Set yourself up for career success with valuable insights

 

Dr Chris McConnell will be presenting alongside his colleague Dr Paul Abrahams in the Business Theatre at BDIA Dental Showcase this March. In a session “I’m an Associate – How do I Fast Track my Career?”, they will explore how to find the right job, optimise daily efficiencies, maximise income, and achieve all this while maintaining mental wellbeing and planning ahead for a long and successful career. We asked Chris a few questions to gain further insight into what we can expect from the session…

What are the most important factors to consider when planning career development?  

“Planning ahead! With a good action plan, we can follow steps to the desired outcome. This can, of course, be amended as we go through life and changes happen, but with a good roadmap we can be more focused. We can also measure our achievements.” 

 

Where do clinicians typically come unstuck when it comes to advancing their careers? 

“Great question. And one that is really hard to answer. Fundamentally everyone is different and faces different challenges, but a common theme is how we react to failure. On the whole, clinicians are programmed to do dentistry at 100% success with zero failure. We are taught to fear failure, and that we should take all actions to avoid it. In life, sometimes we need to fail to learn. It is important to point out that we do not wish to fail or set out to fail, but when it occurs (and it does) we should embrace it. I think clinicians become unstuck because when they have a failure, often it is easier to recoil and avoid the issue. Whereas actually, the best way forward is to reflect, learn and adapt. That way we grow and develop into better clinicians. 

 

What would be the most important lessons you have learnt about taking your career forward so far? 

“1. Have a clear plan of action for yourself. 2. Don’t worry about others, do YOUR thing, you will be stronger. 3. Continual learning is essential.”

 

What do you hope attendees will take away from your session? 

“All dentists make the same mistakes, but we never talk about them. We will share these common mistakes during the session. We hope to help people understand the key hurdles we all have and how to overcome them easily. By identifying these early, we can take action earlier and fast track our career development.” 

 

Why would you encourage colleagues to attend BDIA Dental Showcase 2025? 

“It is a great place to see what is happening in the world of dentistry, and at the same time get great ideas and tips for your career development.”

 

Chris and Paul will discuss all of this and more in a session at 13:30 on Friday 14 March, moderated by Dr Jenni Rawes. Don't miss out!

Register for FREE here today.