Maternity Leave, Associates, and Systemization

Course Objectives

1. Understand the Three Main Options for Covering Maternity Leave
   Learners will evaluate the pros and cons of short leave without coverage, hiring a temporary doctor, or recruiting an associate—and decide which model fits their personal, professional, and financial needs.
   
   
2. Plan Maternity Leave Proactively With Strategic Timing
   Learners will learn how to post associate ads early, leverage dental school timelines, and create a realistic hiring and onboarding calendar to minimize disruption.
   
   
3. Create a Financial Plan for Business and Personal Stability During Leave
   Learners will assess monthly overhead, set savings goals for worst-case scenarios (e.g., extended leave, associate ramp-up delays), and ensure both business and personal expenses are protected.
   
   
4. Develop Clear Clinical Calibration and Communication Systems
   Learners will build step-by-step calibration guides for new doctors, create scripting for patient communication, and prepare onboarding documents to maintain consistency of care.
   
   
5. Strengthen Frontline Team Systems to Support Smooth Operations
   Learners will implement end-of-day checklists, morning huddles, inventory management systems, and delegation structures to ensure the office runs efficiently without the primary owner present.
   
   
6. Prepare the Team to Support Interim or New Doctors Successfully
   Learners will train team members in how to edify and support temporary or associate doctors, manage patient expectations, and maintain cultural alignment during transitions.
   
   
7. Design a Chain of Command for Accountability and Communication
   Learners will either promote an office manager or assign interim leads to reduce direct communication with the owner during leave, maintaining operational flow and protecting personal time.
   
   
8. Prepare for and Manage Unexpected Challenges During Leave
   Learners will anticipate possible medical, operational, or financial surprises and build flexibility and contingency planning into their maternity leave strategy.
   
   
9. Maintain Light-Touch Leadership Without Micromanagement
   Learners will explore strategies for staying lightly connected through weekly meetings, Zoom check-ins, or trusted liaisons—balancing leadership presence with true time away.
   
   
10. Promote Self-Policing and Empowerment Within the Team
    Learners will encourage team ownership of systems and decision-making during leave, minimizing bottlenecks and building long-term leadership capacity in the practice.