Why Dr Harry Marget believes community is key to professional success.

When Grow Community launched, seasoned dentist and practice owner Dr Harry Marget was one of the first to reach out, recognising the unique benefits a professional community could offer those in the dental industry. With more than 50 years’ experience in private dental practice, Dr Marget is passionate about sharing what he’s learned – particularly in areas such as practice management, mentorship and career development.

He offered to share his thoughts on how community has shaped his journey and why he believes it should play a central role in every dental professional’s career.

1. You don’t know what you don’t know

One of the biggest challenges in any profession is that you don’t know what you don’t know. A university degree will teach you the technical aspects of dentistry, but they often fall short in preparing you for real-world practice. Dr Marget highlights that community gives you access to shared experience – learning from others’ experiences so you can avoid common pitfalls, like extending beyond the scope of your practice.

2. Understanding your limits

Many young dentists make the mistake of overextending themselves, thinking that they can handle complex procedures like surgical extractions without fully understanding the parameters of what they know or are technically capable of. It’s better to understand the limits of your knowledge and skills within the safety of a supportive community than overstepping professional boundaries at the risk of getting into hot water professionally, legally and financially.

3. Progressing your career

Once you have a solid foundation and gained some solid experience, how do you go about progressing your career? How do you go from being a run-of-the-mill dentist to something more? Whether you want to specialise in a particular area, sharpen your skills, or seek advice, having access to a community can help you focus your attention and skill set in the right direction. “It’s one of the best places to figure out what’s next,” says Dr Marget.

4. Mentorship opportunities

Finding the right mentor is crucial for your professional development. Whether you are interested in clinical excellence, business management, or a more philosophical approach to dentistry, a community can connect you with mentors who align with your career goals and can provide the support, guidance and inspiration you need.

According to Dr Marget, “The first step is knowing what you want to be mentored in – and then finding someone who can guide you.” Communities are ideal environments for this, connecting professionals with aligned interests and values across different stages of their careers.

5. Sharpening your skills

Continuous learning and professional development are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry like dentistry. Professional communities offer access to a network of people with diverse skill sets and expertise, as well as educational resources and events to help you sharpen your skills and learn new techniques.

6. Running a business

How to run a business is a big one! “Most dentists I’ve worked with over the past 53 years have no idea how to run a business – and it’s not their fault,” says Dr Marget.

On top of learning from industry peers and mentors, being part of a community gives you access to a network of professional services including legal, financial, insurance and marketing experts with experience in the dental industry to help you establish and grow your practice.

7. Marketing your practice

Dr Marget recalls the early days when “marketing was considered taboo” and the best you could do was hang a shingle outside your practice and hope for the best. Even today, marketing is overlooked in dental schools and many dentists think that advertising is a dirty word. But building an effective marketing strategy is an essential part of running a dental practice. Professional communities offer exposure to trusted experts who can help dentists with effective strategies to attract and retain patients.

8. Navigating industry regulations

As is the case in most industries, rules and regulations change and it’s important to stay on top of those changes. Understanding industry regulations and your limits within them is crucial to ensuring that you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. Accessing community support is especially valuable for young dentists who may not be familiar with the rules and regulations that impact them.

9. Building a strong network

Being part of a professional community helps you build a strong network of peers and mentors to provide support, advice and opportunities throughout your career. “Some of the best learning I’ve done came from regular peer discussions,” Dr Marget reflects, “One of the best ways to learn new skills, build your knowledge and enhance your expertise is to be part of a peer support group that meets regularly to discuss a particular topic.”

10. It’s good for your mental health

Dentistry can be a stressful profession so looking after your mental health is very important. Having access to trained counsellors, support services and resources, as well as a network of peers with similar experiences and challenges is vitally important – and a professional community is a great place to find the help you need.

Thinking of joining a community?

Dr Marget’s advice: “Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or burnt out. Be proactive. A good community gives you more than professional growth – it gives you connection, direction, and support.”

Join the Grow Community for dental professionals today and unlock member benefits including access to premium offers and discounts, workshops and resources. Click here to find out more and to register*.

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