Preparing Your Practice for the New Year
As a new year approaches, orthodontic practices everywhere are reflecting, recalibrating, and setting their sights on what’s ahead. While doctors often establish the vision, it’s the orthodontic office manager who ensures that vision is carried out consistently and effectively throughout the practice.
Preparing for the new year isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about gaining clarity around your role, strengthening leadership alignment, and ensuring the entire orthodontic team is working together as a unified whole.
Understanding the Role of the Orthodontic Office Manager
The role of the orthodontic office manager has evolved far beyond daily operations. Today’s office manager is a leader, strategist, and key accountability partner within the practice.
A strong foundation starts with role clarity. When the orthodontic office manager clearly understands their responsibilities — and those responsibilities are clearly understood by the doctor and team — the practice operates with greater confidence and efficiency.
The start of a new year is the ideal time to ask:
- What are my core responsibilities as the orthodontic office manager?
- Where do I need clearer authority or decision-making power?
- Are expectations aligned between leadership and the team?
Clear answers to these questions reduce confusion, streamline operations, and strengthen orthodontic practice management overall.
Setting Clear Boundaries and Expectations with the Doctor
One of the most important relationships in any orthodontic practice is between the doctor and the orthodontic office manager. Without clearly defined boundaries and expectations, misalignment can quickly lead to frustration, mixed messaging, and burnout.
Preparing your orthodontic practice for the new year means intentionally establishing:
- Clear expectations around leadership and decision-making
- Defined communication rhythms between the office manager and doctor
- Shared priorities and goals for the practice
When the orthodontic office manager and doctor are aligned, leadership becomes consistent, trust deepens, and the team receives clear direction — setting the tone for success across the entire office.
Establishing Goals and Benchmarks for Every Team Member
High-performing orthodontic practices don’t rely on vague expectations. They rely on clear goals, defined benchmarks, and consistent accountability for every role.
When each team member understands:
- What success looks like in their position
- How their performance is measured
- How their role contributes to the overall orthodontic practice
…the team stops working in silos and starts functioning as a cohesive unit.
The orthodontic office manager plays a critical role in establishing, tracking, and communicating these goals. Strong orthodontic team leadership ensures that everyone is aligned, accountable, and moving forward together.
Reviewing and Refining for Long-Term Practice Success
Preparation doesn’t end once goals are set. As orthodontic practices grow and evolve, leadership structures, expectations, and benchmarks must be reviewed and refined.
Taking the time to evaluate what’s working — and what needs adjustment — allows the orthodontic office manager to lead proactively rather than reactively. This intentional approach positions the entire practice to enter the new year focused, aligned, and ready for growth.
Elevate Your Leadership as an Orthodontic Office Manager
If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership skills, improve alignment with the doctor, and lead your orthodontic team with confidence, the Learn 2 Lead Office Manager Masterclass was created with you in mind.
This leadership training is designed specifically for orthodontic office managers who want clarity in their role, stronger communication, and practical tools to lead their practice into the new year — and beyond.
👉 Learn more about the Learn 2 Lead Office Manager Masterclass and prepare your orthodontic practice for success.