I can’t quite believe it’s already December 2nd — the final month of 2025. This time of year always brings a mix of reflection and anticipation, and yesterday’s rdhu team meeting amplified that feeling in the best way.
We spent a few hours planning 2026, and I left feeling energized, grounded, and genuinely excited for what's ahead.
Our guiding theme for rdhu this year is:
Clarity. Consistency. Excellence.
These three words capture exactly where we’re heading in 2026 — staying focused on what matters, showing up consistently with purpose, and elevating every aspect of our programs and initiatives.
1. Dental Hygiene Quarterly — A Simple, Clear Refresh
We’re bringing DHQ back to the seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter as well as a theme for each season.
“Your Seasonal Source for Clinical Excellence and Professional Growth.”
Spring: Innovation in Hygiene: Tools, Tech & Trends
Summer: The Patient Experience Edition
Fall: Periodontal Mastery & Systemic Wellness
Winter: Foundations & Calibration: Start the Year Strong
Once the four issues for the year are complete and moved into the library, they will simply become Volumes and you will have access to these for a few years in your portal.
2. Our Academic Year Calendar
Because we operate on a September–June academic year, some of the changes we planned will take effect in the next cycle.
And… we have some exciting new additions coming to our curriculum! We’re introducing new Leadership and Wellness programs to support your growth both personally and professionally.
3. Meet Me at the Winery
We will be offering this again for a boutique-style experience — the 2026 date will be announced soon.
4. Boutique-Style Conference — Friday, October 30, 2026
Our theme this year: Designing Your Day. Your Practice by Design!
More details to come!
What excited me most during our planning session was the idea of “compartmentalizing” the year — putting structure and intention around when things happen, and strengthening the behind-the-scenes systems that keep everything running smoothly.
And it made me think of all of you…
Do you meet with your team this month to plan for next year?
If not, consider suggesting it. It can:
Think about your theme for 2026.
What do you want this year to represent?
And what will your focus be each quarter?
Here are some ideas to inspire your planning:
1. Laser Program
Is it fully functioning?
If not, dedicate a quarter to perfecting it — start with one operatory.
Promote it in your reception area, in your New Patient Welcome Package, and on your socials.
When patients feel a cold sore coming, do they know they could call you right away? Insert hero cape here!
Please reach out to us if you need a refresher or help with launching your laser program.
2. New Hand Instruments
If you haven't updated your instruments in a year, it’s time.
We’re wrapping up the rdhu LM Challenge, where participants are experiencing the LM Difference firsthand. If you’d like to join the next round in the new year, please email me and I’ll send the details.
If you need support with planning or budgeting, there are videos I recorded on the LM website that can help. Click here to access them. Beth Parkes also has an excellent video on strategic planning!
You might also consider Christine Crawford’s in-person Hygiene Masterclass in 2026 — a wonderful way to elevate your instrumentation skills even further.
3. Ultrasonic Inserts
If your inserts have more than a few millimetres of wear, they should no longer be used.
They become ineffective and can be harmful.
This is a great quarterly review item. Ask your distributor for a measuring card (or if you have the Woodpecker PT-B, the measuring card is on the cassette), and use it to check the wear on your inserts regularly.
4. Air Polishing
If you are considering moving away from the prophy angle and paste, Oral Science just released the Woodpecker PTB mini — an air-polisher-only unit (without the ultrasonic portion). This is wonderful news for practices wanting to make the shift. A great piece of technology to implement in 2026!
5. Oral Probiotics
Do you have BioGaia’s Practice Starter Kit?
Do you need help implementing?
Kirsten Fisher and I will be hosting more Lunchtime Chats in the new year to support you! In the meantime, if you haven't had a lunch & learn with BioGaia, I would suggest starting there.
6. Refresh Your Perio Program
If you feel like you’re doing the same thing every day and getting the same results, it may be time for a refresh.
Join us for Designing the Ultimate Perio Program — online in January and in person in June with Lorraine Gambacourt.
7. Systemize Your Oral Cancer Screening
When was the last time you reviewed or refined your oral cancer screening process?
Take a quarter to revisit your system, ensure it’s consistent, and make sure everyone on your team follows the same steps.
A simple, well-organized screening protocol improves confidence, patient communication, and early detection.
Jo-Anne Jones is offering an in-person Oral Cancer Screening Workshop in April. Click here to learn more!
8. Elevate Your Patients’ Oral Health: Oral-B Professional Partners
Do you want to elevate your patients’ oral health in 2026?
Consider joining the Oral-B Professional Partners Program. It’s a fantastic initiative that helps practices confidently transition their patients to power brushing without needing to carry power brushes in the office.
You simply give your patient a postcard — they scan the QR code, order online, and receive your professional pricing. It’s simple and so effective.
Click here to join us and make 2026 the year your patients get on power. It's a FREE program for dental professionals to join and there are lots of resources coming your way, including a few webinars!
If QA feels overwhelming, let’s change that for 2026!
Here’s what’s coming:
I could go on...as you can see, I get very excited about implementing programs!
Make a plan for 2026 that resonates with you and your practice — and know that we’re here to help along the way.
Here’s to a focused, intentional, exciting year ahead — and to creating it together.
Warmly,
Kathleen
Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ Founder | President
