No matter where you have reached in your career or what your future goals are, actively being part of the wider dental community is beneficial for both your personal and professional life. The opportunity to connect with others, engage in clinical discussions, seek advice and feel supported leads to higher quality patient care and greater job satisfaction. There are several ways to accomplish your goals, from joining professional associations to finding social media groups, attending study clubs and more.
Is every dentist an island?
Dentistry can be an isolated profession. Clinicians spend much time physically alone in the surgery as they update clinical notes or plan treatment. Although the dental nurse is a great help during and around patient appointments, the dentist ultimately holds sole responsibility for each patient’s care – and this can be further isolating.
These feelings of isolation have been shown to have a negative impact on the dentist’s mental health. There is also evidence to suggest that dentists working alone are at a higher risk of burnout. The evidence shows that a lack of social and clinical support – often experienced due to reduced networking opportunities or professional connections – can reduce dentists’ wellbeing whether they work in general dental practice, community or hospital settings.
Thankfully, there are several ways in which the clinician can implement changes and build a network of support and companionship for enhanced mental and physical wellbeing.
What’s good for the soul is also good for business
Aside from delivering the clinical and emotional support that dentists need, establishing a professional network is also good for business. By building strong and authentic working relationships, clinicians are more likely succeed in their careers. Effective networking is essential for uncovering and creating development opportunities, often allowing individuals to meet new people who go on to influence and drive their future aspirations.
The literature also shows that networking is associated with a higher earning potential and greater career satisfaction. Both factors will be important to most dentists, allowing them to enjoy the work-life balance they desire without compromising their love for what they do.
There’s a group for that
How you go about networking and actively being a part of the wider dental community will depend on your personal preferences. A combination of online and offline modalities will often afford the greatest results, enabling you to engage with people in the most effective and convenient way for you.
In the modern age of social media and instant connection, there are countless online groups and pages to utilise at any time and from anywhere. Some are dedicated to case sharing and discussion, with individuals able to seek advice from peers on specific complications they are facing. Others are broader in nature and facilitate conversations around regulatory challenges and compliance, or legal guidance for those concerned about complaints. Some groups instead put the spotlight on training and education, acting as a notice board for upcoming courses and programmes that might be of interest. For clinicians also running their own practices, business-orientated pages may afford support in related areas too.
Whether you are an avid contributor or prefer to connect with people from the group privately, being part of such alliances gives you the chance to interact in a way that suits you. It also makes you privy to information and ideas that can inspire you or ignite your next career move.
Community culture
Belonging to a professional community is another excellent way to connect with like-minded clinicians who share your passions and your ambitions. Many organisations provide first-class education, regulatory guidance and personal support for their members, with each tailored to a specific field of dentistry. For clinicians with an interest in orthodontics, endodontics, periodontology, dental implants or cosmetic dentistry, for example, there is a dedicated society or academy to join.
Connecting with them has never been easier than at BDIA Dental Showcase 2025. Not only does the largest and longest-standing UK dental exhibition host an exclusive array of dental manufacturers, suppliers, training providers, technical specialists and media representatives, but it is also supported by various professional associations. This further strengthens the exhibition floor and ensures an exceptional lecture programme, with speakers including some of the most highly respected clinicians from each field. Plus, there are various opportunities to network with peers, product experts and other professionals across the profession, all under one roof.
Regardless of your previous experience in dentistry, your current situation or your future ambitions, being connected to the wider dental community is crucial for success and happiness. Prioritise expanding and strengthening your professional network in 2025.
References available on request.
For more information visit https://dentalshowcase.com/register-interest