November and December are more than full schedules and end-of-year insurance rushes. They’re also a great time to pause, step back, take stock, and ask the questions that will set you up for a stronger year ahead.
Too many dental practice owners sprint into January with lofty resolutions and no real plan. The truth? Sustainable growth originates from reflection, followed by intentional action.
Here’s a five-step reflection and planning guide you can use to clarify lessons learned, set priorities, and lead your team into the new year with confidence. Get the End of Year Reflection & Planning Guide here to follow along:
Step 1 – Pause and Reflect on What Went Well In Your Dental Business
Why it matters:
Before tackling next year’s goals, acknowledge what you accomplished. Reflection isn’t just about gaps; it’s about celebrating wins that reinforce your culture and confidence.
Prompts:
- What was your proudest team moment this year?
- What worked better than expected?
- What felt easy and why?
Celebrating wins isn’t fluff. It builds momentum for what comes next.
Step 2 – Identify What Didn’t Work (and Why)
Why it matters:
Not every hire, system, or marketing campaign is a home run. That’s not failure, it’s data. The key is to be clear and kind while holding yourself and the team accountable for learning from missteps.
Prompts:
- Where did we struggle most?
- Which goals fell short—and what got in the way?
- What problems showed up more than once?
Clarity here prevents repeated mistakes and makes space for smarter strategies.
Step 3 –Review the Metrics That Matter
Feelings and anecdotes only get you so far. Numbers tell the real story of your dental practice. Reviewing them keeps you grounded in reality, not just perception.
Key Metrics to Review:
- Production and collections
- Case acceptance rate
- Team turnover
- New patient growth
This step builds accountability: what gets measured gets managed.
Step 4 – Set Clear, Aligned 90-Day Rocks
Why it matters:
Big annual goals are overwhelming. Breaking them down into 90-day rocks keeps your team focused and accountable. Think fewer priorities, more progress.
Prompts:
- What 3–5 things matter most right now?
- Who owns each rock?
- Is each one SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely)?
A rock without an owner is just a wish. Ownership creates traction.
Step 5 – Reconnect to Your ‘Why’
Why it matters:
Planning isn’t just about productivity, it’s about purpose. Your “why” is what sustains you when challenges come. Without it, goals can feel hollow.
Prompts:
- Why did you start this practice?
- What kind of leader do you want to be in the new year?
- What legacy are you building for your team, your patients, and your family?
When your purpose aligns with your plan, you’re unstoppable.
Want a Facilitated Planning Session That Sets You Up for Success in Your Dental Practice?
Year-end reflection isn’t just an exercise—it’s a leadership discipline. It creates clarity, fosters accountability, and ensures you and your dental team start the year with focus instead of frenzy.
If you want more than a checklist—if you’d like a facilitated session that aligns your team and gives you a clear, customized plan for Q1 and beyond—let’s do it together. Discover the power of coaching for your dental business by consulting with Ken Kilday!
👉 Book a strategy session with me and start the new year with purpose, clarity, and traction.
Are you ready for the year ahead?
Scroll down to download your personal copy of the End of Year Reflection Guide! If you’re anything like the dental leaders I work with, then you’ve covered a lot of ground this year – cheers to you and your continued success & growth!
Get Your Year-End Reflection Guide Now
What You’ll Gain from this Free Guide:
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A roadmap to translate reflection into strategy for a more focused and fulfilling new year
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A structured process to reflect on what went well in your dental practice this year
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Clarity on what didn’t work and the obstacles that slowed your team’s progress
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A simple framework to review the metrics that truly matter
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Tools to set clear 90-day “rocks” (goals)
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Is Your Team Thriving? Find Out in 5 Minutes with This Free Quiz!Discover your strengths and areas for growth as a leader in just 5 minutes—no strings attached!
Guided prompts to reconnect with your “why” – your purpose as a dentist, leader, and business owner
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