Start With a Real Risk Assessment
Before you set goals, you need a baseline. Caries risk, gum health, bite wear, airway symptoms, and old restorations all tell a story. A comprehensive exam in January gives you a measurable starting point you can compare against next year.
Get the Hygiene Cadence Right
Two visits a year is a default, not a prescription. Patients with active gum inflammation, dry mouth, history of decay, or extensive restorative work usually do better on a 3- or 4-month cycle. The right interval is the one that keeps inflammation and biofilm under control between visits.
Upgrade Home Care Without Overcomplicating It
For most adults in 2026, an effective routine looks like: an electric brush twice a day, daily flossing or a water flosser, and a remineralizing toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite or fluoride. If you grind, a properly fitted nightguard belongs on this list too.
Plan Restorative Work Around Your Life, Not the Other Way Around
If you know you need a crown, an implant restoration, or a cosmetic refresh this year, sequence it. Same-day crown technology, digital scans, and clear treatment plans mean you can usually finish major work in fewer visits than you'd expect.
Have questions about anything in this article? Our team at Prentice Dental is happy to talk through your situation in plain English—no pressure, no upsells.
About Dr. Joshua Prentice
DDS, Kois Center Graduate with Honors
Dr. Prentice has completed advanced training at the prestigious Kois Center, one of dentistry's most respected institutions for comprehensive treatment planning and evidence-based care. He lectures nationally on complex restorative dentistry, digital workflows, and airway-centered treatment.
With over 15 years of experience in comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Prentice combines cutting-edge technology with evidence-based protocols to deliver predictable, lasting results for complex dental cases.
Related Articles
Start 2026 With a Comprehensive Exam
Build your year around a clear baseline and a plan you actually understand.
Or call us at (972) 539-6831