Thousands of years before Teams meetings, Zoom calls and office catch-ups, the Ancient Greeks would convene for meetings in an Agora – ‘a gathering place.’[i] Here, people would connect and discuss the political, intellectual, cultural and commercial affairs of the time, making new friends and enhancing the community spirit at the same time. It could be considered the origin for networking.
In the modern world, social media and online interaction have made networking almost too easy, with one click connecting two people together who may have never met. However, in-person meetings and events remain the most valuable way to weave a web of reliable professional contacts.
Talking is healthy
The purpose of networking is to make connections that are beneficial to your professional career or business. As human beings, we are naturally social creatures; wellbeing and socialising are linked.[ii] The pandemic years led to a surge in digital communication to compensate for the limit on face-to-face interaction; the success of online meetings in that time has meant they have remained long after the threat of transmission has passed, without considering the benefits of fully returning to physical interactions.[iii]
Studies have shown that strong relationships are good for us; we feel better when we are socialising than when we are alone.ii This positive feeling is magnified by in-person interactions, with people feeling more affectionate, more supported and happier when physically engaging with others.iii
Freedom of speech
Facebook groups, online courses, LinkedIn – the multitude of ways to use the internet for finding fellow dental professionals can be both easy and overwhelming. Online networking has many advantages and complementing this with in-person interactions can make the networking process even more effective. This is because face-to-face conversations flow more naturally, allowing one topic to smoothly segue into the next unlike the restricted nature of a short message.
Moreover, online engagement always gives the opportunity for one of the participants to step-out of the interaction, with a delayed reply, not seeing a notification or having connection problems ranking among some of the causes for an asynchronous conversation. Conversing in-person, be that at a conference or a workshop, allows people to express their own – or analyse the other’s – body language, voice pitch, eye gaze and head position.iii These nuances help with perceiving interest in a conversation, supporting a healthy discussion and building a connection that can enhance each other’s career. Online engagement cannot fully replicate these nuances.
Career opportunities
In much the same way that an online CV doesn’t fully represent a person’s character until you meet them, a physical meeting can be beneficial for referrals as it puts a face to a name. Networking events can be a great way to encounter dentists who could treat a challenging case, and getting to know the dentist first can provide the familiarity and trust that an online exchange may not.
On the other hand, in-person events may be useful for finding a mentor or a mentee. Dentists who have been working for many decades may wish to support younger practitioners with their skills and knowledge, and engaging with other dentists at different stages of their career may yield exciting career opportunities to do this.[iv] Expressing interest and sharing contact details can lead to exciting changes.
Meet regularly
To attend invaluable in-person events for networking, consider a membership with the British Endodontic Society (BES). Over 60 years old, the BES is the definitive place for dentists with an interest in endodontics to learn new skills and knowledge. Members can attend a variety of conferences and gain associated CPD each year – all at reduced rates. One such event is the Spring Scientific Meeting 2025, where internationally renowned speakers, an exciting trade show and 6 hours of verifiable CPD all await attendees, capped off with a drinks reception at the end of the programme to make lasting connections. Along with access to the International Endodontic Journal and the opportunity to enter for BES prizes and Research Awards, a BES membership can enhance every aspect of an endodontic career.
The digital world has its advantages for meeting people, but the Ancient Greeks had it right: meeting in-person remains the gold standard for networking. From wellbeing support to familiarising faces and names, events and conferences aren’t just more beneficial for making connections – they are more fun too.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847
[i] The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2017). agora | Definition, History, & Facts. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/agora.
[ii] www.psychologytoday.com. (n.d.). How Do Digital and In-Person Interactions Affect Wellbeing? | Psychology Today United Kingdom. [online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/close-encounters/202209/how-do-digital-and-in-person-interactions-affect-wellbeing.
[iii] Stieger, S., Lewetz, D. and Willinger, D. (2023). Face-to-face more important than digital communication for mental health during the pandemic. Scientific Reports, [online] 13(1), p.8022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34957-4.
[iv] www.colgateprofessional.com. (n.d.). Networking With Dental Professionals | Colgate® Professional. [online] Available at: https://www.colgateprofessional.com/hygienist-resources/tools-resources/networking-dental-professionals.
