In dental school and residency programs, you are exposed to faculty members who serve as advisors. Once you graduate, you can find senior colleagues who will continue to serve in that capacity. In order to be successful in your career, you ultimately must build up a network of advisors who can help guide you through the challenges of professional life. But advisory relationships are two-way streets. Not only must these experts share knowledge with you, they must also listen to your specific needs as well.

In order for advisors to properly assist you, they need to understand the profession, your career goals and your personal lifestyle. Consequently, the best advisors have gained expertise not only in their respective fields, but also in the application of their field to the dental profession. For example, new dentists often graduate with debt that would disqualify them from receiving a loan from a bank. However, a loan underwriter with expertise in the dental profession can appreciate and advocate for a new dentist’s potential, and, as a result, the bank might be willing to approve a loan based on potential performance rather than on demonstrated performance. Finding a bank with an underwriter who understands the progression of a typical dental career can mean the difference between being approved or not for a practice startup loan.

In addition to finding advisors with dental expertise, you also need to find advisors who are willing to invest time to learn about your long-term goals. Just as you surround yourself with supportive people in your personal life, developing an organization of trusted advisors will help guide and enhance both the professional and business aspects of your career. It’s never too early to begin to establish these advisory relationships. You will continue to cultivate your advisory group as you progress through your career and as your personal and professional needs develop and change. 

Some of the members of this group include attorneys, accountants, bankers, financial consultants, human resources management, insurance specialists, practice management consultants and risk management specialists. Here’s how you find capable advisors who possess the expertise you will need:

• Ask your trusted dental advisors. In order to find people attuned to the particularities of the dental profession, you need to ask people in the dental profession about the types of advisors they have required throughout their careers, whether or not they were happy with the service rendered and why. Discuss what you’re seeking in an advisor, and see if it sounds like their recommendation would be a good fit. If it’s appropriate, you can also ask for an introduction. 

• Interview your prospective advisor. An advisory relationship is a relationship. The best working relationships are founded on mutual respect and trust, but it’s hard to respect or trust someone you don’t know. Spend some time getting to know each other. Try to determine if you share common interests and values. At a minimum, find out whether your advisor is properly credentialed, and make sure that your philosophies are attuned and your goals are understood.

• Accept your share of responsibility. Though we recommend allowing yourself to be guided by a trusted advisor, we are not suggesting that you sit idly by. You are the one who truly understands your needs and desires, and you are also the one who will suffer the ramifications of any mistakes. So listen to what your advisor has to say, but educate yourself enough to understand whether the decisions being made are truly being made on your behalf and are aligned with your values and goals. Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor to use simple terms, and ask questions until you understand the answers.

• Reevaluate from time to time. As your career progresses, your values and goals may change. Set up meetings with your advisors at routine intervals to make sure that they are aware of any adjustments that need to be made. If your advisors do not fulfill your current needs, you may need to replace them with advisors who do.

Once you have formed your advisory group, you will be well positioned for success. Remember, you’re only as good as the people around you.