There are times in a dentist’s life when the call of duty comes not from the ultrasonic scaler, but from family—and sometimes, that family resides in Dubai.
So it was for Dr. Jahaan, a respected clinician from bustling Bombay, whose practice on Peddar Road boasted an enviable patient retention rate, a nimbly managed perio chart, and just the right amount of diffused lighting in the operatory to calm even the most bruxism-prone patient.
One fine Thursday, as she charted a particularly intricate distal occlusion, Jahaan received The Call: her sister’s engagement, to be celebrated over a whirlwind 48-hour extravaganza in Dubai. The kind of event that required not just a dentist’s smile but a sister’s presence.
But what of the clinic?
What of the endo consults?
What of Mrs. Patel’s upcoming aligner refinement?
The prospect of two days away sparked the kind of existential crisis usually reserved for lost files in Dentrix.
Step One: A Little Help from a Friend (in the UK)
Jahaan did what any emotionally intelligent, over-caffeinated, clinically excellent dental surgeon would do—she called Kristina Yang, her confidante from their MClinDent days at King’s College London. Now a top practice manager in the UK, Kristina brought both sensibility and sass to the conversation.
“Jahaan,” she said between sips of English Breakfast, “you’re not extracting a wisdom tooth—you’re stepping away for 48 hours. Plan like it’s a treatment protocol: triage, delegate, communicate.”
Kristina’s advice, though delivered with a wry smile and the cadence of a Crown prep demo, struck home.
Step Two: Strategic Delegation – Enter Dr. Sam Dastoor
Dr. Sam Dastoor—colleague, gentleman, and endo whisperer—was the natural choice to fill in. A man with a sharp eye for lateral canals and an even sharper wit, Sam agreed to step in as locum.
“Just leave me a list and the WiFi password,” he said. “Oh, and no full-mouth rehabs on my watch.”
Jahaan, naturally, left him a laminated two-page handover, color-coded by urgency. Like any responsible clinician, she ensured:
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All ongoing cases were clearly updated in the PMS.
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Emergency protocols were printed and framed (yes, framed).
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Her team knew to treat Dr. Dastoor with the same respect as her—but to withhold her secret stash of almond biscotti.
Step Three: Empower the Team
While most dental practices go into a defensive occlusion when the principal is away, Jahaan’s clinic entered a state of guided tissue regeneration. Her staff, led by her sprightly receptionist Alina and two impeccably trained assistants, were briefed like they were about to present at the ICCDE.
Alina was trained in:
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Handling new patient inquiries with confidence and clarity.
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Offering same-day appointments with Dr. Dastoor when clinically appropriate.
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Scheduling virtual consults—yes, tele-dentistry was Jahaan’s not-so-secret sauce.
For walk-ins, a simple iPad form captured contact info, dental history, and even consent for follow-up. Patients were impressed. One even remarked:
“I came for a filling, stayed for the efficiency!”
Step Four: Keeping the Online Drill Running
Thanks to Kristina’s prodding, Jahaan had already invested in a digital front desk. Her website was mobile-optimised, SEO-rich, and integrated with an AI-based appointment scheduler.
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Instagram ran pre-scheduled reels (“5 signs your enamel is crying for help!”).
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Facebook ads targeted local mums with a cheeky “Back to school, back to smiles” whitening promo.
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Google My Business was updated with a short but reassuring post:
“Dr. Jahaan is briefly away attending a family celebration. Our clinic remains open with trusted care in place. Come say hello to Dr. Dastoor!”
Step Five: Two Days in Dubai (Not Entirely Tooth-Free)
Jahaan’s trip was short, sweet, and surprisingly restorative. She danced, she laughed, she diplomatically avoided any cousin’s request for a “quick check-up” over dessert. And crucially—she didn’t once call the clinic.
Because she didn’t need to.
Step Six: The Return—and the Review
Upon her return, the post-op report from her clinic was nearly perfect.
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Three new patients had walked in and all were scheduled for follow-ups.
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Dr. Dastoor had successfully completed a tricky molar endo and even got a Google review that praised his “Zen-like precision.”
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Alina had managed to upsell a fluoride treatment to a hesitant teenager using only a smile and a PowerPoint.
More than anything, the clinic hadn’t just survived—it had flourished.
The Takeaway: Dentistry Doesn’t Pause, But You Can
Dear reader, if you too are a dentist juggling life and laminates, take this story to heart:
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Absence is not abandonment.
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Delegation is not dilution.
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And a well-run dental clinic is not unlike a beautifully contoured composite—it holds its shape even under pressure.
Whether your journey takes you to Dubai or just down the street for a well-earned nap, know this: with the right systems, the right people, and a sprinkle of digital charm, your practice can thrive without you—even if just for 48 gloriously molar-free hours.
About the Author
Dr. Hajeera Banu is a skilled dentist who graduated from RGUHS in 2014 and has since built a successful career in the field. With a strong focus on implants, restorative dentistry, and aligners, she has honed her expertise to offer her patients the highest level of care. Based in Mysore, India, Dr. Banu runs her own private practice, where she combines advanced dental techniques with a patient-centered approach.
Her passion for dentistry extends beyond her practice; she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field to ensure she delivers the best outcomes. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Banu enjoys blogging, where she shares insights and experiences from her dental journey, as well as her love for cooking and traveling. These interests help to balance her dynamic lifestyle, and she continues to seek personal and professional growth in all aspects of her life.