Building something bigger

Hi friends,

As this year winds down, I find myself reflecting not just on what we’ve built together, but on what’s still to come. The greatest gift of The Making Of has never been the content, the events, or even the breakthroughs—it’s the people.

This community is filled with some of the most generous, authentic, and growth-minded professionals I’ve ever met. You’ve shown up, shared openly, and built connections that remind all of us we’re not in this alone. That energy is what makes The Retreat so special, and it’s what fuels everything we do here.

But the truth is—we’re only at the beginning. Looking into the year ahead, I’m excited to keep deepening these relationships, sparking new ones, and creating more opportunities for collaboration and connection. Because when we come together, dentistry becomes more than just a profession—it becomes a movement.

So here’s my invitation to you: step into 2026 ready to keep building. Keep reaching out. Keep showing up. Because the conversations we have, the support we give, and the friendships we form will always be the foundation of what makes this community extraordinary.

With so much gratitude and excitement for the road ahead,

Dr. Ashley