Dentistry is not just about teeth – it is about people, emotions and trust, says Riaz Sharif. Here, he shares his top 10 tips for young dentists.
For young dentists stepping into this field, the journey is both exhilarating and can be terrifying at times. You stand at the edge of a profession that demands precision, compassion and resilience. The weight of responsibility is heavy – yet the potential for impact is limitless.
If I was to reach out and have a say to budding dentists or young dentists, it would be to never give up on the plan however hard it may be or appear at the time, or the struggles you will endure.
Dentistry can be an extremely challenging career, but you can thrive by embracing new challenges and opportunities. These opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognise them. I have put together 10 top tips to share with you guys from my own experiences to date.
1. Invest in yourself
One of the first and most essential tools for a young dentist is self-investment. Dental school only teaches us the core basics of dentistry but to be able to endeavour onto more interesting, rewarding and advanced treatments, and confidently accept them, we need self investment.
Dental loupes are a must. They are more than just magnification devices, and they are game changers for enhanced precision, improved ergonomics and improved confidence. While dental loupes improve your vision, investing and upskilling on advanced courses such as year-long postgraduate diplomas or master’s qualifications will allow you to eventually develop into the best version of yourself as a dentist.
The combination of the right tools and continuous learning will help you build confidence, improve patient outcomes and grow as a professional. As a young dentist, every investment in your skills and equipment today will shape your success tomorrow, so stay curious, stay ambitious and always strive to be the best version of yourself.
2. Branding
As a young dentist, your skills and knowledge are essential but how you present yourself to the world is just as important. You are your greatest asset. The way you communicate, treat patients and present yourself shapes how people perceive you. A strongly brand built on trust, expertise and authenticity will open doors for career growth, patient loyalty and long-term success.
Branding isn’t just for businesses; it’s about shaping your professional identity, standing out in a competitive field and attracting the right patients or career opportunities. Whether you’re starting in a private practice, joining a corporate clinic or building your own practice, a strong personal brand can set you apart.
I do believe there is a strong stigma with young dentists having enough confidence to brand themselves as self-employed individuals in whatever cooperation or private practice they work at. I chose to take on the mindset as an associate dentist a few years into working that I am a ‘business working within a business’ and that I am the only person who can steer my career pathway early on – especially moving from NHS to private dentistry.
3. Marketing
Marketing and branding yourselves using social media platforms as self-employed individuals is essential. Breaking that fear and anxiety of showcasing and promoting your before and after work and highlighting patient testimonials on social media is not only important to demonstrate your skillset as a young dentist, but also to boost your reputation and recognition for welcoming new patients.
Having been fortunately selected as a finalist for multiple dental awards in the past, including last year’s Private Dentistry Awards, it has boosted my esteem and confidence as a young dentist. It has also encouraged me to keep steering this journey forward for the benefit of my patients healthcare and encourage my own ability to provide excellent dentistry, plus receiving a shiny plaque to put on the wall for patients to see.
4. Social media
Building an engaging online presence is important. This is because most patients today search online for dentists before booking an appointment. A strong online presence builds trust before they even meet you. A professional social media platform, for example Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook or even Tiktok, can help to showcase your expertise.
I personally use Instagram for my content. I was always hesitant to post images online of my work in fear of being judged by other dentists, but I eventually overcame this and told myself to have confidence in the quality of my work and just do it. That mindset has worked in my favour since.
Sharing before and after cases (with patient consent), posting educational videos about common procedures and fun behind the scenes moments to make your practice feel welcoming speaks for itself. Be sure to engage with your audience by answering questions, respond to comments and show that you care.
You don’t only have to post teeth images – show your following and patients that you are also a normal human being who has hobbies and interests outside of the office. Obviously avoid posting images and videos of those nights when we have all drunk one to many – no one needs to know about that haha! Keep it fun, professional, interesting and engaging.
5. Network and collaborate
Join dental organisations and study clubs to build connections. Attend and speak at conferences to establish authority. Collaborate with other professionals (for example dental hygienists, orthodontists and oral surgeons) to expand your reach.
6. Mentoring
Invest in finding suitable mentors who can guild you to take correct routes and prevent you making big mistakes early on in your career. Young dentists face technical challenges, patient anxieties, and the pressure to build confidence quickly. A good mentor can help bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering support beyond textbooks.
Remember no one succeeds alone; a mentor is someone who has walked the path before you, offering insights that can’t be found in lectures or manuals – only from their own personal experience and journey. I recently completed the year-long postgraduate diploma with Dr Monik Vasant at Fresh Dental. His expertise and mentorship has shaped and revolutionised the way I perform dentistry.
His mentoring provided a huge confidence booster to my patient cases and clinical workflow. Be open to feedback and remember that constructive criticism is a gift. Use it to improve and don’t take it personally.
7. Create a signature style and experience
As mentioned previously, branding goes beyond online presence; it’s about the experience you offer patients – the signature look and feel you provide on their dental journey. Have a consistent style that is luxurious, warm and family friendly that suits your preference of clientele.
If you are based in a private practice, design your clinical atmosphere to match your brand, incorporate soothing colours and relaxing music. Yet if working in multiple locations, develop a consistent approach to patient care that makes you memorable. Be that dentist who is known for painless procedures, gentle care and detailed explanations.
Finally, be you! Be funny and yourself, patients will love it and will develop trust and connection with you.
8. Hobbies and interests
Making time for hobbies and other activities to help you feel better and switch off is important. Balance your life! Dentistry comes with high levels of stress, repetitive tasks and emotional pressure. Without proper outlets, burnout can creep in, leading to exhaustion, frustration, and even career dissatisfaction. Hobbies provide an escape from daily stressors. Growing up for me, fitness and boxing were and still are a key disciplines and focal points in my life.
I personally train in the gym six to seven days a week, which consists of weight lifting, boxing and cardiovascular exercise. This is in combination with spending time in the kitchen cooking healthier meals. Hobbies make you relatable and give you something to talk about beyond dental procedures. Common interests with patients help to build trust and rapport, making them more likely to return.
Being well-rounded helps with effective communication, making you more engaging and approachable. Hobbies provide a sense of accomplishment outside of work, reducing the risk of career dissatisfaction. Remember you are not just a dentist; you have a life to enjoy life beyond the clinic.
9. Develop excellent communication skills
Your success isn’t just about your technical skills. Believe me, you could be the most mediocre dentist around, but as long as your patients leave that room with a smile, a feeling of satisfaction and happiness, and you have completed every procedure to the best of your ability, you should be feeling proud.
Providing yourself with sufficient time to complete a treatment plan, especially earlier on in your career, and enough time for clinical notes while ensuring your team around you understands your time schedules is extremely essential. I also found out early in my career that patients don’t understand complex terminology and dental jargon. Make it understandable for them and don’t over complicate things. Learn to read patient anxiety and reassure them.
And finally, be a good listener – patients appreciate being heard. Patients don’t just remember your dentistry; they remember how you made them feel.
10. Be yourself and stay true to your value
What I’ve personally learnt on my journey to date and one of my biggest life lessons for anyone reading this article is never be afraid to be yourself! Being yourself in this world and leaving your unique mark in dentistry is what the profession needs, it will only make you grow as a successful clinician. Life is meant to be experienced, so put yourself out there. Do things you’ve never done and live a life without regrets.
Your brand should grow and evolve with you, but it must always stay authentic to who you are. Patients and colleagues respect sincerity so stay true to yourself. Stay committed to learning and up skilling.
Maintain ethical, patient-centered care and never be afraid to ask for advice, help and guidance from other clinicians. Continue engaging with your community to build long-term trust.
The truth is, becoming the dentist you always dreamed of being isn’t about luck; it’s about mindset, effort and authenticity. So, go out into the world and celebrate every small win, every happy patient, every well-done filling, and every pain-free root canal.
That dentist you always dreamed of becoming? That person is already within you. It’s not about waiting for the right moment, it’s about making that moment happen today.
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