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Build a Career That Makes People Smile: View Open Positions

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Dr Jerry Simon November 11th, 2025

New Year. New Strategy.

New Year’s Resolutions: Why They Haven’t Been Working & What You Should Do Instead.

By Dr. Jerry Simon, Founder of Dental Care Stamford

Every year, we fall into the same routine. We tell ourselves, “Come January, I’ll finally make a change—eat healthier, exercise more, organize my finances, maybe even schedule that long-overdue dental visit.” But the truth is, most resolutions don’t last. In fact, research shows fewer than one in ten people keep their resolutions for a full year. The intentions are good, but ideas without a plan tend to fade before they even start.

This November gives you a unique advantage. Instead of holding out for the ball to drop, you can get a head start on your goals now. That way, when 2026 arrives, you’re not making resolutions—you’re already living them.

A plan is just a plan unless you take action.

Promising Trend: Rise of Dental Resolutions

Recent reports show a 57% increase* in adults planning to improve their dental health. It’s no surprise this is becoming a popular trend. After all, a beautiful smile is more than cosmetic; it’s a boost in health, confidence, and longevity–often intertwining with other common resolutions.

The problem:

One of the first things we ask new patients is, “What’s most important to you about your teeth?” The answers are often the same: “healthy” or “a nice smile.” Worthy goals but without specifics, they rarely become reality. The real secret is turning that wish into a SMART goal. And no, your goals aren’t “dumb”—they just need to be:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, wRitten, and Timed.

A Successful S.M.A.R.T. Resolution:

Take Jane, in January 2024, she resolved to have “a better smile.” But like most resolutions, it quickly faded into just a thought.

The following year, Jane came to Dental Care Stamford ready to share what she hoped to accomplish, but she didn’t know where to start.

Fortunately, having every dental specialist under one roof means we have the expertise and resources to create results that patients often never imagined were achievable.

During her consultation, Dr. Jerry Simon, a cosmetic specialist, helped Jane refine her resolution into a S.M.A.R.T. goal.

She wrote:

“This year I am committed to having a great, confident smile with straighter and whiter teeth, that are healthier and free of cavities. Deadline: December 31, 2025.”

Suddenly, her resolution shifted from a wishful idea—“I want a better smile”—into a clear, actionable plan. By defining the details, Jane could finally see the path forward.

Her new resolution was:

  • Specific: Straighter, whiter, healthier, cavity-free teeth.
  • Measurable: Progress she could see in the mirror.
  • Achievable: With our accelerated adult orthodontic treatment, it’s possible.
  • Written: A commitment on paper that made her goal real
  • Timed: A clear deadline

From there, Jane took action:

1. The personalized plan: During her consultation, we designed a treatment plan that addressed all of Jane’s priorities

2. Fresh Start: Immediately checking off “healthier, cavity-free teeth,” we treated her cavities and completed a professional cleaning

3. Straighter Teeth: By mid-February, we started Jane on her orthodontic treatment. As a busy professional who interacts with people daily, she wanted an option that was discreet, comfortable, and efficient. With today’s advanced technology, she didn’t have to face years of bulky metal braces—she could enjoy a subtle solution and visible results in just months.

4. Consistency counts: Committed to her resolution, Jane stayed on track with quick, biweekly visits that fit seamlessly into her busy schedule.

5. Ahead of Schedule: By October, Jane’s braces were off—well before her December deadline! With time to spare, she completed her final goal: a whiter smile with our in-house whitening treatment. 45 minutes later, Jane had achieved her full New Year’s resolution—a confident smile that was straighter, whiter, and healthier than ever.

Jane’s resolution didn’t just survive—it succeeded. Pro-tip: Save this for when you’re making your resolutions!

Why Start Now

Lasting change happens when goals are clear and action begins immediately. And there’s no better time than right now, before the year ends.

Here’s why: many dental insurance benefits reset on January 1st. Any unused benefits disappear. By starting now, you can take advantage of coverage you’ve already paid for. That means you can:

  • Use your free cleaning and exam to start the new year with a fresh, healthy smile.
  • Address recommended treatments, like cavities, so you begin orthodontics or cosmetic work earlier and with a clean slate.
  • Maximize your coverage: If more treatment is needed, use your remaining 2025 benefits now and finish the rest once your 2026 benefits reset.

Starting in November also helps you head into 2026 with your first steps already behind you, a clear plan for the months ahead, and benefits fully used.

Plus, with regular checkups during treatment, we’ll keep your teeth healthy, your smile on track, and help you tackle other resolutions that naturally intertwine—like better dental health, improved overall wellness, and a more confident you.

A New Year, A New You

With the right plan, you can transform your health, your confidence, and your life. Whether your goal is preventive care, whitening, or a complete smile makeover, the first step is simple: make the call.

The best time to start is always now—because “later” too often turns into “never.” Change doesn’t need to wait. The ones that truly last begin the moment you decide to take action.

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