Technology That Works: How to Integrate Innovation Into Your Dental Practice Without Losing Momentum

At Fortune Management, we’ve been coaching dental professionals for over 35 years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: Technology doesn’t transform your practice—you do.

We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the country, guiding them through every challenge you can imagine—from leadership transitions to cultural breakdowns to the increasingly common question: “Should I invest in this new piece of technology?”

It’s a great question. But there’s a better one to ask first:

“Do I have the leadership, team alignment, and vision to implement this technology successfully?”

This is exactly the kind of conversation we have every day with doctors through our coaching network. And in this post, we’re bringing in insights from one of our own—Dr. Eric Adler, a dentist outside of Denver, Colorado and our Director of Clinical Mastery at Fortune Management.

Dr. Adler has been both a client and coach for over two decades, and he knows the reality of trying to integrate new technology into a busy practice. He’s also seen firsthand how the right strategy and support can make the difference between dust-collecting equipment and a game-changing investment.

Let’s walk through how to do it right—from planning and implementation to training, buy-in, and long-term success.

From Dentist to Coach: A Different Perspective

Dr. Adler started as a Fortune client early in his career and eventually made the transition to coaching other doctors. What drew him in?

The breakthroughs.

“What I love seeing with Fortune coaching is seeing breakthroughs with our clients—having them take that next step in their journey of where they want to be going,” he says. “It’s fun to be part of that process.”

As coaches, we often meet dentists at a crossroads. They’re great clinicians—but they’re stuck. Growth has plateaued, the team feels unmotivated, and they’re thinking a shiny new piece of technology might be the fix.

Sometimes it is. But usually, what’s missing isn’t the tool—it’s the system that supports it.

Start With Vision, Not Equipment

Before you invest in a CBCT, CAD/CAM system, or any other tech, we recommend starting with this question:

What kind of dentistry do I want to be doing?

Too many doctors invest in expensive equipment without a clear clinical vision. Instead, take time to reflect on:

• What procedures excite you most?
  
  
• What’s your current case mix—and where do you want to expand?
  
  
• What’s missing from your toolbox that would allow you to treat more comprehensively or efficiently?
  
  

Once you define your clinical goals, technology becomes a solution—not a distraction. It’s a tool to help you work smarter, treat better, and grow strategically.

Know the ROI: More Than Dollars and Cents

Yes, technology is expensive. And yes, return on investment (ROI) matters. But ROI isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s also about time, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

Ask yourself:

• Will this equipment expand my service mix (e.g., allowing more endo, implants, or same-day dentistry)?
  
  
• Will it reduce costs in other areas (lab fees, impression material, appointment time)?
  
  
• Will it make life easier for my team?
  
  
• Will it improve the patient experience?
  
  

Dr. Adler points to CEREC as a great example:

“You can have a crown done in two, maybe two and a half hours, and a patient walks away with their permanent crown. No temporaries, no second visit. That’s a huge win for everyone.”

Team Buy-In Starts With Your Excitement

If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: The success of new technology isn’t about the machine—it’s about the team.

When you’re excited about a new piece of technology, your team takes notice. That enthusiasm is contagious. But it has to be backed with clarity and support.

Start with a team meeting. Bring everyone into the conversation:

• Front desk: How will scheduling change?
  
  
• Assistants: What are the new responsibilities?
  
  
• Hygienists: How does this impact the flow of care?
  
  

Encourage mock appointments, hands-on demos, and time for questions. Creating this space gives your team permission to get comfortable—and confident—before rolling it out with patients.

Dealing With Resistance: Change Isn’t Easy

Let’s be real—some team members may resist change. That’s normal. But ignoring it only makes things worse.

“You can’t just bring in a new machine and expect it to work. It doesn’t happen that way,” says Dr. Adler.

Instead, have open conversations. Ask:

• What concerns do you have?
  
  
• What feels unclear?
  
  
• What support do you need to feel confident?
  
  

When team members feel heard, they’re far more likely to engage. And when they contribute to the solution, they take ownership—which is where real transformation begins.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dr. Adler sees two big mistakes practices make when adopting new tech:

1. Lack of Commitment

If you’re half in, your team will be too. New systems require consistent leadership, not just initial excitement.

“Eventually, the machine ends up sitting in a corner,” he warns. “It has to start with full commitment from the top.”

2. Insufficient Training

Don’t treat training like a one-and-done. Ongoing support is essential.

• Schedule dedicated training sessions.
  
  
• Revisit protocols as issues arise.
  
  
• Use real cases to reinforce learning.
  
  
• Celebrate small wins as confidence builds.
  
  

At Fortune, we work with doctors to design training plans that are phased, accessible, and team-wide, so everyone learns together.

Set Clear, Measurable Goals

Technology isn’t magic. If you want it to perform, you need clear targets.

Start with small, achievable goals, like:

• Completing 5 same-day crowns a week.
  
  
• Reducing remakes by 20% in 3 months.
  
  
• Replacing all traditional impressions in specific procedures.
  
  

Make sure your team knows what success looks like, and follow up regularly. Adjust as needed. And don’t forget to acknowledge progress—even the small stuff.

It Takes a Village: Unified Implementation

Integrating new tech isn’t just a clinical decision—it’s a practice-wide initiative. Everyone has a role to play:

• Front desk: educating patients, adjusting schedules
  
  
• Assistants: mastering scanning or equipment workflows
  
  
• Hygienists: helping identify cases that benefit from the tech
  
  
• Doctors: leading, coaching, and reinforcing the vision
  
  

You don’t have to do it all yourself—but you do have to make sure everyone’s rowing in the same direction.

Why a Coach Makes All the Difference

This is where we come in.

At Fortune, we don’t just teach systems—we help doctors implement change.

Whether you’re rolling out new tech, growing your team, or revamping your patient experience, our coaches are trained in both business strategy and practice psychology. We help you:

• Clarify your clinical and business vision
  
  
• Build team alignment and buy-in
  
  
• Track metrics and adjust based on results
  
  
• Grow with confidence—not chaos
  
  

As Dr. Adler puts it:

“Working with a coach lets you see beyond the clinical. It helps your team be successful with the technology—and it helps you lead the process.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We offer a complimentary practice assessment for doctors who are considering new investments—or just want help getting more from what they already have.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• A snapshot of your current business performance
  
  
• An evaluation of team and leadership alignment
  
  
• Recommendations tailored to your vision and goals
  
  
• Next steps for turning your investment into results
  
  

We have 150+ expert dental consultants across the country, ready to support your unique situation. Whether you’re in Denver, Dallas, or anywhere in between—we’ve got a coach near you.

It’s Not About the Machine

We’ll end where we began: Technology is only as powerful as the people behind it.

When you lead with vision, train with consistency, and support your team with care—you don’t just add a new capability to your practice.

You unlock new energy. You build momentum. And you create a culture that’s excited to grow—together.

That’s what we’re here for.

Let’s take the next step—together.

Connect with a Fortune coach today at www.fortunemgmt.com and schedule your complimentary practice assessment.