Attending a Dental Meeting
How to get the most out of trade shows and live events
Fred W. Michmershuizen
Hygienists can benefit in many ways from going to a dental meeting. Regardless of the size of the event, there will be a range of continuing education (CE) courses to choose from, and in the exhibit hall you can learn about the newest products. Perhaps even more important, being part of a live gathering gives you a chance to network, to recharge batteries, to rub elbows with others who have come from out of town, and even to draw fresh inspiration from a speaker or presenter. Getting together with compatriots at the convention center can also be a lot of fun. If you are like many, you will return to work with an extra pep in your step.
Before you pack your suitcase, though, it might be helpful to lay out a game plan on what to do before, during, and after your trip. Read on for some suggestions on getting the most out of your experience.
Deciding Which Meetings to Attend
There are many events to choose from throughout the year, including the major hygiene-specific gatherings, which jump from city to city each year, as well as state and regional general dentistry meetings, most of which offer programming specifically tailored for hygienists.
"I personally believe that a hygienist would benefit from attending an in-person trade show at least once a year," says Kari Carter-Cherelus, RDH, DA, a career coach, speaker, and author who is CEO and Founder of the consulting firm KMC Strategic Solutions. "Attending in-person trade shows allows professionals to network with their peers, benefit from the exhibit hall, where one can see the latest products and technology, and attend in-person CE courses."
A key factor in deciding which meetings to attend, of course, is fulfilling the CE obligation for licensing, which varies for hygienists depending on the state in which they practice. Marianne Dryer, RDH, MEd, a dental hygiene program director, says it is important to consider who is presenting and what courses are being offered that will enrich your professional growth. "Take advantage of any hands-on workshops that allow hygienists to use the equipment," Dryer says.
"Hygienists should choose dental meetings based upon their personal and professional interests," Carter-Cherelus says. "There may be a particular course that they want to take or speaker that they want to listen to. Hygienists should choose courses that interest them, keep them updated on new protocols, and help to aid in their professional development."
Dental meetings offer hygienists the opportunity to expand their horizons and learn about the newest trends. "Think about what topics interest you as well as which ones you may need for your license renewal requirements," Carter-Cherelus says. "Perhaps courses in the latest trends in dentistry, such as airway, salivary diagnostics, laser therapy, Botox, or oral probiotics would provide useful information about great therapies that could be implemented when one returns to the office. Also think about what class format you prefer, as they may have options such as lecture, hands-on, or a combination of the two."
Preparing for Your Trip
Before you go, install the meeting's app on your smartphone and visit the meeting's website to browse the educational offerings. Decide which specific courses you want to attend and build your schedule from there. Keep in mind that some courses might sell out, so register in advance if you can. "Download any and all handouts, and brush up on the topic before attending," Dryer says.
Are there any keynote speakers or special events you are particularly interested in? Add these to your datebook as well. Look at the list of exhibitors to make note of which booths you want to visit. Do you need new loupes? Better scalers? You will want to plan some time to visit the exhibit hall. Also, make dinner or lunch plans with colleagues from out of town who you want to meet or connect with.
"Registering early for the event and booking the hotel is key, as many sell out quickly," Carter-Cherelus says. "Arrive a day prior to the start of the meeting, if possible, to avoid travel headaches."
It is also a good idea to bring comfortable shoes, considering there is often a great deal of walking involved when traveling and attending an event.
Who Pays for Your Travel Expenses?
If you are lucky, your employer might pay for you to attend a meeting. Those who work in public health settings or academia often receive a budget for attending meetings where CE is offered. However, the reality is that most hygienists pay to attend meetings out of their own pockets.
"Unfortunately, many hygienists don't have a benefits package from their office that reimburses them for going to trade shows," Carter-Cherelus says. "At times, some offices will pay for this, but many hygienists pay to attend trade shows themselves."
"I think it is important to have a conversation with one's employer at the onset to discuss the importance of CE and incorporate that into benefits," Dryer says. "After the fact, the conversation is still important, and the hygienist needs to relay reasons attending a given meeting will elevate the office's level of evidence-based practice."
Even if you must pay your own way, don't let that deter you from furthering your education and your career. "Hygienists who invest in themselves tend to be more passionate about their careers and usually attain more diverse opportunities due to the wealth of knowledge and networking they accumulate over time," Carter-Cherelus says.
If you do decide to go to a meeting on your own dime, advance planning is a good idea. The major hygiene meetings are held in a different city each year, so it is possible that one or the other will be within driving distance this year, or maybe next year. And on the positive side, if you are not reimbursed by your employer you can likely claim the travel expenses as a deduction on your income taxes.
At the Event
When you are on site, it is your time to shine. "Make sure that you are on time for your courses because often there are waitlists, and your seat could be given away," Carter-Cherelus says. "Bring a separate bag for all the goodies that you will get at the exhibit hall. Don't just ask for free goodies though, actually interact with and learn from the representatives. Make sure you network. Either make business cards or download an app to share your information easily with others because many exciting opportunities can come out of these events. Try to attend some of the keynote talks with motivational speakers and the different parties and tours that are planned by the event."
Especially at the larger shows, the major consumer brands have large booths and presentations. This gives you a chance to learn about new home care products that are being introduced to the public, so that you can talk about these in an informed manner with your patients. You will also likely get plenty of samples for your swag bag.
Most of all, don't forget to enjoy yourself, and don't be shy about doing a bit of self-promotion. You can take selfies with colleagues to share on social media.
"Once registered, attendees should follow the conference's Facebook page or other social media, if possible, because at times information is posted regarding special events and add-ons that are usually for a limited number of attendees," Carter-Cherelus says.
When you return home from the meeting, send follow-up notes and emails, and organize your receipts for reimbursement or for tax purposes. Review your notes and take the time to read the literature and handouts that you have accumulated.
Other Benefits of Attending a Trade Show
One of the best aspects of attending a trade show is the opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues and reconnect with classmates from hygiene school. There is nothing like being able to commiserate with others from the trenches who do what you do every day and who face many of the same challenges. You can also meet some of your hygiene heroes who will be speaking or conducting events.
If the meeting is held in an interesting location or someplace you have never been, you might also tack on a mini vacation by staying an extra day or two. In addition, attending meetings can boost your morale. If you are like many attendees, you will be reinvigorated when you go back to work, your mind brimming with new ideas.
Keep in mind that it is the serendipitous encounters that can be the most life changing. Many times the most valuable insights come from unexpected sources. You might learn something about treating patients that you would not have thought possible before. You might even run into somebody who has a tip for you on a new job opportunity. As in life, you sometimes just need to "be there."
