1030: Metric Mondays: We’re Busy Every Day—So Why Doesn’t It Feel Productive? - Robyn Theisen

Do you feel busy all day, yet your production doesn’t reflect it? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings in Robyn Theisen, practice coach and co-host, to break down why “busy” is a false proxy—and how to replace it with intentional productivity.

You’ll learn how to use two key metrics, production per day (PPD) and production per visit (PPV), to spot schedule problems, reduce day-to-day production swings, and build more stable, higher-value days without the frantic pace. Listen to Episode 1030 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Busyness and productivity are not the same thing, and a busy schedule can still produce inconsistent results.
• PPD and PPV reveal whether your schedule is intentionally designed for value or simply filled to stay busy.
• When PPD is off, production fluctuates sharply, large cases are “hoped for,” and one cancellation can derail the day.
• When PPV is off, the schedule is packed with small appointments, relies on same-day treatment or emergencies, and creates wasted time.
• Getting PPD right means working backward from annual goals to daily targets and intentionally placing larger cases to stabilize the day.
• Getting PPV right means fewer visits at higher value, with appointment lengths matched to procedure value and complexity.
• Reviewing past schedules and rating day “busyness” helps identify bottlenecks and what needs to change.

Snippets:

00:00 Metric Monday Kickoff

01:33 Meet Coach Robin

02:21 Busy Versus Productive

03:38 Key Metrics PPD PPV

03:53 When Metrics Go Wrong

06:35 When You Get It Right

08:29 Less Busy More Productive

09:43 Action Steps Today

11:02 Final Takeaways

12:00 Wrap Up And Resources

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Robyn Theisen brings an entire life and legacy of dental experience to the team and every team with which she works as the daughter and sister of dentists. With almost 20 years of experience in dentistry, her roles ranged from practice management to operations at Patterson Dental to coaching teams. Robyn’s passion is empowering teams to realize that they can dramatically impact the lives of the people they serve by implementing skills and systems to remove barriers to life-changing dental treatment. She has done it for decades and does it every day with dental teams.

Outside of coaching, she enjoys time with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Emerson and Ruby. She loves traveling, music, fitness, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

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Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa

Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/

Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/

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