How Networking Helps You Land Your Ideal Practice

By Brandy Pecora, Client Liaison & Resource Partner Specialist

As you take on dental school, residency, or an associateship, it’s natural to start thinking about your long-term career path. For many, purchasing a private practice is the ultimate goal, but understanding how to get there isn’t always clear.

Many of the best practice opportunities never make it to job boards, which is why networking is a powerful tool – the right connection could lead to your ideal practice. By building relationships and establishing your presence early, you can position yourself to be top of mind when owners are ready to sell or add a partner. Not only that, but networking allows for mentorship and growth, which can be impactful for your career overall.

Start with these networking strategies to boost your chances of landing your ideal practice.

Where Can You Find Local Connections in the Dental Industry?

Developing in-person connections can give you a significant advantage to hear about opportunities earlier – and sometimes exclusively. 

Below are a few places to find dental professionals in your area:

• State or Local Dental Associations: These associations are run by dentists, for dentists, making them a valuable place to build genuine connections. They’re member-based, non-profit organizations that typically follow the guidelines and mission of the American Dental Association (ADA). These groups will host meetings, continuing education events, and social gatherings where you can learn from professionals in your specialty. Consistent involvement can help you become a familiar face, making it more likely a dentist will consider you when thinking about a transition. To find a dental association in your area, click here.
• Study Clubs: These clubs are small groups of dental professionals who meet regularly to discuss case studies, share knowledge, and stay up to date on current advancements in the industry. Unlike larger events, study clubs can provide a more casual and intimate environment to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build genuine relationships. If you’re not sure where to find a club, organizations like Spear Education offer tools to help you locate a study club in your area.
• Chamber of Commerce & Community Events: Although not specific to dentistry, local chambers of commerce are a valuable way to integrate into the community of small business owners. Attending chamber events allows you to make connections with other businesses and learn more about the community you may want to serve as a future practice owner. Connections in this space can lead to unexpected introductions, referrals, and opportunities, allowing you to expand your reach beyond only dental circles.

How Can You Leverage Your Dental School Relationships for Networking?

As a dental student, your classmates, professors, and faculty members are some of the most valuable resources available to you.

The relationships you build with your classmates during dental school matter. You share common backgrounds, experiences, and goals, which often create lasting connections. Keeping in touch after graduation can provide a supportive, professional community, offering collaboration and opportunities to learn from one another as your careers evolve.

Additionally, many professors and instructors have years, if not decades, of clinical experience in the industry. Many have also owned, bought, or sold practices themselves, giving them firsthand insight into the process. Taking the time to build relationships with them can open doors to mentorship, career guidance, and introductions to other professionals in their network.

Don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions about your professors’ practice ownership experience and what it takes to be a successful owner. Showing this initiative and interest can help you stand out, making professors more likely to think of you first when opportunities arise in their networks.

In many cases, they also have connections with former students or colleagues who are looking to sell their practice but haven’t publicly listed it. By engaging with your professors, you can turn everyday interactions into meaningful opportunities for your future.

Where Else Can You Build Valuable Connections?

Spear Education offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities designed to help you grow in both clinical and practice management areas. These courses will not only help build your confidence and specialized skillset, but you can also expand your network of professionals and connect with dentists of similar growth mindsets.

Additionally, your network doesn’t have to be limited to other dentists. Be sure to explore other resources connected to the industry, such as dental-specific transition advisors, lenders, financial advisors, attorneys, and supplies and equipment companies. These people directly work with practices and may have insight into opportunities related to associateships or practice sales.

If you don’t have existing relationships with these resources, reaching out directly to a transition advisor, like NDP, can help you get started. Not only can we make introductions, but you can also be added to our candidate buyer pool, which positions you for future opportunities when they become available. We can also advocate for you, showing your readiness to sellers when the timing aligns.