A profitable dental practice must evolve over time to compete successfully and meet the changing needs and expectations of its clients. Being up-to-date with prevailing dental-care techniques and standards is crucial as is remaining current with industry technology and equipment.

Dental seminars can provide the continuing education a dental practice needs to stay on the leading edge of the industry. Seminars offer a forum for professional development in numerous arenas from dental care to effective business practices. Dentists, hygienists, and office staff members can all benefit from attending dental seminars.

Building knowledge

Choosing a seminar should be done after assessing the needs of the practice. What particular aspect of the practice needs the most support or development? If learning a new method of care is the top priority, the dentists could target a seminar that will provide the necessary education. If retaining clients or developing a marketing plan is the greatest need, the office manager could attend a seminar that addresses business plans used by profitable dental practices.

Networking

Seminars can do more than keep a dental practice aware of current industry trends. They are also excellent opportunities to network with other dentists and practices. Networking may be the most valuable legacy of attending a seminar.

Dentists may have the chance to meet leading figures in their field and sow the seeds for relationships that will pay dividends years later. Such relationships may extend well beyond specific seminar topics. For example, a seasoned and respected dentist may become a mentor for a young dentist just beginning his career. Over the years, the experienced dentist may be a source of guidance and counsel for the younger dentist.

Dentists or other staff members also have the opportunity to meet colleagues who may have faced similar challenges in building and maintaining a profitable practice. Learning firsthand how others have overcome challenges and built a thriving business can offer both the practical knowledge and inspiration to tackle current problems.

A morale booster

Attending a dental seminar is a great opportunity to escape the day-to-day routine of the office. Traveling out of town – maybe to a vacation spot – and meeting new people can be re-energizing and motivating. The experience can put a new perspective on your current work and your future. Plus, connecting with a larger community of people dedicated to a similar mission and facing similar challenges can give fresh meaning to your own work.

The opportunity to attend a dental seminar could be given to an employee as a reward for good work. In turn, the employee can share with her coworkers new insights and knowledge acquired at the seminar.

A wise investment

Flying off to a dental seminar can be costly. Like any expenditure, it should be considered within the context of the overall business plan and budgeted for ahead of time. The cost of a seminar may limit the number of people who can attend or prohibit anyone from attending at all.

To manage the financial expense, a dental practice may budget for one distant seminar annually or target seminars that are within its local area or within driving distance. Don’t forget to do a little research before signing up for any seminar. Talk to dentists who have attended in previous years. Did they find it worthwhile?