Dental Unfiltered Episode 165- Management Unfiltered | How Do We Navigate the Unexpected
Feb 5, 2026
Leaders discuss handling weather-related practice closures with clear communication, realistic pay and PTO policies, and compassionate support for staff. They cover scheduling tactics to recover lost appointments, triage for partially available teams, and practical seasonal preparedness. Strategies include community collaboration, staff sharing, and consistent updates to maintain trust.
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Severe Winter Forced A Weeklong Closure
- Kirk Teachout described having seven degrees and inches of ice and snow that forced him to cancel the week and consider large revenue loss.
- He used this real event to frame how unexpected weather disrupts practice operations and planning.
Florida's Cold Snap And Hurricane Comparison
- Zach Shelley contrasted Florida's usual 80-degree weather with an unusual cold snap and joked about making artificial snow.
- He compared hurricane season planning to unpredictability in other regions and how teams ask about closures.
Set Pay Expectations For Weather Closures
- Set expectations with team members up front that unexpected closures mean nonworking days are unpaid unless covered by PTO.
- Use an employee handbook and onboarding to communicate this so team members can prepare financially and logistically.