We live in a digital world. In our everyday lives, we are all constantly using virtual or online services to shop, to manage our finances, to plan our holidays, send loved ones gifts, monitor our health and so much more. Such an approach to routine tasks affords convenience, time-saving and often cost-saving benefits too. Many of the same advantages are utilised within the dental profession, with the availability of online appointment booking, automated stock control, remote equipment support and more.
Another area in which the digital world supports dental professionals is in training and education. Online courses increase accessibility of personal and professional development for many, enabling individuals to advance their knowledge at the most suitable time for them and from anywhere. Online support forums and social media groups offer similar rewards, removing geographical, language and time barriers to communication and information sharing. However, while online learning and networking have their place in the modern profession, they will never fully replicate the in-person experience.
A different level of engagement
From a personal perspective, face-to-face interaction has been proven more effective for improving mental health.[i] Given the pressures faced in dentistry, it is essential that professionals support their mental wellbeing in the best possible way. Whether you’re looking for advice on a difficult case, needing support to address an issue in practice or stepping out to run your own business, being able to talk to colleagues in real-life can be hugely beneficial.
Professionally, in-person events are just as vital for professional development. In relation to training and education, virtual formats have been found to reduce engagement and accountability, restrict peer-to-peer bonding and create feelings of awkwardness.[ii]
There is also a case to be made that face-to-face meetings allow people to build stronger and more meaningful relationships with colleagues. This was one of the findings from a Forbes Insight Study,[iii] which reported increased leadership, accountability and engagement for in-person business meetings. Furthermore, 87% of survey participants agreed that the tangible business benefits of in-person meetings outweighed the cost savings or convenience of online-based alternatives.
Among the action
When it comes to professional exhibitions, these are almost impossible to replicate via digital means. There is no substitute for physically holding products in your hands, or for watching and getting involved with live demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment. There is also no better way of truly understanding how a material handles or what handpieces can do in certain situations than physically trying them out on-stand or as part of a hands-on workshop. Only then will you get an accurate idea of how well they work in your hands, how much they weigh, or how easily you may be able to integrate them within your existing workflow.
An added advantage of leading trade exhibitions is that you will have access to a number of dental equipment and product manufacturers and suppliers, all in the same place. This makes physical comparison easier and ensures fully informed decision-making for smarter and more efficient investment into your business and your patients. There may even be show-only trial kits and free samples to take away, enabling you and your colleagues to apply them in your specific practice setting further elevating the experience. Networking and engagement with the wider dental community is compounded by hours of enhanced CPD training and education delivered by world-renowned clinicians, specialists, academics and technical experts.
An event with a difference
To really make the most of these benefits and more, it’s important to attend the right event for you.
BDIA Dental Showcase 2026 will deliver an unmatched sensory-rich experience for all members of the dental team. The extensive exhibition will host hundreds of leading dental manufacturers and suppliers, with many launching new innovations, providing live demonstrations and offering opportunities for tactile interaction with products. Differentiating BDIA Dental Showcase from other events in the dental calendar, there will also be exclusive hands-on clinical workshops, alongside the chance to hear directly from game-changing policy makers and influencers, including Government Health Ministers and the Chief Dental Officer.
A truly immersive experience
There are many benefits to enjoy when utilising the diverse digital solutions that exist in today’s world, which include increased convenience, improved accessibility to information, and easier worldwide communication. However, there is no real substitute for in-person interaction, learning and product discover. For a truly immersive, tactile and human-centric experience, you need to be in the room. Some things simply can’t be accessed through a screen.
BDIA Dental Showcase
13th-14th March 2026
ExCeL London
Find out more at www.dentalshowcase.com
David Hussey – Event Director MA Exhibitions
[i] Stieger S, Lewetz D, Willinger D. Face-to-face more important than digital communication for mental health during the pandemic. Sci Rep. 2023 May 17;13(1):8022. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-34957-4. PMID: 37198196; PMCID: PMC10191089.
[ii] Herriott HL, McNulty MA. Virtual learning impacts communication and teamwork. Clin Teach. 2022 Oct;19(5):e13514. doi: 10.1111/tct.13514. Epub 2022 Jul 18. PMID: 35851567; PMCID: PMC9545731.
[iii] Business Meetings: The case for face-to-face. Forbes Insights. 2009. https://www.forbes.com/forbesinsights/Business_Meetings_FaceToFace/index.html [Accessed August 2025]
