Episode 1009

1009: Metric Mondays: Leading vs Lagging Indicators, What You Need to Know

Published on: 16th February, 2026

Many dental practices feel surprised by their numbers at the end of the month, even when they review reports regularly. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Miranda Beeson, leadership coach at ACT Dental, to explain the difference between leading and lagging indicators and why relying too heavily on historical data creates stress, reactivity, and missed opportunities. They break down how leading indicators connect daily behaviors to long-term results, how to spot problems earlier, and how to use data to lead calmly instead of reactively. If you want to understand which numbers actually help you influence outcomes before it’s too late, listen to Episode 1009 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways

  1. Lagging indicators show what has already happened in a practice and cannot be changed once reported.
  2. Leading indicators help predict future outcomes and guide daily and weekly behavior.
  3. Practices that focus only on lagging indicators often feel blindsided and become reactive under pressure.
  4. Tracking leading indicators weekly allows leaders to correct course before the end of the month.
  5. Hygiene reappointment, diagnostic percentage, and case acceptance are examples of leading indicators that influence production.
  6. Teams engage more effectively when they understand which daily actions influence practice results.

Snippets

  1. 00:52 Leading indicators versus lagging indicators and why both matter.
  2. 02:28 Why lagging indicators create reactive leadership and team stress.
  3. 03:50 Using hygiene metrics to predict future production.
  4. 06:11 Planning ahead for known schedule disruptions like holidays.
  5. 07:38 What it looks like when practices rely only on lagging indicators.
  6. 09:42 How leadership changes when leading indicators are used correctly.
  7. 11:39 Tracking diagnostic percentage and case acceptance week over week.
  8. 14:47 A simple first step to start using leading indicators today.

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:

  1. The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
  2. Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
  3. Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
  4. Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
  5. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
  6. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.

By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.

So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.

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About your host

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Kirk Behrendt