Don't let a New Year's resolution for success fail: Reassessing practice challenges

February is where intentions turn into action. 

At one point in our lives, we have all likely participated in the phenomenon of a New Year’s resolution. It feels like January is always so full of optimism with our new goals, fresh calendars, and big plans for the year ahead. February is different. It’s the month when momentum either builds or fades, when leadership shifts from planning to execution. In dentistry, that transition seems to carry a bit more heft, so let’s plan out a few crucial ideas to help you carry forward! 

What fosters success? 

Most practices have followed a pattern of minute and sequential upscaling, one role or one department at a time. That can bring a certain level of success, but when I look at the really successful business models, they generate sustainable growth by developing the entire team while aligning culture, balancing profitability, and enhancing patient care. That should be the mission—your mission—in 2026 regardless of your role in the practice.

We just got back from the Chicago Midwinter Conference and the themes across the industry feel to be the same as we have been experiencing a lot lately; practices are navigating staffing challenges, tighter margins, increased expectations from the patient pool, and a rapidly changing technology landscape. These may all seem like challenges, but if you tilt your head a bit and look at it from a different angle, a tremendous opportunity for practices willing to invest appears—not just in systems or equipment, but in people. 

Why personal connection matters 

One of the most powerful ways to build early-year momentum is through education and connection. Conferences remain a cornerstone of professional growth, not just for dentists but for hygienists, assistants, office managers, and front-office teams. The best events don’t just deliver CE credits; they provide perspective. They expose teams to new ideas, emerging technologies, and peers who are solving similar problems in different ways. We are currently working on an article that will highlight several updated or new products and solutions and will show you how to leverage this for your practice, so stay tuned! 

Forward-thinking practices are intentional about who attends which events—and why. Leadership conferences, hygiene symposia, front-office and revenue cycle training, and team-based workshops all serve different purposes. When education is aligned with clear goals, the return extends far beyond the individual attendee and into the entire organization. 

Training doesn’t have to stop when the conference ends. Many practices are now bringing education in-house by hiring coaches and consultants to work directly with their teams. Whether it’s clinical calibration, communication skills, scheduling efficiency, revenue cycle optimization, or leadership development, in-office coaching allows practices to customize growth rather than rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach also sends a powerful message to team members: growth is expected, supported, and valued. Practices that invest in coaching often see improvements not only in systems and performance, but in morale, trust, and retention. 

Don’t shut out AI 

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is another area where early adopters are gaining an edge. AI tools are increasingly being used to support scheduling, documentation, patient communication, imaging analysis, and business intelligence. When implemented thoughtfully, these tools don’t replace people; they free teams to focus on what matters most: patient care, connection, and decision-making. 

The key is intentional adoption. What are you trying to achieve? Not every tool is right for every practice, and technology without training rarely delivers results. The most successful practices treat AI as part of a broader strategy, one that includes education, accountability, and clear workflows. 

At the heart of all of this is balance. 

Looking forward: What can you do right now?

A profitable business model and a strong office culture are not opposing goals—they are deeply connected. Practices with healthy culture tend to communicate better, adapt faster, and provide more consistent patient experiences. Practices with sound financial systems are better positioned to invest in their teams, technology, and long-term vision. Every perceived challenge listed at the top of this letter can now be repositioned into a strength. 

As we move through February and into March, now is the time to assess momentum. What skills does your team need this year? Where would outside perspective accelerate growth? Which systems are holding you back—and which tools could help move you forward? 

Progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires commitment, clarity, and the willingness to invest in the people who drive your practice every day. 

This month, and throughout the year ahead, our goal is to bring you insights that beat back the feelings of burnout and stagnation through actionable goal-setting and new ideas. 

Thanks for being on this journey with us, we’re excited for what’s next.