Four reasons why networking is beneficial for every dental professional

Featured Products Promotional Features

  Posted by: Dental Design      15th March 2023

Networking. It’s a buzzword that’s thrown around a lot in professional industries, but what does it actually mean? A simple definition is that it’s connecting with professionals across your industry – but the true meaning of networking is the value it brings you in your professional life.

Here are the top five reasons why dental professionals should be prioritising networking opportunities in 2023:

Build your reputation

In an industry as interconnected as dentistry, making connections with like-minded individuals is always valuable – this is especially true if you want to build your reputation. Every individual has a unique career journey, and sharing your experiences with others in the profession is a valuable opportunity that will help you become recognised for your skills.

Professionals of all skill levels will have experiences others can learn from. Even if you are newly qualified and just taking your first steps of your career, you can still share your knowledge of how this experience is for people and the challenges you face – unique perspectives that those who have been in practice for some time are unlikely to be familiar with. On the other hand, professionals with years of experience will have a wealth of knowledge to share – every perspective has value, and as dentistry is as much a community as a profession, networking is a great way to build a positive reputation.

Create a strong support network

Dentistry can often feel insular. Practices may not have large teams, and there isn’t always someone to turn to when you’re faced with challenges that you’re unsure how to solve. Networking helps to build a strong support system, weaving a safety net for every individual that can make all the difference.

By actively getting involved in events or joining associations/societies, you can form strong bonds with professionals who are on similar paths to you. This way, you have people to turn to for advice during tough times, as well as access to valuable, first-hand knowledge that you simply can’t find elsewhere. A support network is invaluable in so many situations – even if it’s just asking someone you trust about their preferred products, or if they can offer a second opinion on something happening in practice – in every role in dentistry, we’re stronger together!

Grow in your career and find new opportunities

Networking and career growth often go hand in hand. For dental professionals, speaking to other professionals who are following similar paths to you will often result in good advice about which training courses and other steps may help your career flourish. For instance, if you’re looking to move into dental implantology and need a mentor, networking effectively can quickly connect you to an appropriate professional – simplifying the process from the word go.

Networking is also invaluable if you’re seeking a new position. Connections you make in the industry will know of any openings that are suitable for your skills, and people will often tell those they trust about any job opportunities before advertising elsewhere.

Find new passions and open doors

In a diverse and exciting profession such as dentistry, the possibilities really are endless. Being presented with this level of choice can be overwhelming, but speaking to people in the field is a sure-fire way to help you hone in on your passions and inspire you to follow a path you love.

No experiences or career paths are exactly the same, and this can really open people’s eyes to what’s achievable. For instance, say that you’re a dentist who wants to focus on cosmetic dentistry. Once you’ve connected with people who are also passionate about this area, you may find that you can follow your interest in exciting ways, like starting social media accounts, becoming a speaker on certain topics or even mentoring others.

Find networking opportunities that suit you

Regardless of your role in the dental team, there are always excellent networking opportunities out there. How you network is up to you, and as well as connecting face-to-face at events and courses, you can also connect with fellow professionals via social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

For the reasons mentioned above and more, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) ensures that members are provided with numerous exceptional networking opportunities throughout the year. The Academy welcomes all members of the dental team who are interested in cosmetic dentistry, and provides a variety of different membership options to suit every individual. Plus, with world-class events, excellent educational resources and unbeatable support, making connections within the BACD is truly invaluable.

Connected we are stronger

Dentistry is as much a community as it is a profession. By networking effectively, every individual can help enhance their reputation, grow in their career and seize new opportunities.

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com

---