With AI 9 or 10, if you select the dashed object and apply the Object>Flatten Transparency... command and check the "Convert All Strokes to Outlines" option, it will convert the dash pieces to little pieces (in a compound path.)
In AI 8, however, if you use a pattern brush instead of a regular dashed stroke, you can do an Object>Expand, and get the little pieces back. Pattern brushes also expand and contract nicely to fit the path length so that your dashes always align at corners and you don't get any ugly short dashes.
So, best option, get your employer to upgrade to AI 10.
Second option: take your work home, do the flattening there, and save as AI 8. Not ideal, but better than tracing each dash piece by hand.
Third option: switch to using pattern brushes instead of regular dashed strokes. There may be some dash brushes in the brush libraries.