How Effective Am I as the CEO of My Dental Practice?

In Episode 13 of The Dental CEO podcast, Dr. Scott Leune tackles one of the most overlooked responsibilities in dental practice leadership—non-clinical productivity. Instead of focusing on how to cut more teeth or generate more clinical revenue, this episode is about becoming an effective Dental CEO of your dental practice. It’s about creating time, systems, and accountability to handle the tasks that actually move the business forward.

About the Host
Dr. Scott Leune is a national authority on dental practice growth and operational efficiency. As founder of The Dental CEO Podcast and a practicing dentist himself, Dr. Leune brings firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed as both a clinician and an executive. His podcast provides guidance not just for dentists, but also for dental office managers and leadership teams looking to improve day-to-day execution.

Episode Focus: The Real Job of the Dental CEO

This episode zeroes in on a critical question: Are you truly effective in your role as CEO of your dental practice? Most dentists are great clinicians but struggle to lead their businesses. Scott breaks down exactly how to structure your day, your responsibilities, and your mindset so you can lead with clarity, not chaos.

Key Lessons from Dr. Scott Leune

1. Use a Simple, Physical To-Do System

• Dr. Leune teaches us that productivity starts with structure.
• Every morning, he uses a small journal to write a full to-do list—everything from minor tasks to major projects.
• This reduces mental clutter and provides clear direction for the day.

2. Categorize All Tasks into Three Buckets

• Delegate: Assign tasks to others immediately, writing their names beside each item. Delegation must be intentional.
• Do Now: Anything quick—one decision, one email—gets done right away.
• Do Later: Larger tasks that only you can complete are scheduled into your day.

3. Establish Daily “CEO Time”

• Scott emphasizes the need for time blocks dedicated to non-clinical tasks.
• Even 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon makes a difference.
• Without CEO time, you remain stuck in reactive mode—never getting ahead.

4. Build Accountability Systems

• Delegating isn’t enough. You must follow up by the end of each day.
• Ask: “Was this completed?” If not, ask for completion by tomorrow—or on the spot.
• This daily rhythm trains your team to take ownership and builds a culture of execution.

Auditing: A Core Skill in Dental Management

Scott believes auditing is an essential part of being a dental CEO:

Chart Audits

• Review one patient chart each day.
• Check for: HIPAA forms, consent forms, payment collection, appointment accuracy.
• This reinforces consistent processes across the team.

Walkthrough Audits

• Physically inspect the office.
• Is the restroom clean? Is the beverage station stocked? Are team members delivering the right patient experience?
• This type of audit ensures your practice reflects your standards and brand.

Both audits feed into the same to-do system—if something is wrong, add it to the list, delegate, and follow up.

Join Dr. Scott Leune’s webinars

Leading Your Practice and Living Your Life

• Dr. Leune emphasizes that dental management isn’t just about systems—it’s also about lifestyle.
• At the end of the workday, shut the list. Don’t carry tasks into family time.
• Productivity leads to peace of mind. It creates space to be a husband, parent, or friend outside the practice.

When You Need Extra Support

Scott makes a strong case for hiring a personal assistant—ideally someone who already works in your practice. This person:

• Understands your systems and team
• Can take over 75% of your recurring busywork
• Becomes a time multiplier, not just a task handler

This is a valuable insight for both dentists and dental office managers who feel overwhelmed. It’s not always about doing more—it’s about creating space by handing off what drains your energy.

Final Takeaways from Scott Leune

• The CEO of a dental practice must master task management, team accountability, and daily auditing.
• Dental office managers can apply the same system to increase their effectiveness and support the doctor more strategically.
• Dental office manager training should include these frameworks: delegation, follow-up, and audit-based leadership.
• The biggest win? Creating a system that allows you to get more done and still live a full life outside the practice.