These days, dentistry is an industry of opportunity. Whether your ambitions lie in clinical mastery, entrepreneurship, leadership, or education, the pathways available today are broader than ever before.
Thanks to innovation and technology, our industry is poised to change more in the next several years than it has in the last century. Yet with so many choices and with so much change, it's common for us to feel uncertain about how to pivot or how to design a career that feels both profitable and fulfilling.
What I’ve learned in my 20 years in the industry is that the solution is like the game of chess: It lies in strategic and intentional action. By deliberately aligning my environment, relationships, and professional presence, I accelerated my trajectory toward the career I truly wanted. Here are five steps to help you get there too.
Surround yourself with the right people
Melissa K. Turner, RDH.
Your network influences your professional future more than any course or credential. If you aim to specialize in dental implants, immerse yourself in implant-specific events, reach out to manufacturers, and study the latest research. But remember, career success isn’t solely about what you do, it’s also about who you become.
Research suggests we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Surround yourself with colleagues who reflect the career, balance, and leadership you aspire to. By choosing your circle intentionally, you set the tone for your development.
Use social media with a purpose (even if you aren’t social savvy)
Social media is no longer optional for professionals; it’s a tool for positioning, networking, and opportunity generation. Unfortunately, most use it passively.
Set aside one hour each day to update your professional profiles, engage in substantive conversations related to your dream career, and share relevant insights. It can be done!
I have built my career on social and am an influencer and thought leader -- all while spending only one hour daily on these platforms. The return on investment can be significant as you create connections with thought leaders, invitations to collaborate, and increased visibility among decision-makers.
Not social media savvy? Do the research, observe and learn from those who are savvy, and reach out to professional coaches who can help guide you along the way. With a little bit of confidence and vulnerability, you’ll be on your way to being a social media pro!
Commit to one in-person dental event this year
Even in a digital-first age, in-person networking remains vital. Dentistry is a relationship-driven business, and expanding your circle pays long-term dividends.
Attend at least one new local or national event this year, and set a measurable goal: meet one new person per day. The value lies not just in education, but in relationships that can lead to partnerships, referrals, and unexpected opportunities.
It’s often said, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Every handshake or shared coffee break could open a door to your next big opportunity.
Rethink and elevate your headshot
It’s time! A headshot isn’t just a photo, it is your first impression. It’s your professional handshake in the digital world. A polished image communicates credibility, approachability, and alignment with your goals. While professional photography is ideal, today’s smartphones paired with editing apps can achieve high-quality results.
Most importantly, tailor the photo to your desired career path. Aspiring speaker? Capture yourself with a microphone. Clinical expert? Showcase yourself in scrubs, engaging with a patient. Authenticity matters more than formality, so take multiple shots and allow your personality to shine through.
Don’t stop at a few -- it may take hundreds to find the perfect one. (Tell the photographer to “Keep clicking!”) Experiment with laughter, candid glances, and a mix of toothy and closed-lip smiles. The goal is authenticity, energy, and alignment with the career you’re building.
Once you find the photo you are happy with, consistency comes into play. Update each social profile with that photo, include it on both paper and digital business cards, and in your email signature. This step can go a long way in building a recognizable personal brand -- the first step in building a network.
Take the first step, and don’t stop moving
Career growth requires movement. Sometimes it’s a leap, other times a sidestep or even a step back, but the worst choice is standing still. If hesitation holds you back, adopt Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule: Count down from five and take immediate action. Momentum builds progress.
A thriving career doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through intentional choices. Surround yourself with the right people, use digital tools strategically, expand your network, and project a professional image that reflects where you’re headed to impact your career.
With these steps, you’ll instantly begin transforming not only your job but your entire career trajectory. The opportunities in dentistry are vast. The next move is yours. “Kings to you.”
Melissa K. Turner is the senior executive consultant and chief hygiene officer at Cellerant Consulting Group. She leads the Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Awards. She is a founding board member of the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance and co-founder of the Denobi Awards and the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference. Turner's newest launches include Smile Proud, an advocacy organization built to support current and future LGBTQIA dental professionals, as well as "I, Woman," a podcast for women founders, executives, and entrepreneurs. Turner can be reached at www.MelissaKTurner.com.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
