Meeting patient expectations can be a challenge. An ideal dental appointment will involve minimal waiting time, non-invasive treatments, physical comfort in the chair, and an all-round friendly experience with the team.
Though these aspects cannot always be guaranteed, there are many ways a dental practice can be enhanced to create the optimal patient experience. These might include practitioners learning new clinical techniques, incorporating new technologies, and increasing patient engagement. To support this positive change, attending major industry events is an effective way for professionals to better their skills and understanding.
New skills and knowledge
Regardless of job or industry, maintaining an ongoing education puts you ahead of the competition. CPD can be achieved across a multitude of platforms; attending lectures, completing questionnaires in dental magazines and taking part in courses or workshops are just some of the ways that dental professionals can further their knowledge and advance their career.
Practitioners who undertake practical workshops, such as those available at major dental events, can return to work with a better understanding of a certain procedure. Learning in an environment with others is more beneficial than learning alone, with studies noting an increased understanding of knowledge when individuals can compare and discuss with others. Hands-on workshops may also improve confidence for delivering treatments you might previously have referred patients for, as an expert can assist and oversee your work to ensure it is correct as you learn. This can enhance the success of your practice as you are able to treat more patients in-house. In turn, this can increase patient loyalty and satisfaction by saving them time and creating a smoother treatment experience.
The social nature of hands-on workshops is a great way for meeting other practitioners. Bonding over an interactive workshop task is an easy ice-breaker, and the more dental practitioners you meet, the higher the chance of finding someone you can trust to refer unique patient cases to. Similarly, this can be an opportunity for you to get your name or practice out there so that you can take on referrals, expanding your workflow and strengthening the business.
Transform with technology
The rise in cloud-based systems, AI-driven diagnostic tools, advanced smart toothbrushes and other innovations has revolutionised oral care. The impacts can be instant: more efficient professional workflows, safer treatments, greater patient accessibility, and improved outcomes. Incorporating new technology can therefore be appealing to patients, especially once they have experienced a more streamlined appointment or treatment because of it.
However, it can be hard to adapt to a new technology, and even harder to choose which product or service will be most beneficial for your work. Dental events are a brilliant way of being introduced to new technologies first-hand; trade shows exhibit the latest and greatest innovations for dental practitioners to try and learn more about them. In this supervised setting where you can consult with the suppliers and watch product experts give demonstrations, you can gain a better understanding of whether the technology is right for your workflow and your patients.
A team day out
Attending dental events can also be a great way to bring your work colleagues together. By going as a group, it supports a team mindset that ensures you are working towards the same objectives. Moreover, the more staff from one practice that attend, the greater the networking reach, with a higher chance of getting referrals or finding referees.
For learning more about the latest advancements in the industry and bringing your team together, the biggest event in the calendar is BDIA Dental Showcase 2025. This unmissable experience offers two days to explore all the latest innovations. The triumphant return of the VIP programme will give priority access to discounted hands-on Clinical Excellence Workshops for exclusive educational opportunities. VIPs will also receive tailored communications that recommend the sessions most relevant to them, saving time while planning ahead. When it comes to relaxing, VIPs can make use of the networking lounge and attend the exclusive drinks reception at the end of the first day.
By immersing yourself in the exciting atmosphere of the right dental event, you will be able to find ways to improve the practice workflow for a comfortable patient experience. Whether this is streamlining treatments with the latest technology or learning new techniques to offer solutions you previously couldn’t, there are a wealth of career-advancing opportunities waiting.
References available on request.
For more information visit https://dentalshowcase.com/workshops-pre-register