sessions on scheduling and reactivation.

• Cross-train staff on new skills.

• Bring in an outside consultant for in-office systems training.

Busy doesn’t always mean better. Productive means better.

Step 3: Invest in Your Education

Down time = growth time.

• Attend CE courses in areas you’ve been postponing (implants, airway, ortho).

• Learn new billing, coding, or documentation strategies.

• Read leadership books or industry classics like Good to Great or The E-Myth Dentist.

Each hour spent learning now compounds into years of improved clinical and business decision-making.

Step 4: Double Down on Marketing

If you’re slow, chances are other practices in your area are too. Stand out.

• Refresh your website and SEO strategy.

• Start a patient testimonial campaign.

• Create video content about procedures, your team, or patient tips.

• Run a reactivation campaign—target patients who haven’t been in for 12+ months.

Even a simple email with a warm tone can reengage dormant patients.

Subject line idea: “We miss your smile—come see us soon!”

Step 5: Work On the Business, Not Just In It

Take a CEO day. Actually, take several.

• Update your employee handbook.

• Review your fee schedule.

• Evaluate which PPO plans are worth keeping.

• Audit your expenses—cancel unused subscriptions or renegotiate supply contracts.

You’ll be shocked how much more profitable you become when you trim the excess.

Step 6: Build Something for the Future

If you’re not seeing patients, build something that will bring more in later.

• Launch an in-house membership plan.

• Record patient education videos for your waiting room and social media.

• Design a referral program for existing patients.

• Explore adding a new service line—like clear aligners or Botox.

Every seed planted now can grow into a future revenue stream.

How Long Do Slow Times Last?

Historically, recessions and economic slumps last between 6–18 months, depending on the cause. But here’s the encouraging part:

Dentistry is resilient.

Patients may delay treatment, but they don’t abandon it forever. Oral health needs are persistent. The demand always returns.

Final Thought: There Is Hope—and It’s Not Far Off

No storm lasts forever.

The most successful dentists aren’t those who never experience slumps. They’re the ones who know how to stand tall in the storm, adjust their sails, and prepare for sunshine.

Slow times teach us to be lean, focused, and creative. When things pick up—and they will—you’ll be stronger than ever.

So hang in there. Weather the storm like a champ. Invest in yourself, your team, and your systems. And when the tide turns, you’ll be ready to ride the wave—not just survive it.

Need help building a plan during your downtime?
Let me know what area of your practice you’d like to improve—insurance, marketing, systems—and I can help create a custom checklist or action plan.

Keep going, doctor. The best is yet to come.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com