Why do dentists have some time booked out for clerical activities?

Sometimes a dentist can feel a little bit like an assembly line worker, especially if they are over scheduled. I find that it is helpful to leave several hours during my working week that are not to be scheduled with patients for me to treat. This allows me to tackle tasks that require thinking or may be time consuming, unpleasant or both.  I can't speak for other dentists, but some of these activities make me anxious or put me in a less than positive mood... Probably it is best not to treat patients when dealing with some issues. 

Four years ago, I started teaching part time at NYU College of dentistry on my day off (Friday) and Thursday morning for three hours. Prior to working at NYU, I left open time on Fridays or Thursday mornings for non clerical activities. As much as I enjoy teaching , I don't especially like having limited time  for my non clinical hours. I have resorted to dealing with these activities between scheduled patients.

Two weeks ago I requested to limit my teaching hours to Fridays and I have resumed my old habit of scheduling some of my more  time consuming clerical activities on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, when we do not have a hygienist in the office. I find that my general mood has improved and I can handle these activities in a non hurried manner when I have no patient interactions.