With January upon us, by now you have probably seen an array of lists, articles, commentaries, and how-to’s describing ways to start
the new year off right. From setting goals, to formulating plans, to achieving the proper work/play balance, the internet and social
media are full of advice for anyone looking to turn over a new leaf. I have to admit, there was one item on one of those lists that got my attention: avoid repeating past failures.
We’ve all heard the expression, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” As dental practitioners, we’ve all made mistakes. Making a mistake is one thing, but making it repeatedly is the real offense. Rather than enter this year with the same old mindset, it may be a good time for honest reflection. It might be time to focus on patterns rather than single mistakes and convert those
insights into practical changes, such as new habits, skills, or methods. In essence, our setbacks can be turned into triumphs.
In dentistry, this may mean considering new approaches to finding solutions. Perhaps it’s time to finally take the leap and implement new tools into your practice, like AIpowered diagnostics and treatment planning, or intraoral scanning and digital impressions, or 3D printing for same-day restorations, or any number of other new technologies that are transforming dentistry.
In 2026, Compendium is embarking on its 47th year as the leading publisher in journal-based continuing dental education. As in the previous 46 years, we intend to bring our readers, both general practitioners and specialists alike, the cutting-edge, evidence-based clinical content they’ve come to expect, focused on advanced techniques, best practices, and emerging technologies. As always, we aim to foster critical thinking so clinicians can expand their clinical capabilities and improve patient care.
Learning is a lifelong process. We encourage you to utilize Compendium throughout the year to achieve your continuing dental education needs and advance your clinical know-how. Put your past mistakes behind you. Learn from them, and be open to new and different ideas that may catapult you to new levels of success. Please enjoy both this issue of Compendium—and the new you!
