File photo: Dental students engaged in speed networking at the 2024 Connection in Motion

Connections in Motion 2025: Bridging the Gap Between Dental Graduates and Employers

For the second consecutive year, the College of Dentistry is proud to present "Connections in Motion – A Speed Networking Experience."

By Duane Krip

Scheduled for February 7, 2025, this innovative event is designed to support the graduating class of 2025 from the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Dental Assisting (DA), and Dental Therapy (DT) programs by connecting them with potential employers in a dynamic and engaging setting.

Conceived by Dr. Walter Siqueira, Dean of the College of Dentistry, "Connections in Motion" aims to bridge the gap between aspiring dental professionals and prospective employers. The transition from academic life to professional practice can be daunting, and this event seeks to simplify the job search process by providing students with the opportunity to engage one-on-one with multiple dental offices—all in a single evening.

Beyond benefiting the soon-to-be graduates, "Connections in Motion" also provides an invaluable opportunity for dental clinics across the province. Participating dental practices can meet and engage with talented, motivated students who are eager to launch their careers. By fostering direct connections, the event helps dental offices fill vacancies with skilled professionals who are ready to make an impact.

The success of "Connections in Motion" is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Audi Saskatoon, which is graciously providing the venue for the event. The main showroom at 803 Melville Street in Saskatoon will be transformed into a vibrant networking space, allowing for productive conversations and professional collaborations.

The format of the event is immersive and engaging, following a 'speed dating' style structure. Each student will rotate through the different dental office tables, delivering their ‘elevator pitches’ and engaging in rapid-fire discussions with potential employers. This setup allows for meaningful exchanges, helping both students and dental professionals gauge compatibility on both a personal and professional level. Additionally, a reception area will be available for more casual interactions, fostering a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for continued networking.

To ensure a high-quality experience allowing for meaningful and productive interactions between students and dental professionals, the event has a limited capacity for dental office participation. Given the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which was a complete sell-out, interested dental offices are encouraged to secure their networking table as soon as possible. A limited number of tables remain available.

All relevant details regarding Connections in Motion, including event timelines and registration information, can be found on the Eventbrite registration page: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/connections-in-motion-2025-a-speed-networking-experience-tickets-1119917155359?aff=oddtdtcreator

"Connections in Motion – A Speed Networking Experience" has quickly become a cornerstone event for the College of Dentistry and the broader dental community. By fostering direct connections between graduating students and dental practices, this event not only supports the professional growth of future dental professionals but also strengthens industry relationships, promoting collaboration and excellence in the field.