As 2007 comes to a close, many people in the dental industry will look back and wonder what could have been done to make the year better. Probably not much. The time may finally be here when the “recession-proof” label no longer applies to our industry. 2008, especially the first half, does not promise instant recovery. Credit woes, a weak dollar and a lot of economic uncertainty will add up to a lot of nrevous consumers. Throw in an election year and we have all the makings for real drama. We may also be reaching a tipping point where just getting by until things improve will no longer work. Technology is here, climate change is real, foreign investment will grow and consolidation will continue to shrink the industry.
For 2008, you need to think mean, think green and think lean! But before we get out of 2007, remember a few things, especially our friends who are no longer with us, and the friends who still are. So have a safe and happy new year, and good luck in 2008.