Setting Smarter Production Goals for 2026: Net Production is Step One

As you plan for 2026, you may be thinking about growth goals for your practice. Most dentists instinctively set gross production goals: “Let’s grow 10% next year.” But gross production doesn’t tell the whole story. The number that matters most for your practice’s health and profitability is net production.

Net production, the maximum collectible amount after adjustments, write-offs, and discounts, is where real growth begins. If your 2026 goals don’t start with this number, you risk working harder without actually being more profitable.

Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to building smarter production goals for the year ahead that will leave you more time to live the life you envisioned when you chose Dentistry.

Step 1: Define the Gap Between Gross and Net

Start by reviewing your 2025 numbers. How much did your practice produce (gross), and how much of that was actually collectible (net)?

• If the gap is wide, it’s a sign of heavy PPO dependence, excessive discounts, or write-offs.
• If the gap is narrow, you’re likely serving loyal patients who value your care and pay your full fee.

This gap tells you whether your practice is efficient, or if you’re running harder than necessary to collect the same revenue.

Gross production is just noise. Net production is the honest conversation your practice needs to have with itself.  One of the greatest things you could do is ruthlessly eliminate hurry in your life. And there's no better way to do that than to improve your net production.

Step 2: Set Goals Based on Net Production, Not Gross

Instead of chasing a gross production increase of 10, 15%, focus on how much you want your net production to grow in 2026. That’s the number that impacts your bottom line and your lifestyle.

Example:

• Practice A: Produces $1.7M gross, nets $1M.
• Practice B: Produces $1.1M gross, nets $1M.

Both collect the same, but Practice B works fewer days, with less stress and overhead. For 2026, which model do you want to build?

Step 3: Align Overhead With Reality

Every dollar of gross production carries overhead costs, staffing, supplies, labs, and rent. The larger the gap between gross and net, the greater your risk of spending heavily on output you’ll never collect.

By focusing your 2026 goals on net production and strengthening patient loyalty, you’ll protect profitability and reduce the stress that comes from running faster just to keep up. Sticking to this focus will bring about a transformation that frees your practice to grow sustainably.

Step 4: Take Action to Close the Gap

If your net production is lagging, these steps will shrink the gross-to-net gap:

• Evaluate PPO participation. Do the math on whether the write-offs are worth it.
• Train your team on collections.  Aim to collect 100% of your net.
• Leverage outside support. Read the downloadable ACT Dental resource: The Financial Gaps at a Glance. Note that an ACT Dental coach can help you identify quick wins.
  
  
  
  

Step 5: Build Net Production Into Your Team Conversations

Don’t keep this number to yourself. Share your net production goals with your team and tie them to practice priorities. Ask:

• What was our net production per day in 2025?
• How can we improve efficiency without adding chaos?
• What’s a realistic net production target for 2026?

When your team understands that net production is the goal, they’ll make better day-to-day decisions that support collections, loyalty, and efficiency.

The 2026 Advantage: Work Smarter, Not Harder

The new year is a chance to reset your priorities. Setting 2026 goals around net production, rather than gross, creates a more sustainable, profitable practice. It means fewer patients, less stress, and a better life for you and your team.

You didn't become a dentist to be busy; you became one to create health and build a better life. Net production helps you achieve both.

Smile Source takeaway: Start with net production, track it regularly, and make it the foundation of your 2026 growth plan. Every dollar of improvement flows directly to your bottom line without adding more hours, more patients, or more chaos.