The Summertime Shuffle: Life and Orthodontics in Full Swing

Summertime in an orthodontic office is a different kind of busy. It’s a season of flipped rhythms and flexible schedules — both in the practice and at home — and this year, it's been especially full for me and my family.

Life in Motion: Graduation, Camp, and College Orientation

It’s hard to believe, but my son Cal graduated from high school this spring. The past couple of months have been a whirlwind of graduation parties, celebrations, and all the moments that make this milestone feel momentous. We recently returned from college orientation at TCU in Fort Worth — just the two of us. We had an incredible time, and while the trip was filled with excitement and anticipation, it also made the reality of him leaving for college hit a little harder. It’s real now. And it’s bittersweet.

Meanwhile, my daughter Frances, who will be a freshman in high school this fall, headed off to summer camp not long ago. She’s out there living her best life — sunshine, adventure, and friends — the kind of summer every kid should have.

And yes, in the middle of all of this, we got a puppy. Because why not?

The Summer Shift in the Practice

While family life is buzzing, the office has been just as active — but with its own summertime flavor. Summer in orthodontics feels almost like we turn the day on its head. Instead of our typical afternoon rush, mornings are now our peak hours. Kids are out of school, parents are eager to avoid missed class time, and the early-day demand ramps up fast.

Being a morning person myself, I don’t mind the shift — in fact, I’m thriving in it. We recently tweaked our office schedule to start an hour earlier, and I’m loving it. There’s something energizing about getting a jumpstart on the day and feeling like we’re meeting our patients where they’re at — both in terms of convenience and care.

June tends to start slowly, but then the floodgates open. Many parents have their kids on a December-to-June dental cleaning routine, and by late June or early July, we start seeing the influx of orthodontic referrals. It makes for a very busy new patient exam column — and a lot of great first impressions.

The August Rush (and the College Kids Cram)

Of course, summer isn’t just one long straightaway — it’s more like a winding road with lots of interesting turns. August, for example, can be unpredictable. Some families want to squeeze in appointments between vacation, camp, and sports. Others wait until summer winds down and school start dates vary, creating waves of new patient activity that don’t always follow a pattern.

And then there’s the beloved “college kid crunch.” You know the one: a week before heading back to school, they realize they left their retainer at home all semester — and need it checked ASAP. These last-minute appointments are always entertaining and keep us on our toes.

Making Space for What Matters

Amy and I try to prioritize family time during this busy stretch. Historically, we’ve found that the week of July 4th tends to be a quieter one in the practice. Many families are traveling or enjoying time off — which gives us the perfect opportunity to do the same. We usually take a family vacation that week and aim to squeeze in one more before the kids head back to school.

Is it the best business move? Probably not. But is it the right move? Every single time.

Those vacations give us time to recharge, reconnect, and reset before we dive into another school year and the fall rush. It’s a reminder that amidst the busyness — in life and in work — it’s worth making space for what matters most.

Here’s to Summer — In and Out of the Office

So while I haven’t written a blog as often these past few weeks (now you know why), this season has been filled with energy, transition, and gratitude. Summertime brings its own rhythm to the practice, and it mirrors the movement of life at home — full, a little chaotic, but ultimately joyful.

Thanks for being part of the journey — whether you’re a patient, a parent, or a fellow practitioner navigating your own summer shuffle.

Until next time.