Informatics, Professional Societies, and Interpersonal Networking

Abstract

There is a great deal to learn about informatics from other health care professionals as well as computer and information specialists. Often more can be learned from a few minutes casually conversing with peers and colleagues than from several hours of reading journals and books. Professional societies offer both structured meetings and presentations and informal discussions. Often these societies provide opportunities to learn about exciting new techniques and research from other disciplines that have not been applied to dentistry. To gain knowledge of information technology and informatics, dental professionals should seek membership in three types of organizations.