LinkedIn isn’t just a digital résumé, it’s your professional storefront. It’s the place where people discover who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring to your field.
In dentistry, credibility and trust are everything, and LinkedIn is a stage where you can consistently demonstrate both.
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH.
When I first joined LinkedIn 15 years ago, I couldn’t have predicted the impact it would have on my career. At the time, Facebook was where people shared their personal lives. LinkedIn felt different -- it was built for professional growth and networking. Fast-forward to today, and LinkedIn has been instrumental in opening doors to speaking engagements, writing opportunities, industry collaborations, and partnerships I never could have accessed otherwise.
Even if you’re completely content in your current role, the truth is that careers shift. Employers change. Your interests evolve. By starting now (before you need it), you’re building a safety net of opportunities for your future self.
Getting started with your profile
For many professionals, the hardest part of LinkedIn is simply knowing where to begin. The good news is that you don’t have to build a perfect profile overnight.
Start with the basics, including uploading a professional headshot. Your photo is often the first impression you make, so choose one that reflects how you’d want to walk into a job interview or a conference.
Next, focus on your headline. This space should be more than a job title. Instead of stopping at “RDH” or “Dentist,” describe the value you bring. For example, you might say “Dental Hygienist | Patient Advocate | Preventive Care Specialist.” This addition makes you more searchable and shows others how you see your role.
Your About section is your chance to tell your story in your own words. Think of it as your professional elevator pitch. Share what drives you, what you’ve accomplished, and where you want to grow. This section doesn’t have to be stiff or overly formal. It should sound like you. Write it as if you were introducing yourself to someone at a networking event.
From there, upload your résumé or curriculum vitae. LinkedIn can automatically organize your work history, education, and skills into sections, saving you time and giving you a foundation to edit. Be sure to add certifications, awards, and continuing education that highlight your expertise.
Growing your network
Once your profile has a foundation, it’s time to connect. Your network is your net worth, and LinkedIn allows you to grow it strategically. Start with the people you already know, including classmates, colleagues, mentors, and instructors. Then branch out to speakers you admire or dental professionals you’d like to learn from.
The quality of your network matters more than the quantity. I’m selective about the invitations I accept, because when I say yes, that person gains access to my entire network of connections. You should take the same approach.
Focus on people who align with your professional values and with whom you feel comfortable being associated in the industry. Every connection is a bridge to new opportunities. One introduction may lead to a job opening, a speaking engagement, or a chance to collaborate on research or writing.
Engaging without overwhelm
The biggest misconception about LinkedIn is that you have to post constantly to see results. In reality, engagement is about consistency, not volume.
Even small actions matter. Liking a colleague’s post, leaving a thoughtful comment, or sharing a quick insight from a CE course shows that you’re engaged and invested in the profession. These actions increase your visibility in the algorithm and position you as someone who contributes to the community. If you’re new to LinkedIn, try these small steps.
Spend Week 1 uploading your photo and writing your headline. During Week 2, connect with a handful of professionals. Week 3 comment on three posts that resonate with you. During Week 4, share a short post of your own, even something simple like a lesson you learned in CE.
The goal is not perfection but presence. By giving yourself a manageable rhythm, LinkedIn becomes an easy habit rather than a chore.
Building over time
As you gain confidence, you can take advantage of more advanced features. A custom banner image adds personality and stops the scroll. Uploading media -- such as photos of you presenting, articles you’ve written, or videos you’ve created -- demonstrates your expertise visually. If you’ve published research, written a blog, or received awards, add them to your profile so others can see the full scope of your impact.
LinkedIn Premium can provide additional insights, like who has viewed your profile and which posts are performing best. These analytics, while they are not essential, can help you refine your presence and understand how others are engaging with your content.
Over time, LinkedIn becomes more than a profile. It evolves into a professional journal of your growth, a hub for opportunities, and a platform where others come to see your credibility and contributions.
The takeaway
Don’t wait until you need LinkedIn to start using it. Every profile update, every connection, every comment increases your visibility and opens doors to opportunities you may not have imagined. Even if you begin with the smallest of steps, like a headshot, a headline, or a single connection, you’re setting your future self up for success.
Start today. Take that first step. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin. Those small actions will move your career forward in ways you’ll thank yourself for later, and I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygtanner/.
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, is a contributing author to DrBicuspid, where she shares insights and strategies to empower dental hygienists in their careers. As a leader in clinical training, professional development, and team dynamics, Tanner provides resources to help hygienists elevate their practice and personal growth. For further support, join her free Facebook group, Next Level Dental Hygiene Career and Personal Development, and explore group training and on-demand courses at www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
