Dentistry can be an isolating profession, so it’s important to branch out beyond the surgery walls in search of inspiration, education and support. Being a part of something bigger affords a number of benefits, emphasising the need to build and maintain a professional network throughout your career.
It’s a people thing
There are many advantages to actively participating in the wider dental community. High on the list is the support that is afforded when you have peers to turn to in tough times. Mental health is a constant challenge for dental professionals, given the high stress levels often encountered.[i] Social connections are important for combating the effects of everything from loneliness to depression and anxiety.[ii] Engaging with like-minded people who understand the specific difficulties of dentistry allows professionals to share thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or misinterpretation.
Having access to an extensive professional network is also critical to career progression, with evidence that the most connected people are often highly successful in their chosen fields.[iii] Being able to engage with colleagues, share experiences and gain advice, helps someone define their own professional ambitions and find potential development pathways. It is a great way of expanding knowledge and learning new skills, as well as providing opportunities to critique new materials and techniques from different perspectives and innovate for the benefit of patients.
Events that facilitate networking have been found to catalyse the exchange of information and ideas, enabling both social and professional communication between individuals. Tangible results include the increased generation of intellectual property and measurable impacts on business.[iv]
Getting down to business
There are many ways that networking can benefit the practice. Strong relationships with dental manufacturers and suppliers are important for the seamless delivery of products and materials, for example. Engaging with external sources is also necessary for the discovery of new technology and utilisation of professional training for the entire team. For those who seek or offer clinical services by referral, establishing a network of practices who trust you is just as crucial for business sustainability and growth.
Interestingly, it has been suggested that businesses, regardless of whether they are early or late adopters of new technology and innovations, can catch up with the industry by utilising external connections.[v] The concept is based on a company building relationships in order to fill any gaps within the in-house capabilities – much like clinicians will refer patients out for specialist treatment. This means that all dental practices can remain abreast of the latest developments in the profession, simply by being part of the broader community.
A combination of digital – such as LinkedIn and other social media platforms – with in-person connection is important for practice teams. For the best results, all networking should be tailored for dentistry, facilitating the most effective conversations and building the most useful relationships.[vi]
A future built on collaboration
Beyond business growth and stability, collaboration also affords greater innovation. In fact, the research shows a strong link between innovation and performance when supported by effective collaboration.[vii]
So, how do you get involved? How do you get your ideas out there? Who should you be collaborating with to build your future and that of your business? Where can you go to access a community dedicated to dentistry, support, career development and innovation?
Next March, you will have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the most forward-thinking, thought-provoking and inspiring individuals in the dental profession. Be among the policymakers, the change-instigators, the technological disrupters and the decision-shapers at BDIA Dental Showcase 2026! UK dentistry’s oldest and largest dental exhibition, the event offers features that no other does, with Government Ministers and the Office for the Chief Dental Officer in attendance. The extensive exhibition and social programme offer numerous opportunities to engage with individuals and teams from across the profession, while also showcasing the latest innovations and educating the entire team.
Success and wellbeing
Networking in dentistry is not a luxury or an after-thought, it is a necessity. Actively participating within the wider community nurtures wellbeing, accelerates career development, drives innovation and helps to shape the future of the profession. On both an individual and business level, connecting with others affords tangible benefits that are often otherwise unachievable.
BDIA Dental Showcase
13th-14th March 2026
ExCeL London
Find out more at www.dentalshowcase.com
David Hussey – Event Director MA Exhibitions
[i] Collin, V., Toon, M., O’Selmo, E. et al. A survey of stress, burnout and well-being in UK dentists. Br Dent J 226, 40–49 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2019.6
[ii] Wickramaratne PJ, Yangchen T, Lepow L, Patra BG, Glicksburg B, Talati A, Adekkanattu P, Ryu E, Biernacka JM, Charney A, Mann JJ, Pathak J, Olfson M, Weissman MM. Social connectedness as a determinant of mental health: A scoping review. PLoS One. 2022 Oct 13;17(10):e0275004. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275004. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2024 Nov 15;19(11):e0314220. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314220. PMID: 36228007; PMCID: PMC9560615.
[iii] Akkas, Md. (2023). Role of Networking Skill to Career Success. 10.57240/DUJMBK02.
[iv] Chen, J. & Chen, Ching-Hua & Chess, C. & Ehrlich, K. & Eleftheriou, M. & Helander, M. & Lasser, C. & McAllister, S. & Medeiros, Sue & Penchuk, K. & Snowdon, Jane & Steen, M. & Topol, Anna. (2008). Enhanced Professional Networking and its Impact on Personal Development and Business Success.
[v] Pourmand Hilmersson, Firouze & Hilmersson, Mikael. (2020). Networking to accelerate the pace of SME innovations. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge. 6. 10.1016/j.jik.2020.10.001.
[vi] Eyo-Udo, Nsisong & Bristol-Alagbariya, Bernadette & Udeh, Chioma & Ewim, Chikezie. (2025). Reviewing the role of networking in business success: USA and global perspectives. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. 6. 820-826. 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2025.6.1.820-826.
[vii] González-Benito, Óscar & Muñoz-Gallego, Pablo & García-Zamora, Evelyn. (2016). Role of collaboration in innovation success: differences for large and small businesses. Journal of Business Economics and Management. 17. 645-662. 10.3846/16111699.2013.823103.
