Many dentists believe the only way to grow a dental practice is to work more days, see more patients, and stay tied to the chair. But what if the opposite were true? What if reducing clinical days could actually improve efficiency, profitability, and quality of life?
In this episode of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast, Dr Paul Etchison sits down with Dental Practice Heroes coaching client Dr David McHoney to explore how he reduced his clinical schedule to just two days per week while continuing to grow his dental practice. This conversation highlights powerful lessons in dental practice management, leadership, and systemization that apply to any owner dentist looking to build a more sustainable practice.
Rethinking What It Means to Grow Your Dental Practice
When Dr McHoney took over Havertown Dental Arts, the practice was collecting roughly $700,000 per year and operating only three days a week. Like many dentists early in ownership, he assumed growth meant working harder and longer. For the first year, he expanded to four clinical days, spending long hours in the office while learning the realities of running a dental practice.
As his understanding of dental business management improved, he realized that growth was less about adding days and more about improving systems. By focusing on efficiency, team development, and smarter scheduling, the practice grew to $1.5 million and then to $2 million in collections without increasing clinical days.
This shift in mindset is a cornerstone of modern dental practice coaching. Growth does not require burnout. It requires clarity, structure, and leadership.
Cutting Clinical Days Without Cutting Production
Reducing from four days to three felt achievable for Dr McHoney because inefficiencies were obvious. Scheduling gaps, underutilized assistants, and untapped hygiene capacity all limited production. By addressing these issues, he maintained income while gaining time back.
The move from three days to two, however, required a deeper level of trust in systems and people. Adding an associate allowed the practice to remain open five days per week while freeing the owner from daily clinical demands. This approach reflects a core principle taught in dental practice management coaching: build a business that can operate without constant owner involvement.
Why Team Leadership Makes Fewer Clinical Days Possible
One of the most impactful changes was the development of leadership within the team. As the practice grew, Dr McHoney identified key team members who demonstrated loyalty, consistency, and commitment to the practiceā€™s success.
Creating department leads helped ensure accountability without micromanagement. Instead of the owner overseeing every task, responsibility shifted to trusted team members who understood the systems and culture. This reduced stress, improved execution, and allowed the owner to step back clinically without sacrificing quality or control.
Strong leadership is essential when building a dental practice that supports long term growth and freedom.
The Role of Coaching in Dental Practice Growth
Dr McHoney credits much of his success to mentorship and dental business coaching. Learning from experienced dentists who had already reduced clinical days made the goal feel attainable. Coaching provided clarity, confidence, and accountability during each transition.
The Dental Practice Heroes podcast emphasizes this point repeatedly. Dentists who grow faster and experience less burnout rarely do it alone. They rely on coaching, data, and proven systems rather than trial and error.
This approach aligns with lessons found in many books on dental practice management and dental practice guides that emphasize systemization over sheer effort.
Building a Practice That Serves Your Life
Reducing clinical days was never about working less. It was about working smarter. With two clinical days, Dr McHoney still enjoys dentistry while creating space for family, health, and personal growth. His practice continues to thrive because it is built on systems, leadership, and intentional decision making.
This is what modern dental practice management looks like. It is not about chasing production at all costs. It is about creating a business that supports your goals instead of consuming your life.
Final Thoughts: Grow Your Dental Practice Without Burning Out
Dr McHoneyā€™s story proves that it is possible to grow your dental practice, increase revenue, and improve efficiency while working fewer clinical days. The key lies in leadership, team development, and embracing dental practice coaching that focuses on systems rather than hustle.
If you are ready to stop tying success to time in the chair and start building a more sustainable practice, the Dental Practice Heroes Coaching Team can help. Through proven frameworks, real world coaching, and ongoing support, we help dentists grow smarter, practice less, and live better lives.
To learn more, explore the resources and coaching programs at Dental Practice Heroes and start building the practice you actually want to own.
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