Reset, Refocus, Re-Lead: How Dental Practices Can Start the Year Strong

Reset, Refocus, Re-Lead: How Dental Practices Can Start the Year Strong

January is always a unique month in a dental practice. The hustle of the holiday season is behind you, and the new year stretches ahead, full of potential—and challenges. For many dentists and office managers, this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set the stage for a successful year.

This year, I encourage practices to focus on three key areas: Reset, Refocus, Re-Lead.

1. Reset: Clear the Clutter

Resetting isn’t about adding more tasks or pressure. It’s about identifying what isn’t serving your team or your patients and letting it go.

Ask yourself and your team:

  • Which processes are outdated or confusing?

  • Are there expectations we’ve been tolerating that cause stress?

  • What small changes could make the biggest difference in daily flow?

When you hit “reset”, you’re creating space for clarity, calm, and focus—not chaos.

Pro Tip: Encourage your office manager to lead a quick team reflection meeting. Their perspective is often the key to spotting what’s truly draining the team.

2. Refocus: Set Priorities that Matter

Once the clutter is cleared, the next step is to refocus. Many practices struggle because they try to do everything at once. The most successful teams focus on a few strategic priorities—and execute them consistently.

Consider:

  • What are the top 2–3 goals for the practice this quarter?

  • Where can your office manager take the initiative to lead improvements?

  • Which tasks can wait or be delegated?

Clarity and role alignment reduce tension, increase accountability, and create measurable results.

Pro Tip: Document priorities and responsibilities. When everyone knows what matters most, decision-making and communication improve almost instantly.

3. Re-Lead: Model the Leadership You Want to See

Leadership sets the tone for the entire practice. January is a perfect month to intentionally model behaviours that will influence the year ahead.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I addressing issues early rather than letting them linger?

  • Am I supporting my office manager to make decisions confidently?

  • Are my expectations clear and aligned with the team’s capabilities?

Strong leadership isn’t about micro-managing; it’s about support, clarity, and consistency.

Invest in Your Office Manager—and Your Practice

One of the highest-impact investments you can make is supporting your office manager. They are the backbone of the practice—coordinating teams, managing patients, and keeping daily operations running smoothly. When they have guidance, training, and a supportive network, your practice thrives.

That’s why I created the Monthly Office Manager Study Club—a collaborative space where office managers can:

  • Clarify systems and roles

  • Strengthen leadership and communication skills

  • Reduce stress and burnout

  • Share real-world challenges with peers who understand dental practice realities

Investing in your office manager isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategy for long-term success.

January Action Steps

  • Reset: Identify one process or expectation to improve or eliminate this month.

  • Refocus: Pick 2–3 priorities for the practice and communicate them clearly.

  • Re-Lead: Model leadership behaviours that promote accountability, clarity, and support.

Starting the year with intentionality ensures that your practice doesn’t just react to daily demands—but thrives, grows, and supports your team along the way.

Want support helping your office manager lead with confidence this year?

 The Monthly Office Manager Study Club is open for enrollment.
Register now!


With Courage and Encouragement,
Monica Watson

Monica Watson