What does “saving 10 hours per week” really mean for a dentist?

A dentist can spend up to 10 hours per week not treating patients, but managing treatment plans – explaining them, editing them, resending them. When that process is taken over by a coordinator – or a well-designed system – the dentist gets their time back. And with it: clarity, focus, and calm.

Where do those 10 hours go – and how do they add up?

Here’s what typically happens: the dentist consults the patient, thinks through the treatment flow, writes the plan (on paper or computer), prints or emails it, then later responds to questions, adjusts it, clarifies details.

Even after creating the plan, the dentist often spends an extra 15–20 minutes editing, communicating, and making sure the patient actually receives it. With 3–4 plans per day, that adds up to 9–12 hours per week. It’s time that doesn’t disappear – but also doesn’t move anything forward. It’s not treatment. It’s friction.

Coordinator + system = dentist’s time is protected

In clinics with a defined treatment coordinator role, that person takes over the plan delivery, explains payment options, and answers patient questions. When the plan is built inside a system, the coordinator can view and manage everything in real time, while the patient receives a clear, well-structured document.

No more “Did you send the plan?” or “What did the patient reply?” The dentist stays focused on what they do best – clinical care.

No coordinator? The system can play that role

Not every clinic has someone responsible for managing treatment plans. But a smart system can take over many of those tasks: the dentist creates the plan, and it’s automatically presented in the patient’s portal. The system handles reminders, notifications, and follow-ups.

The dentist doesn’t have to do anything extra – and yet the patient receives a smooth, professional experience that used to require another team member.

What can you do with those 10 hours?

The average treatment slot is around 1 hour – meaning the dentist can see 10 more patients each week. If the average value per patient is 100–200 €, that’s 1000–2000 € in additional revenue. Or it’s a shorter week with less stress. Or more time spent with each patient, without rushing.

Efficiency pays off not just in numbers – but in the quality of life for the whole team.