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2025 in Review: What We Learned - and How Practices Can Thrive in 2026

As we farewell another year in dentistry, one thing is clear: 2025 was a year of recalibration. Practices worked harder than ever to balance high-quality care, recruitment challenges, shifting patient behaviour, and financial pressure. Yet, through these challenges, we also saw resilience, innovation, and extraordinary progress.


A year in review

At Prime Practice, our coaches and consultants worked with practices across Australia and New Zealand — giving us a unique vantage point into what truly made a difference this year.


Here are the biggest lessons from 2025 and the practical steps for ensuring your practice thrives in 2026.



The Standout Trends of 2025


1. Stronger Associate Performance — When Communication Improves

Practices saw a noticeable uplift in associate dentist production, especially when clinicians strengthened their communication skills. Training programs like PrimeSpeak helped teams connect better with patients, improve confidence, and increase treatment acceptance.


2. Total-Health Dentistry Is Rising

The practices that outperformed the market weren’t just providing oral health services — they positioned themselves as total-health providers, helping patients understand how dentistry impacts overall wellbeing.


3. Digital Dentistry Became the New Standard

Intraoral scanners, 3D printing, and AI-supported diagnostics moved from “nice to have” to “expected.” These tools not only improved accuracy and productivity but also boosted case acceptance by helping patients see what clinicians see.


4. High-Accountability Cultures Outperformed

Practices that implemented role KPIs, quarterly reviews, and structured communication saw:

  • Better team alignment

  • Reduced interpersonal tension

  • Stronger ownership and initiative


Where Practices Struggled Most in 2025


1. Recruitment and Retention

Shortages in dental assistants and front office coordinators created operational strain. Retention remained a challenge, particularly with younger team members who valued meaning, recognition, and flexibility.


2. Patient Attendance & Cost-of-Living Pressures

Cancellations increased and treatment acceptance dipped. The strongest buffer against this was trust — created through relationship-focused conversations and consistent education.


3. Systems Gaps Leading to Lost Revenue

The biggest leak? Recall systems.Without robust communication pathways and follow-up structures, many practices lost active patients unnecessarily.

Other system gaps included:

  • Lack of clear SOPs

  • Missing or outdated contracts and policies

  • Poor visibility of business metrics

  • Inconsistent treatment plan follow-up


The Biggest Opportunities for 2026


1. Build a High-Performance Team Culture

A thriving practice begins with a thriving team.

Focus on:

  • Purpose and recognition

  • Clear expectations and accountability

  • Leadership development

  • Social connection — even something as simple as shared lunches

When teams feel invested in the success of the practice, performance transforms.


2. Elevate Patient Connection & Communication

The practices with the strongest results in 2025 did one thing exceptionally well:They built deep trust with patients.

In 2026, aim to:

  • Increase patient education

  • Use visual tools and digital dentistry

  • Maintain consistent follow-up for major treatment plans

  • Create experiences that feel personal and caring


3. Strengthen Your Systems and Foundations

Make 2026 the year you:

  • Document and refine all SOPs

  • Optimise your appointment book

  • Implement robust recall and reactivation workflows

  • Review role KPIs monthly

  • Adopt technology that enhances efficiency and treatment acceptance

Small improvements executed consistently will compound into major gains.


The Prime Practice Perspective

Our privilege is coaching practices through the challenges and victories of each year. What we’ve learned from 2025 is simple:


Practices with strong teams, strong communication, and strong systems outperform in any economic climate.


As we move into 2026, the opportunity is yours: build a future-ready practice designed for growth, resilience, and excellence.


If you want guidance on implementing any of the strategies above, our team is here to help.


Here’s to a successful and abundant 2026.


We wish you a safe, restful holiday season and an outstanding year ahead,

The Prime Practice Team


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