As dentists we can find ourselves regularly working alone or within our own small teams – the wonderful people we rely on and trust to support our patients alongside us. But that world can become quite small quite quickly - so there’s a good case for us expanding our horizons into meeting up with our peers, making new contacts, learning, sharing and enjoying a wider, richer community.
Within dentistry there is a multitude of groups and societies, webinars and forums, conferences and exhibitions, workshops and courses to choose from. So, for me, the secret is to commit my time wisely and keep checking in with what I need outside of my day-to-day practice.
Looking ahead, I know I want to continue to learn, that’s a given. I enjoy talking to other dentists and periodontists, other specialists and practice members. Helping young dentists is also important – I find that kind of learning is usually two-way, no matter how much I think I know!
Once I can see what I need, I can look at what’s available before signing up to things randomly. Balance is so important. Having a young family and busy GP wife I want to be at home so time is always at a premium. I don’t always get the balance right, like so many dentists, but if my ‘community’ activities are worthwhile then at least I am achieving something.
Obviously for me being part of the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry is a key part of my professional network. Helping to launch the Early Career Group and having continued input as President of the Society satisfies part of my wish to help younger, aspiring dentists. And attending the various meetings and exhibitions, both in the UK and across the world, means I can keep in touch with familiar faces as well as meeting new people who share my passion for dentistry, perio in particular.
I find that conferences are one of the best ways to combine most of my requirements from my professional tribe. You have plenty of material to absorb and engage with, people to meet and it’s a positive environment with genuine recognition for achievements. My own experience focuses very much around the BSP obviously and my theme for this year’s conference is the team and how important it is to work together. This mindset extends beyond your immediate team and, of course, includes your wider community.
Subscriptions are worth scrutinising. What do you get for your annual fee? Identify the benefits and make sure you anticipate genuine value before you commit. I think you have to be prepared to get involved, attend events, speak up and make introductions. Contributing can add a new dimension to an activity, even if it makes you a little anxious the first time you attend somewhere new. I’d say that most people feel a little intimidated at first but I forget about the super confident people around me and direct my input to any friendly faces instead!
It is so valuable to share with like-minded people. Whether it’s a serious business issue or a comparison of preferred equipment or clinical practice, being in your own community is energising. It also provides great perspective, especially if you are looking for advice and people with knowledge you can lean on. Having a scaffold of people around you can be very steadying.
Being generous with knowledge is something you can take to any meeting. If you can help by sharing an experience or throwing light where it’s needed you’ll make friends for life. No one forgets the people who have gone out of their way to be helpful and supportive.
I have a few top tips for creating your community, I hope they help:
1. Take a moment to work out what you need for your career outside of the day job
2. What is available that meets some or all of your needs?
3. Try things, attend, contribute, make the effort (even when you don’t feel like it)
4. Stick with things for a little while, the results might not be immediate
5. Review at least annually – what works for you and what doesn’t?
Your community is likely to be made up of several parts – memberships, events, colleagues – but all together I’ve found it to be a joy to be part of something that’s much bigger that I am. I’ll cultivate these professional activities for life, staying connected and checking in on my peers to make sure we are all doing alright.