Last week I wrote about Dental Superstars (you can find the blog here). But here is one super power I neglected to mention: Networking. Networking while in dental school is another superpower you can gain.
It is not something you would naturally think of when you think of succeeding in dental school – it does not directly relate to your grades or GPA. But if you learn how to network and be involved, it will serve you well in your profession and in your future.
Specializing or Working – Its all about connections.
Often, when I talk about networking and the power it can have in dental school, students who are intent on specializing or doing a residency of some sort tell me that it is not very important to them. They argue they have a few more years until their networking will create results for them in landing them a good job or practice. And that is absolutely true; networking is KEY to finding a good position and learning how to vet the opportunities you find. But networking and its fruits are not relegated to the work field; they are also key in finding the right residency. Just like getting into dental school is about grades and DATs, residency is also didactically based in its foundation. But, like the blog I wrote on making yourself unforgettable to dental schools (SEE HERE), getting into residencies is also a little about who you know. That is why things like externships and interviews are important. If they know your name when your application comes up, getting in becomes that much easier. A good recommendation (also achieved by networking) also helps.
School is a structured community- It lends itself to getting involved in clubs, organized dentistry and other activities so it’s a good way for even the most introverted person to learn the finesse of networking. Find something you enjoy or are interested in. If you love organized dentistry, connect with your local ASDA chapter and work towards leadership. If you love pedo, find the local Cavity Free at Three Interest group and train MD students to do oral pedo exams. No matter what your interest, there is often a group that is your tribe on campus. Find them and get involved.
The connections you make will last forever- The connections you make in school have four years of implicit longevity and four years is a long time to grow a connection. Those connections tend to be super strong because of how long they have had time to “cook.” So these connections tend to help you the most, even years and decades later. A mentor of mine told me the story of how she met her mentor. She worked for him as an assistant, he encouraged her to go to dental school, she associated for him after and then later bought his practice. Decades later, he is her dear friend but also an incredible advocate and teacher even now. Use time to your advantage and find people to have in your corner now and later.
I wrote an article discussing how to network effectively after dental school HERE, but the same principles apply to networking in dental school. The biggest difference is that it is slightly easier and you have more opportunities. So start networking today. Step out of that bubble, define your dreams and go make some connections to help you get one step closer. The world is your oyster and consider IgniteDDS your guide to finding that pearl!
It is not something you would naturally think of when you think of succeeding in dental school – it does not directly relate to your grades or GPA. But if you learn how to network and be involved, it will serve you well in your profession and in your future.
Specializing or Working – Its all about connections.
Often, when I talk about networking and the power it can have in dental school, students who are intent on specializing or doing a residency of some sort tell me that it is not very important to them. They argue they have a few more years until their networking will create results for them in landing them a good job or practice. And that is absolutely true; networking is KEY to finding a good position and learning how to vet the opportunities you find. But networking and its fruits are not relegated to the work field; they are also key in finding the right residency. Just like getting into dental school is about grades and DATs, residency is also didactically based in its foundation. But, like the blog I wrote on making yourself unforgettable to dental schools (SEE HERE), getting into residencies is also a little about who you know. That is why things like externships and interviews are important. If they know your name when your application comes up, getting in becomes that much easier. A good recommendation (also achieved by networking) also helps.
School is a structured community- It lends itself to getting involved in clubs, organized dentistry and other activities so it’s a good way for even the most introverted person to learn the finesse of networking. Find something you enjoy or are interested in. If you love organized dentistry, connect with your local ASDA chapter and work towards leadership. If you love pedo, find the local Cavity Free at Three Interest group and train MD students to do oral pedo exams. No matter what your interest, there is often a group that is your tribe on campus. Find them and get involved.
The connections you make will last forever- The connections you make in school have four years of implicit longevity and four years is a long time to grow a connection. Those connections tend to be super strong because of how long they have had time to “cook.” So these connections tend to help you the most, even years and decades later. A mentor of mine told me the story of how she met her mentor. She worked for him as an assistant, he encouraged her to go to dental school, she associated for him after and then later bought his practice. Decades later, he is her dear friend but also an incredible advocate and teacher even now. Use time to your advantage and find people to have in your corner now and later.
I wrote an article discussing how to network effectively after dental school HERE, but the same principles apply to networking in dental school. The biggest difference is that it is slightly easier and you have more opportunities. So start networking today. Step out of that bubble, define your dreams and go make some connections to help you get one step closer. The world is your oyster and consider IgniteDDS your guide to finding that pearl!