Win or Learn: Progress to Success

Executive Editor Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT | daniel.alter@broadcastmed.com

As we embark upon the last month of 2023, a year filled with both unique challenges and rewarding outcomes, it is a good time to reflect on the past and contemplate the year that's yet to come. As business owners and dental professionals, we must be continuously cognizant of our business, professional, and personal progression. Each endeavor that we take on builds from the last, and it is an essential effort to maintain the viability and longevity of our dental laboratory businesses and brands. Progress in technologies, materials, and restorative solutions is keenly important because if we feel complacent and "in a good place," if we no longer push to learn more and do more, we are in fact moving backward, simply by virtue of the rest of the world progressing with continuous innovation and education.

With that said, some endeavors provide great successes, while others may seem as if they provide no benefits—or in fact create negative returns for our efforts and investments. However, keep in mind that these are critical opportunities to learn and grow, as a business and professional. Either you WIN or you LEARN from the journey. The outcomes of these endeavors and experiences, whether successful or not, provide an enormous learning opportunity and an immensely valuable perspective. As a result, the way you approach future activities will be influenced by your experience and your newly acquired wisdom. The most important thing is to recognize what you've learned, as well as any actionable ideas, and reflect upon how you can use what you've learned to your business, professional, and personal strategic advantage. What are some of the things you've implemented this year, and what have you learned?

I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude for being allowed to serve our dental community and to learn so much from all of you—from those I have the distinct honor and pleasure of calling my friends, colleagues, and mentors. The holiday season is an opportunity to really sit back and contemplate the year, the endeavors and interactions we've shared together, and the relationships we've forged-a time to recharge, reclaim, and formulate our best paths forward, together, toward a successful new year. From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful and meaningful holiday season and a very happy New Year!

It is my great pride and honor to elevate and inspire with knowledge.