As the holidays approach, dentists are taking stock of what made their practices hum this year. Two themes stood out: tech tools that improve care and teams that are willing to embrace innovation. I spoke with three dentists about why they’re so thankful this year.
Game-changing clinical tech for staff and patients
Dr. Heather Bond.
All three dentists were most thankful for technologies that shorten restorative timelines and streamline the patient journey. Dr. Heather Bond, a clinician with Magnolia Smiles of Wiggins in Mississippi, put it simply: “Since we implemented a scanner, the workflow is so much smoother. We have better communication with the lab, less time-consuming workflows, and happier patients.”
Her emphasis on patient comfort and clearer lab communication mirrors what others are seeing across their practices.
“My scanner really decreases the amount of time spent on impressions," said Dr. Richard Hagstrom of A Shop for Smiles in La Mesa, CA. “We can either mill it in the office or send it to the lab. I can even do my implants with that design on my cases.” That flexibility allows Hagstrom’s team to compress multivisit treatments without sacrificing quality.
Dr. Bob Dokhanchi.Fox Valley Dental Care Aurora.
Dr. Bob Dokhanchi of Fox Valley Dental in Aurora, IL, highlighted how he's now able to deliver same-day care: “I'm grateful for the tools that allow me to provide same-day dentistry. Indirect restorations that used to go to the lab and take anywhere from seven to 15 days can now be delivered the same day. We also now have tools for milling in the office and 3D printing nightguards, retainers, and aligners.”
Teams that make technology stick
Technology only pays off when the team is behind it. Dokhanchi praised his staff’s attitude: “My team is incredible -- they trust my tech choices, stay loyal through change, and treat the practice like their own. When I introduce new tools, they jump in and make it work.”
Dr. Richard Hagstrom.
Hagstrom was grateful for the independence and initiative of his staff: “They've been with me for a while, and they just know what to do and take care of everything. I don't have to talk to my assistants because they just put things in my hand. Everything just goes so smoothly.”
That kind of anticipatory teamwork keeps schedules moving and reduces friction on busy days.
Bond was thankful for her team’s eagerness to learn: “My team definitely gets excited about implementing new technology. I appreciate their willingness to learn, and they get excited whenever their job's made easier with new tools.”
What they’re excited about in 2026
Looking ahead, the dentists are focused on AI, automation, and advanced digital workflows that further reduce friction.
Bond is exploring AI for payer interactions: “One thing we've recently started implementing in our clinic is AI technology that helps us submit insurance claims. I'm definitely excited to see if we can get on the same page with insurance companies as far as getting claims approved.”
Hagstrom is energized by integrated full-arch workflows: “All-on-4, all-on-6 workflows take digital dentistry to a whole other level. We can scan, plan, and use surgical guides and custom abutments so procedures that would usually take three hours are done in one. The prices are coming down from a lab standpoint, and for patients, it's getting more affordable.”
Dokhanchi sees language models transforming practice management: “Large language model AI that allows us to create reports and functions of our practice management software. Imagine typing ‘Show me all the canceled appointments in the past three months that had a crown procedure’ and getting the names without clicking any buttons.”
This season, dentists are thankful not just for the devices in their offices but for teams that make those devices work. When technical capabilities meet teams ready to evolve, practices become more efficient, patients have better experiences, and clinicians reclaim time and professional satisfaction.
As chief clinical and strategy officer, Dr. Ryan Hungate, MS, leads Henry Schein One’s revenue cycle management automation and One Platform strategy. Dr. Hungate is the founder of Simplifeye Inc. and an orthodontist. Prior to pursuing dentistry, Hungate worked for Apple designing the Apple retail workflow.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
