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Business networking shouldn’t be like pulling teeth. The real value of good networking lies in building the collaborative relationships that will drive the growth of your practice. By Shane Conroy
For many dental professionals, business networking can seem a step too far out of their regular comfort zone in terms of getting out to meet new contacts in the profession.
But—whether you do it in-person or online—building strong relationships with your patients, peers, and suppliers is the cornerstone of small business success. It’s how you build a strong referral network, enhance your reputation, streamline your operations, and improve your patient relationships.
In-person networking
Attending in-person industry events like trade shows, conferences, workshops, alumni meet-ups, and Australian Dental Association (ADA) branch events is critical for dentists who want to stay connected to the wider industry.
“These kinds of events are the only time you get to see your peers, learn, and bounce ideas off them,” explains Richard Salter, managing director of Sydney-based dental laboratory, Avant Dental. “If you’re not doing that, you’re not current, and you’re going to get left behind. Networking will introduce you to the right people who can help grow your practice. Whether it’s at trade shows, webinars, or even CPD courses, those relationships often lead to referrals that you wouldn’t get otherwise.”
Reputation and business growth also go hand in hand. Staying engaged in professional communities demonstrates commitment and professionalism, builds trust, and positions you as a leader in your field. And viewing professional relationships as partnerships enhances your reputation as someone invested in quality and collaboration. This, says Salter, can open doors to unexpected opportunities. “You build these relationships, and different opportunities come up. Maybe you’re suddenly invited to be a guest speaker in a webinar,” he explains. “That’s not something you knew was available before, but now you’re getting seen by other dental professionals as a thought leader. That could open further opportunities to collaborate down the track, and even present new directions for your practice.”
Effective networking should also influence how you view your relationships with suppliers. Ian Feigen, technical services director at Avant Dental, says that moving from transactional relationships towards deeper collaborative partnerships can connect dental practices with cutting-edge innovations and specialised expert knowledge.
“For example, having that close relationship with your dental lab connects you to firsthand knowledge about the latest developments in the field, and how they can be applied to streamline your operations,” he explains. “In our case, we attend international trade shows and conferences to assess the latest technologies, and bring that knowledge back to our clients. Networking with your lab isn’t just about crowns or materials—it’s about having a partner who can help you innovate and grow your practice. They should bring ideas to the table, not just deliver a product.”
“A good relationship is about mutual respect and trust,” adds Salter. “Whether it’s with your lab or your patients, effective networking is about showing up, being reliable, and making the other person feel valued.”
Online networking
Launched in 2021, Peer by ADA is making online networking for dentists much more effective than scrolling public-facing social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. The ADA launched the online community to bridge the gap between ADA members across the country, and provide a place where ADA members can go to ask questions, share advice, and make industry connections.
“Peer creates a safe psychological space for dentists to connect without the negativity often found in larger social media groups,” says Danielle Kacmar, general manager, Education and Membership at ADA.
Networking will introduce you to the right people who can help grow your practice. Whether it’s at trade shows, webinars, or even CPD courses, those relationships often lead to referrals that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Richard Salter, managing director, Avant Dental
“Peer meets dentists where they are in order to offer a less intimidating way to build relationships.”
Whether you do it in-person or online, participating in a strong referral network can have a direct impact on your bottom line. The ability to refer patients to trusted specialists will speak volumes about your commitment to achieving the best outcomes for everyone treated by the practice, and potential new patients attracted by such a reputation will directly increase your revenue.
“We see it all the time on Peer,” says Sophie McGregor, online communities co-ordinator at ADA. “A dentist might post that a patient is moving to rural Victoria and needs a dentist in the area, or that they need to refer out to a specialist in endodontics in Brisbane.”
But being part of a professional network is about more than referrals, McGregor says. Peer members often leverage each other’s expertise to enhance their own approach.
“Case discussions are popular on Peer. Practitioners can post de-identified cases and ask for advice from others in the network. This creates a brainstorming forum that’s invaluable for building connections.”
Passing it on
Mentoring is also valuable for career development, and networking often provides an entry point into mentor relationships that can be difficult to find in a busy, competitive industry.
“We’ve found that Peer supports organic mentorship,” says Kacmar. “For example, dentists can ask, ‘Who has been through this before? Who knows how to set up a practice?’ Then those mentoring conversations happen naturally.”
At the same time, Peer facilitates day-to-day operational efficiency by offering a fast, reliable network for practical advice, such as sourcing materials or handling staffing concerns. “Peer enables dentists to get immediate answers to operational questions,” says McGregor. “Topics can be tagged for specific needs—like materials, infection control, or HR—which makes it easy for members to access highly targeted advice from other dental professionals.”
The principles of building strong professional relationships apply equally to patient interactions. Trust, reliability, and clear communication foster long-term patient loyalty. Access to shared knowledge and experiences helps dentists refine their patient care strategies, enhance professionalism, and build trust with patients.
“We find that dentists who engage in networking platforms like Peer also develop a stronger sense of how to approach patient care,” says Kacmar. “By learning from others’ experiences, they gain confidence in handling complex cases, which translates into better patient relationships.”
