Most practices have plenty of numbers but still feel unclear about what to work on next. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Miranda Beason about why many dental practices don’t have a data problem — they have a focus problem — and how to use quarterly priorities and the right metrics to create alignment, reduce chaos, and make steady progress toward annual goals. To learn how to set focus, choose what to measure, and lead your team with calmer, clearer direction, listen to Episode 1012 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

More data does not create clarity unless the practice has clear priorities and a defined direction.
Annual planning works best when it’s translated into quarterly priorities that connect to day-to-day execution.
When focus is missing, leadership often reacts to what feels urgent or “loud” instead of following a strategy.
Practices build momentum when they choose two to four priorities for a 12-week quarter and measure progress consistently.
Tracking fewer, quarter-specific metrics is more effective than maintaining a constant list of 30–40 KPIs.
Weekly reporting improves a team’s ability to make timely changes compared to waiting until the end of the month.
Metrics gain traction when leaders clearly communicate the purpose, the team’s role, and how the focus supports the patient experience.

Snippets

00:00 Metric Monday Kickoff: Data Doesn’t Fix Everything

01:57 Meet Miranda: Most Practices Have a Focus Problem

02:40 Why Data Creates Alignment (and Removes Emotion)

04:52 When You Get It Wrong: Chaos, Fires, and Moving Targets

08:11 Real-World ‘Loud’ Moments: Snow Days, Short Months & Panic

09:44 When You Get It Right: Annual Goals → Quarterly Priorities

13:06 Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: Staying Calm Under Pressure

14:27 What You Can Do Today: Pick a Focus + Track the Right KPIs

16:28 Report Weekly, Celebrate Wins, and Tie Metrics to Patient Experience

17:47 Wrap-Up: Get Help, Stay Focused, and Build a Better Practice

Guest Bio/Guest Resources

Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.

Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
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1012: Metric Mondays: You Don’t Have a Data Problem – You have a Focus Problem - Miranda Beeson