Start 2026 Strong: 4 Financial Moves to Make Now

According to the recent American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, many dentists are earning less than they did in previous years, even as expenses continue to climb. Production pressure is up, overhead isn’t letting off, and margins feel tighter than ever. This makes it a critical moment to be intentional about how you manage both your practice finances and your personal wealth. With a few smart, proactive steps now, you can put yourself on a steadier path toward a healthier and more profitable 2026 without relying on longer hours to get there. 

#1: Reset your financial goals with clarity (and actual KPIs) 

Resolutions are motivating, but measurable goals are what move the needle. Start by defining monthly and annual targets based on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to a dental practice. Think:    

• Increasing patient visits
• Boosting production per visit (same-day dentistry is your friend)
• Annual fee updates
• Stronger collections
• Controlled overhead

If that sounds like a lot to juggle, you’re not wrong. That’s why tools and education matter. Spear Online offers courses created with Cain Watters and Associates (CWA) — Build Wealth With the 5 Pillars of Investing and Accounting Basics: How to Read a Practice’s Financial Statements — that walk you through the financial fundamentals every practice owner should understand. If numbers feel intimidating, these courses make them accessible. 

And if you want support, consider attending Spear’s virtual seminar, What Is Profit in a Dental Practice and Why Should I Care?, which breaks down how to measure profitability in a way that directly connects to how you run your practice. 

The bottom line: reviewing your financials monthly sets you up for success from the start of the year, allowing you to stay on top of your numbers and make timely adjustments rather than waiting until year-end, when options are limited, and opportunities are already missed. 

#2: Plan for cash flow swings so you stay in control 

Dental practice owners face cyclical shifts — whether it’s the summer rush, the fall lull, or the December FSA sprint. Every practice will experience ebbs and flows. What counts is how you manage them. 

If you don’t know your practice’s production patterns, review two to three years of monthly revenue to uncover trends beyond seasonal shifts. 

Once you understand your cycles, plan how to smooth out the highs and lows. Start by knowing your break-even point (i.e., the revenue level where income equals expenses). After that, it’s all profit. 

Break Even = Monthly Costs ÷ Profit Margin % 

Knowing your break-even point provides a clear decision-making anchor. When months run hot, you can proactively set aside excess profit. When they run cool, you won’t panic-scroll through your bank balance. 

A CPA or financial planner can help validate your numbers, but having a baseline level of fluency yourself is empowering and essential for effective leadership. 

#3: Prioritize your personal savings  

Many dentists fall into the “I’ll save when the practice calms down” trap, which is unrealistic. A strong financial plan covers both practice and personal stability. 

A smart savings strategy starts with priorities. I recommend a hierarchy that prioritizes essentials first, then long-term goals. A practical priority ladder: 

1. Build an emergency fund. 
2. Boosting production per visit (same-day dentistry is your friend)
3. Annual fee updates
4. Stronger collections
5. Controlled overhead

You don’t need to do everything at once — consistency beats intensity. 

The CWA Spear Online course, Build Wealth With the 5 Pillars of Investing, is an excellent companion for dentists seeking to build long-term personal wealth with confidence. 

#4: Make (or update) your estate plan 

Estate planning is a crucial component of your overall financial strategy. It’s important to clearly state your wishes in legal documents and review them periodically to determine if changes need to be made to your wishes or the people you’ve identified in key roles. Key components include: 

• Will: Outlines asset distribution and names guardians for children.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions if you’re unable.
• Living Will: States your preferences for medical treatment.
• Revocable Living Trust: Helps manage assets during life and keeps them out of the public probate process. Ideal if privacy matters to you. 

Final thought: Your financial future isn’t passive 

Strong financial habits start with planning. From managing cash flow to building savings and protecting your estate, these steps can help you start the new year ready to achieve your goals. Here’s to entering 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a little extra profit. 

Cain Watters is a Registered Investment Advisor. Cain Watters only conducts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded from registration requirements. Registration is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the advisor has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. Request Form ADV Part 2A for a complete description of Cain Watters investment advisory services. Diversification does not ensure a profit and may not protect against loss in declining markets. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.