122: Why Does My Schedule Have Holes? Anyone Else?

Every dentist knows the panic of looking at a once packed schedule and suddenly seeing empty space where production should be. Is this just a seasonal dip, or a warning sign that something upstream has shifted? In this episode, Jason unpacks an email from a doctor who is drowning in hygiene checks and new patients yet somehow watching his production tank.

Jason walks through the real culprit behind most schedule slowdowns. Spoiler: it usually isn’t marketing or patient flow. It’s rushed exams, rushed treatment presentations, and a hygiene ratio that quietly sabotages case acceptance long before you notice holes in your calendar. He breaks down the dangers of running three or four hygienists per doctor, the downstream effects on comprehensive dentistry, and why even strong offices can drift into reactive scheduling if they don’t track the right metrics.

You’ll learn the two KPIs he insists every doctor monitors weekly. You’ll also hear practical strategies for preventing exam overload, protecting your time, and spotting production dips before they hit your bottom line. If you’ve ever stared at an empty afternoon and thought “What happened?”, this episode gives you the roadmap to diagnose and fix it.

Check out thedentallighthouse.com for more information on joining the Better than Yesterday challenge.


Recent Episodes

136: 3 Hidden Reasons Your Team Isn’t Motivated
135: Case Acceptance: Simple Fixes That Work Immediately
134: More Calls, Fewer Patients: What Dentists Are Missing in 2026
133: Stop Holding Bad Meetings and Start Leading Better Ones

Be a Guest on the Podcast!

Have a question or a challenge with your dental practice? Join me on The Dental Lighthouse Podcast! We'll discuss your concerns, share ideas, and find practical solutions together. Use the button below to request to be on the show!