Resources for dental hygienists
Networking might not be the first thing you think about when planning your career, but it should be. In a field like dental hygiene, where word of mouth often drives new opportunities, the right connection can lead to your next job, mentor, or CE course. You don’t need to be outgoing or attend every event to make it work. Real networking is about building honest, professional relationships with people who share your goals. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, these tips will help you grow your network in ways that feel natural and actually lead somewhere.
1. Start with Your Circle
Start with the people you already know: former classmates, instructors, colleagues, even your current dentist or office manager. These connections might seem casual, but they can open unexpected doors.
For example, a fellow hygienist from school might hear about an opening before it’s posted online. Or your old instructor could recommend you for a temp spot they know is coming up. These personal referrals carry a lot of weight and can make a difference when job hunting.
Make it a habit to check in periodically. Send a quick message to say congrats on a new role, or share a helpful article. These small gestures keep the connection active without feeling forced. And when the time comes that you’re looking for a new opportunity or want advice, reaching out won’t feel out of the blue.
2. Show Up at Events That Matter
Attending industry events might sound like a big commitment, but one local meet-up or CE course might change the trajectory of your career. These gatherings are packed with people who understand your day-to-day challenges and share your concerns, such as oral health, patient care, and professional growth.
You don’t need to present or attend every session to make an impact. Simply being present gives you access to a network of hygienists, dentists, recruiters, and educators who can enrich your professional journey. A brief conversation during a coffee break could lead to valuable career insights, invitations to collaborative study groups, or even the opportunity to connect with a mentor who could guide your career development.
Keep an eye out for prominent events like RDH Under One Roof, local dental society meetings, or workshops hosted by nearby dental schools. Virtual events are also an excellent alternative, offering flexibility while still providing meaningful networking opportunities. The key is to approach each event with a mindset focused on both learning and building genuine connections.
3. Use Social Media Intelligently
Scrolling through Instagram or LinkedIn doesn’t have to be just a way to pass the time; it can be a real way to grow your career through digital networking. Social platforms give you access to thousands of other hygienists, educators, and dental professionals who are sharing advice, job leads, and industry updates every day.
Start by updating your LinkedIn profile with a photo, your current role, and a brief summary of your responsibilities. Then join a few hygiene-focused groups or follow dental pages that post content you’re interested in. Comment on posts, share your thoughts, or even ask questions. This kind of interaction helps you stay visible.
Facebook groups and Instagram pages can be just as valuable. Many hygienists share open roles, CE opportunities, and clinical tips. You never know who’s reading your comment or who might reach out after seeing your post. The important part is to be active in a way that feels natural to you.
4. Find a Mentor (or Be One)
Having someone in your corner who’s been through what you’re going through can make a surprising difference. A mentor can help you navigate tricky situations, build confidence, and open your eyes to advancement opportunities you might not have seen on your own.
If there’s a hygienist you admire, perhaps someone you met at a continuing education course or follow online, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’ve been in the field a while, consider being that person for someone else. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal or long-term. Sometimes it’s just answering a few questions or offering advice over coffee. These relationships tend to benefit both sides. You grow just as much when you’re guiding someone as when you’re being guided.
5. Join Study Clubs and Keep Learning
Study clubs offer more than just exam preparation. They provide a focused environment for skill development, case discussions, and staying current with the latest research and safety standards. These groups give you the opportunity to address challenges you may not feel comfortable discussing in your workplace setting.
Regular participation in study clubs fosters trust and support among members. Over time, these relationships can become valuable sources of advice, encouragement, and professional growth. This commitment to continuous learning also positions you as someone who is proactive about your career development.
If there are no study clubs in your area, consider starting one. A monthly Zoom meeting with colleagues or exploring local CE courses and workshops can create opportunities for both learning and networking in a less formal, more natural way. These interactions often lead to lasting connections and a stronger professional network.
6. Volunteer and Give Back
Volunteering and community engagement help your community and grow your network in a genuine, meaningful way. When you work side by side with other dental professionals at free clinics, school screenings, or outreach events, you form bonds that go beyond surface-level connections.
These settings often bring together hygienists, dentists, assistants, and students from different backgrounds. You get to see how others approach patient care, hear about job openings firsthand, and meet people who care about the same causes you do.
Plus, showing up for your community builds your reputation. People remember those who give their time and effort freely. And while that shouldn’t be your main motivation, it often leads to new opportunities down the line.
7. Stay in Touch
Meeting someone is just the start; what you do afterward matters just as much. A quick follow-up message or thank-you note after a conversation demonstrates that you respect their time and value the relationship. It doesn’t have to be formal; a short “It was great chatting with you at the event. I hope we can stay in touch!” works just fine.
From there, keep the connection alive by checking in occasionally. Comment on their posts, share something you think they’d find helpful, or send a quick update about your work. These small moments of contact keep you on their radar without feeling pushy.
Networking is something you build over time. And the more naturally you stay in touch, the more those connections will be there when you need them.
8. Set Goals for Your Networking Efforts
Just like you set clinical or CE goals, it helps to be intentional about networking. Ask yourself what you're hoping to gain: Are you looking for flexible job opportunities? Considering a career transition? Hoping to find a mentor? Wanting to stay in the loop on new techniques?
Once you know your goal, it’s easier to focus your energy. For example, if you’re looking for high-paying temp jobs, attending local association meetings might make more sense than scrolling through social media. If you want to learn from experienced hygienists, reach out directly to people whose work you respect.
You don’t need to network with everyone. A few strong, reliable connections often go further than dozens of surface-level ones.
Build a Network That Works for You
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to build a strong professional network. You just need to show up, stay curious, and keep the conversation going. Every connection you make, whether through a study group, social post, or volunteer shift, adds another thread to a network that supports your growth.
If you're looking for flexible work opportunities or just getting started, Teero provides employment opportunities across multiple states. Download the Teero app today to get started and to find a career opportunity that suits your needs.