How long does it take to install a new habit in a dental practice team?
Eighteen to 254 days, depending on complexity. Phillippa Lally’s research at University College London documented the range across different habit types. Simple changes (a new greeting on the phone, a different opening to a hygiene visit) can land in three weeks. Complex changes (a full ethical-selling sequence with multiple touchpoints) can take eight months of deliberate practice. The implication: do not expect your team to adopt a new system in two weeks. Plan for sustained reinforcement over months. The dentist who rolls out a new sales script, runs one training, and expects compliance by Friday is setting up the system to fail. Slower install creates faster results long-term.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.
