Networking: the key to your success
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 13th December 2022
Within the dental profession, the benefits of networking cannot be understated. Whether you’re just starting your career, or have years of experience in the field, networking offers many invaluable advantages to your business, your career and your patients.
Establishing a successful career in dentistry requires hard work, dedication and resilience. There will be many trials and tribulations when achieving this, but you don’t have to travel down this road alone. Recognising the importance of networking, and tapping into the expertise of your fellow peers, will help you gain and share priceless knowledge that no amount of money can buy.
Your business and your career
If you’re a practice owner, networking may help you to boost your business. Networking gives you the opportunity to hear about industry updates, such as new materials and/or modalities. You can also receive insights into the efficacy of these advancements, gaining a clear understanding of whether to invest in a certain product, system or solution.
For example, if you’re interested in delving into dental implants, or if you’ve been placing them for some time, networking with fellow professionals who perform this treatment can give you tips and tricks on how to improve the experience. This could include a certain method or piece of equipment that helps to streamline the procedure, for instance. Someone who you’ve established a healthy professional relationship with may be happy to send you photographs or videos of this new technique or tool in action, so you can gain a clearer image of whether it’ll be worth your investment.
In the long run, your practice will benefit from new additions designed to improve workflows, as well as save time and money. Having honest reviews from your networking peers will help you make better, more informed choices, and avoid wasting money on products that don’t suit your practice, team or patients.
Your wellbeing
Occupational stress and burnout are common topics in the field of dentistry. Isolation is another factor that is often noted;[i] working for long hours in the surgery, away from family, friends and often other team members, can result in prolonged feelings of loneliness. Meeting the demands of patients as well as regulations is undoubtedly draining as well, leaving you with little energy to pursue personal enjoyments. Loneliness can have an extreme influence on our mental health, too, increasing the risks of depression, anxiety and further stress.[ii]
It is no secret that the role can be incredibly trying at times, which is why having access to a support system is vital for your wellbeing.
Being part of a dental community, where you can not only receive professional guidance but also personal advice, can help curb feelings of detachment and make you feel part of the profession. Many dental networking communities welcome professionals from different walks of life and levels of experience, so you can make valuable connections with a range of professionals, all with something unique to offer. If you’ve struggled with feeling isolated in your role, being surrounded by those who live and breathe dentistry can help you to feel passionate and motivated for your craft once more.
Get out there
So, how can you get yourself out there and start making connections?
Platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn are great places to find others within the profession and begin networking. On sites like these, you can display information about yourself and your career, achievements and specialities, helping you to interact with peers who have similar interests and philosophies.
You’ll also be able to discover professional events, courses and lectures, which further opens you up to a wealth of opportunities. Most importantly, these events will require you to attend in-person. Approaching others and introducing yourself can be a nerve-wracking thought, but the more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more your confidence will flourish.
In order to experience everything that networking has to offer, why not consider joining an established association? Doing so will help streamline your search for networking opportunities, meet a range of likeminded peers and become an integral member of a respected organisation.
Be part of something special
The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) is the place to be if you’re interested in networking with others in the field. The ADI offers a plethora of benefits to their members, such as access to the ADI Members’ Only Facebook Group and discounted rates for ADI events, such as biennial ADI Team Congress, masterclasses and focus meetings. Plus, you’ll be able to attend free ADI study clubs and the biennial ADI Members’ National Forum. So, why not consider becoming a part of the ADI’s bustling community of over 2,400 members?
Dentistry is a rewarding career but, like any vocation, there are pitfalls. By getting yourself out there and connecting with likeminded individuals, you can elevate and enhance your career, your business and your wellbeing. It takes only one day to start your networking journey for a successful and enriching career.
For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit the website
Amit Patel – President of The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) is registered with the General Dental Council as a specialist in periodontics.
His special interests are dental implants, regenerative and aesthetic periodontics.
Amit graduated from the University of Liverpool and completed a four year specialist training programme in Periodontics at Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ Dental Institute.
[i] Gallagher, J.E., Colonio-Salazar, F.B. and White, S. (2021). Supporting dentists’ health and wellbeing – workforce assets under stress: a qualitative study in England. British Dental Journal, [online] pp.1–12. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-021-3130-9[Accessed 20 Apr. 2022].
[ii] www.mind.org.uk. (n.d.). About loneliness. [online] Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/#:~:text=Feeling%20lonely%20can%20also%20have [Accessed 20 Apr. 2022].
