With the end of year just around the corner, now’s the time to get your dental practice ready for the holiday break. Whether you're closing the doors completely or running on a reduced schedule, these seven simple tasks will help you tie up loose ends and ease into the festive season without a hitch.

1. Let your patients know your holiday hours

Update your website, Google listing, phone messages and social media with your practice’s holiday hours. Make sure patients with upcoming appointments know what to expect, and consider sending a friendly reminder email or SMS to your database.

2. Manage your stock and supplies

Now’s the time to check inventory and place any last-minute orders, especially for essentials that might be tricky to source during the break. Don’t forget to include emergency supplies, PPE and any consumables that have longer lead times.

3. Finalise staff rosters

If your team is taking time off, lock in everyone’s leave dates and make sure rostering is covered for any emergency appointments or skeleton shifts. Clarity now means fewer surprises later (and fewer frantic texts on New Year’s Eve).

4. Do a quick financial tidy-up

Review outstanding invoices, process end-of-year claims and reconcile payments where you can. If your accountant or bookkeeper needs year-end reports, this is a great time to get your admin in order - future you will thank you in January.

5. Prepare your ‘first week back’ list

Jot down key tasks for your return like patient follow-ups, reordering stock, or cleaning equipment. A quick action list can help your team start the new year smoothly and avoid that first-day-back chaos.

6. Spread some festive cheer

Don’t forget to thank your patients! A short message on social media, an email with your holiday hours, or a small thank-you note in the practice can go a long way. It's a thoughtful way to strengthen your relationships and wrap up the year on a warm note.

7. Celebrate the year with your team

Before everyone signs off for the holidays, take a moment to celebrate your team’s efforts. A quick thank-you, a lunch shout, or small gift can go a long way in boosting morale and ending the year on a positive note.

 A little prep now goes a long way toward a stress-free break. Whether you’re heading away or staying close to home, winding down with confidence means you can enjoy the holidays knowing your practice is ready for the new year. 

Not a member yet?
Join the Grow Community today and gain access to the replay, these resources and more benefits designed to help your practice thrive – membership is FREE* for a limited time. Contact us for more information or click here to join the community where dental professionals thrive!

DISCLAIMER: The Grow Community is operated by Grow Management Pty Ltd ABN [55617707212] (“Grow”), a subsidiary of the Credabl Group. Neither Grow nor Credabl accept any responsibility or liability for goods or services supplied by Grow Community network partners. The information provided is general in nature and we have not taken into account your personal objectives or financial circumstances or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this information you should consider if it is suitable for your personal circumstances. Please seek your own independent legal, financial, tax or other advice before deciding to use any goods or services supplied by a Grow Community network partner. *Membership to the Grow Community is subject to our Terms and Conditions available here.