Building a Healthy Professional Network: Successful Networking as a Future Dental Assistant

Networking is also for dental assistants looking to further their careers in this new opportunity and success in dentistry. Some people think that networking is one of those things that only senior professionals have to bother about. 

However, the connection with people in the concerned field is never too early, whether just commencing school or about to enter the workforce. A built network will afford the student support, knowledge, and opportunities for success.

The following blog outlines a few networking tips that are essential and pragmatic in helping a beginning dental assistant build the relationships one would need to succeed.

Read More: 5 Must-Read Blogs For Dental Assistants

Start with Your Peers and Teachers

Your professional network can start with the contacts made through the various sets of classmates and instructors, as they are persons with whom you will tend to associate much of your time in school and continue for their input later when you start employed in business and industry.

• Classmates: These are your colleagues who once shared the same life as a dental assistant. They see and encounter almost everything like you; usually, they stay employed in similar dental offices or specialties. 

There is no need for them to stop communicating with you by the time graduation hits both of you; they can offer insight into the job market, jobs, and sometimes words of encouragement when it needs to be heard.

• Tutors: Qualified professionals with experience or knowledge in the dental field who can advise or refer you to a person in the dental industry. This is your chance to keep good relations with them to give you references once you start looking for employment.
  

Industrial Events and Conferences

While in college, you attend conferences, workshops, and scheduled events on dental matters. These provide an avenue to meet the professionals in the dentistry field, among them dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Sometimes, these could even let you learn of recent developments that pertain to the area of dentistry. If anything has changed, you can apply it to your practice – although you are not seeking employment.

Make sure to introduce yourself to as many people as possible. A simple introduction like, “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m training to be a dental assistant at Northwest Career College” can leave a great impression.

Ask about their experiences and listen carefully—most people enjoy sharing advice with those just starting in the field!

Additionally, you can bring business cards or have your contact information in digital form. You can easily make one if you do not have one using your name, phone number, and email. LinkedIn will be another very effective tool to follow up on contacts.

Volunteers or Part-time Workers in Dental Clinics

Other great opportunities for networking and experience involve volunteering and working part-time in dental offices. Even if it is only a few hours a week, the possibility of meeting professionals who can advise on further steps or help with a full-time position later is well worth it.

Some allow shadowing dental assistants for students in every dental office, thus allowing for learning directly from skilled personnel. Make full utilize of this by asking enough questions and showing your appetite for learning. 

Success in the dental office includes introducing oneself to the rest of the staff and showing interest in a particular job. Dentists, hygienists, and assistants are resourceful, providing tips about the job and referring to future dental possibilities.

Dental Associations or Local Groups

Most major cities and states also have dental associations-groups of dentists who share their know-how and support each other. You may participate in networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars via these associations and other valuable resources. 

Also, most dental associations include reasonably priced student memberships. The best way to learn would be to attend the various study group sessions, which help students interact.

Associations such as the ADAA or even a local dental society are great places to learn about current trends in the profession, network with new people, and even sometimes find a job. Most associations have scholarships, workshops, or networking events that might be advantageous to any one person.

Utilize Social Media

Social media has become one of the most valuable networking resources today. Use the following websites to network with other dental assistants and professionals: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Many dental professionals share helpful articles, job openings, and advice via the sites above. 

LinkedIn is the premier site for remaining connected with your professional network. You will want to create a profile that lists your education, skill set, and experience. You can connect to your instructors, classmates, and others you meet at conferences or other networking events. Keep it current, as employers will look at you for new hires within LinkedIn.

Keep in Contact

Even from your internship or conference onwards, keep inquiring or contacting those you come to interact with out of chance. You may also send not more than a few hundred messages per chat but repeatedly include updates on more particular aspects of research studies, such as those concerning professional development; this keeps them aware of you while helping keep it so in both directions. 

Networking isn’t about what others can do for you; it’s also about what you can do for them. If an opportunity or resource comes along that may be helpful to someone else, pass it on. You’ll reach much more robust, more authentic connections by supporting others.

Conclusion

The key to a successful career as a dental assistant involves developing and fostering relationships within a professional network. By networking with colleagues, instructors, and professionals in the field, as well as online networking, you will become aware of opportunities you might not otherwise have known existed. 
You gain because you may learn from others who have experienced the profession successfully. Successful networking involves initiative, staying in touch, and offering to help others. Suppose you are determined to take that first step to become a competent assistant. In that case, Northwest Career College is your opportunity and the perfect avenue to enroll fully equipped with the skills in dentistry and help you progress from today!