Annual Planning with Claire Dickinson: How to Build a Vision, Not Just a Budget

Every year, I look forward to a powerful conversation I call Annual Planning with Claire Dickinson. Claire is not only the operations director at Puget Sound Perio she’s also one of the most insightful voices in dental practice operations. We’ve known each other for over 20 years, and every time we sit down to talk strategy, I walk away more grounded and more inspired.

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Annual Planning Isn’t Just for Big Practices

If you’re already thinking, “Here we go again another annual planning session,” pause right there. Because what Claire and I want you to understand is this: Annual planning isn’t about checking a box or making arbitrary goals. Whether your team is five people or 50, annual planning can transform the way you lead, align, and grow your practice.

I remember my first exposure to this kind of planning. Claire and I had both worked at the same dental practice (not at the same time), where the doctor hosted a full-day, consultant-led planning session with vision boards, markers, and big goals. It was exciting, intentional, and inspiring. Later, in a smaller practice, we gathered around the breakroom table with the same goals in mind, just a simpler format.

It’s Not About the Math It’s About the Mindset

Claire brought up something so important: planning can feel monotonous when it turns into a mechanical review of last year’s numbers. Instead, she encourages practices to view it as a chance to future-pace: What do you want next year to feel like? What does success look like for each individual, not just the business?

“If you don’t get buy-in from the team,” Claire said, “you’ll wonder why they leave.”

That hit hard. Because too often, we assume people are on board just because they’re still showing up. But annual planning reminds us to ask, not assume.

Build Your Agenda Around Vision First

Before you talk about goals, budgets, or production targets, start with the vision.

• Is the practice’s direction still the same?
• Has ownership changed?
• Are you planning to expand or reduce hours?
• Are there big purchases (like a CBCT or new treatment rooms) on the horizon?

This clarity informs every goal-setting decision afterward. Without it, you’re just guessing.

Include the Whole Team And Plan Ahead

Claire recommends prepping your team in advance. Use a whiteboard in the breakroom, send a quick pre-meeting survey, or just ask open-ended questions in your morning huddle:

• What life changes are coming up for you next year?
• Are you thinking about school, a family, a career shift?
• What’s working well and what’s not?

Giving your team time to reflect ensures better participation and more meaningful contributions when the actual meeting day arrives.

Don’t Forget About Virtual Team Members

In today’s practices, remote team members are becoming the norm. Whether they’re answering phones from another country or managing claims virtually, they are part of your team and they should be part of your annual planning, too. Even something as simple as placing a laptop at the table so they can Zoom in shows inclusion and respect.

Focus on Capacity, Not Just Production

One of the standout ideas Claire shared this year was reframing the conversation from goals to capacity. Instead of asking, “How can we do more?” start asking:

• What’s a great day versus a stinker day?
• What does ideal scheduling look like?
• How do we protect team energy while achieving our financial targets?

This subtle shift keeps your team energized and prevents burnout.

Annual planning with Claire Dickinson is more than a tradition; it’s a strategic tool for building a high-performing dental team. No matter your size or location, the principles remain the same: align your people, define your vision, and build the next 12 months with intention.

What’s your vision for 2026? Start the conversation now and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.