Transforming Dental Communities: The Future of Dentistry Unveiled!
Every aspiring dentist enters dental school with dreams of making a difference, but let’s face it—once they graduate, many are just scratching the surface of their potential. This is where the magic of continuing education comes into play, and organizations like Spear Education and CDOCS are leading the charge. Spear Education, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Frank Spear, has completely transformed the continuing education landscape, offering experiences that are nothing short of eye-opening. On the other hand, CDOCS, founded by Dr. Sameer Puri, stands as the ultimate resource for honing CEREC skills, making it a must for any serious practitioner.
These organizations are not just about education; they’re about creating a vibrant community in the dental world. Through dynamic online forums and lively message boards, members can connect, share insights, and seek advice from fellow dentists—all supported by skilled moderators. This shared knowledge fosters an environment of collaboration and growth. However, it’s important to note that this vibrant community comes with a price—literally. Membership fees can be a hurdle for some, but they also ensure a more engaged and serious group of participants.
Welcome to the New Age of Dental Communication
Fast forward to today, and the dental field has evolved tremendously. Our dynamic population of roughly 200,000 clinicians has transformed how we communicate and seek information. Thanks to social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, our professional lives are intertwined with our social interactions. Facebook groups have become a staple in dentistry, with an astonishing 1.8 billion users participating in these communities.
Many dental Facebook groups now boast memberships in the range of 50,000 to 60,000. These platforms offer easy access and low entry barriers, making it simple for members to engage. Typically private, these groups allow for some control over who joins, while it’s up to the moderators to ensure the community remains constructive and respectful.
Is It a Community or Just a Crowd?
The question remains: when you have 60,000 members in a Facebook group, are you cultivating a true community or merely a crowd? To delve deeper, I connected with industry frontrunners Dr. Sameer Puri, Dr. Tarun Agarwal, and rising star Dr. Dhaval Patel—whom I first encountered through his Facebook group, now known as Keep CADCAMing. Dr. Puri stands out for his exceptional ability to foster community within our profession.
Dr. Patel founded Keep CADCAMing to create a space for discussing CEREC cases and seeking feedback, all without the burden of membership fees. He chose Facebook for its accessibility, enabling almost instantaneous interaction. When discussing community in dentistry, Dr. Patel stressed that true community revolves around shared philosophies. If a group tries to cater to everyone, it often loses the tight-knit feel that defines a true community.
If every dentist joins the same Facebook group, does that really constitute a community? I argue that it doesn’t. While these groups excel at offering information and immediate feedback, they can lack the intimacy that fosters genuine connection. Personally, I’m a member of five Facebook groups—each with a specific focus, such as Keep CADCAMing, Real World Dentistry, and Simplify Dentistry. Each of these groups has its unique community philosophy, enhancing the sense of belonging among members.
Creating Connections in Dentistry
Dr. Richard Offutt, Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan, and I have had deep discussions about what community truly means in our field. We’re all on the same page: finding a sense of community is crucial for professional growth and support. It’s what unites us. That’s why we created Simplify Dentistry—an initiative aimed at helping dentists navigate the complexities of restorative care, Invisalign, and implant dentistry, all while fostering a collaborative environment. Our vision is to connect like-minded clinicians to build an engaged dental community, and time will tell if this approach resonates.
Insights from the Experts
In my quest for insights, I had enlightening conversations with industry leaders. What struck me was the diverse perspectives they brought to the table. Dr. Sameer Puri is not only an exceptional educator but also a master at community-building. He recently took on the role of chief clinical officer at Imagen Dental Partners, emphasizing that their mission is about partnership rather than traditional DSO models. Dr. Puri aims to cultivate a thriving community of engaged professionals who are committed to growth and success.
Dr. Tarun Agarwal, a long-time friend and collaborator, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that while traditional dental societies have dwindled in popularity, true community is essential. Interestingly, he revealed that he hasn’t engaged on social media in over three years. He believes that while social media can garner large audiences, real community thrives in smaller, focused groups where deeper connections can flourish.
The Crucial Role of Community in Dentistry
The consensus is clear: we need a strong community in dentistry to enhance our growth as practitioners. Community fosters shared experiences, yet we still grapple with defining the best way to achieve it.
We’ve explored different avenues for building community. Dr. Patel and others are leveraging social media’s reach, while Dr. Agarwal advocates for more intimate groups focused on meaningful engagement. Meanwhile, Dr. Puri believes in utilizing social media as a tool for creating a substantial community. My colleagues and I advocate for a balanced approach—integrating podcasts, Facebook groups, and dedicated websites to foster connections. However, we recognize the importance of controlling our platforms to ensure a positive experience and resource availability.
It’s Time to Take Action
Community won’t just blossom on its own; we must actively seek common ground and invite like-minded practitioners to join us. Growth can happen organically, but it often requires intentional efforts to truly flourish.
What’s the best path forward? It’s hard to say. What I value about our profession is its diversity, which allows for various approaches to succeed and positively impact our field.
Editor’s note: This discussion first appeared in the January 2025 edition of a leading dental publication. Dentists in North America are invited to enjoy a complimentary subscription.
