10 Things I Do Every November as a Dental CEO
(Because January is too late to realize what needed fixing.)
As a dentist, you’re trained to evaluate patients with intention and follow a system of diagnostics before taking action.
But when it comes to your business, most practice owners skip the diagnostic step altogether.
Every November, I run a full CEO Check-Up on my business, the same way I once did for my dental practice, and now do for Shelton Solutions.
It’s how I end the year with clarity, not CHAOS!
Because let’s be honest, January is too late to fix what went wrong.
Why Timing Matters
Don’t reflect when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or frustrated.
The best planning happens when you’re calm, clear, and proud, not when you’re in survival mode.
Research shows that when we make decisions from stress, our brain defaults to protection instead of progress. That’s why I tell my clients:
“Don’t wait until you’re desperate to hire a coach or raise your fees. The best decisions come when you’re healthy and confident.”
So pick a day when you’re feeling grounded and inspired, maybe after a great week, a long walk, or a moment of gratitude, and dive into this list. Go in with an F yes attitude, and you will come out with a brilliant intention.
10 Things I Do Every November as a Dental CEO
1. Meet with Every Team Member
Celebrate, give feedback, and align goals for 2026.
End-of-year conversations should be equal parts gratitude and clarity… no surprises, just direction.
2. Reflect on What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Ask: What energized me? What drained me?
Reflection is free data. Take time to study it.
3. Tweak the Schedule Before January
If your calendar doesn’t match your goals, neither will your results.
Audit your hours, block scheduling, and time management systems now, not later.
4. Audit the Patient Experience
Would you want to be a patient in your own practice?
Walk through your workflow from the first phone call to post-op communication. Small details define culture.
5. Adjust Your Fees for 2026
Confidence in your fees equals confidence in your care.
Review your UCR data, lab costs, and insurance adjustments. Don’t wait for denials to tell you it’s time for an increase.
6. Update Forms, Consents, and Verbiage
Modernize your paperwork and policies so they reflect your current philosophy.
Remove outdated language and unnecessary friction.
7. Cancel Recurring BS Charges
Pull your credit card statement and cancel the noise.
Keep what drives results, remove the rest. Efficiency is profitability.
8. Choose Your Coach & CE Now
Don’t wait for burnout.
The best leaders invest while they’re thriving, not desperate.
Choose growth partners that stretch your thinking and hold you accountable.
9. Set Goals That Inspire, Not Drain
Joy is a KPI.
Your 2026 goals should align with your mission and your energy.
Success is sustainable when it feels good.
10. Do Your CEO Financial Check-Up
Review your P&L, collections, AR, and savings strategy.
Profit follows awareness, and awareness requires time at the top of your business, not just in it.
My Challenge to You
Duplicate the Shelton Solutions CEO Annual Check-Up template.
Assign roles, set deadlines, and block time on your calendar to complete it before year-end.
You can grab the editable version here 👇
If you’re ready to go deeper, reserve your 2026 Strategy Session before the year ends, we’ll use your completed checklist to design a clear, personalized growth plan.
Don’t build vision from burnout.
Plan from calm, confidence, and clarity.
That’s what true CEO energy looks like.
