Anushika Brogan shares why effective time management is crucial in dentistry and her top tips for mastering it.
Effective time management is essential for any business owner. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to be pulled in multiple directions, leaving little quality time for work or personal life. To manage my time, I schedule regular weekly check-ups with each person I oversee and hold team meetings.
It took time to realise just how necessary this was – often, you find yourself overwhelmed before recognising the need for change. Even in a smaller practice, having a certain level of structure is important. I’ve always been organised, even when I had only two or three practices.
Now, with a larger business, maintaining a strong structure is even more critical, as operational demands are constant. Setting a clear end to the workday – such as stopping at 7pm, spending time with family, and returning to work later if needed – can make a real difference.
Preventing chaos
Without effective time management, things can quickly become chaotic. As our business grew, we occasionally became too rigid, which stifled flexibility and made people feel unheard.
We’ve since adjusted to allow for more flexibility, so team members can voice their concerns more openly. While having a degree of structure is necessary, it’s equally important to maintain a balance that encourages communication.
Why is good time management important?
People often ask how I manage everything, especially as a woman with three children. Early on, I recognised the importance of having support both at home and work. Delegating tasks like administrative work not only frees up your time but also allows you to concentrate on higher-value activities.
If you can earn more in an hour than it costs to outsource routine tasks, it makes sense to delegate. This approach has made a significant difference to how I manage my time. I also have an extremely supportive husband which helps!
Tips for managing time
Maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life can be challenging.
One good tip is to plan your holidays at the start of the year and commit to them. I set my holidays well in advance and only make changes when absolutely necessary, such as when a new practice opens.
Why address time management?
Understanding the value of your time can change how you approach your daily tasks. For example, if you can earn £200 per hour, hiring someone for £15 an hour to handle time-consuming chores is a smart decision. Many people feel they must do everything themselves, but delegating these tasks allows you to focus on what truly matters. That’s my best advice for managing your time wisely.
Read more of Anushika’s Balancing Life in Dentistry column:
- Is there gender bias in dentistry?
- Mental health challenges in dentistry
- The importance of boundaries
- Managing imposter syndrome
- Why are there fewer businesswomen in dentistry?
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