In today’s interconnected world, networking is crucial for personal and professional success because building strong relationships, fostering meaningful connections and leveraging opportunities open doors to new possibilities. It is this very point that Dr Chanelle Small, a leading endodontist and owner of Midtown Endodontics in New York in the US, emphasises in her advice to young dentists. For over 13 years, Dr Small has balanced private practice, motherhood, expert witness work and community health projects for the underserved. As part of Dentsply Sirona’s Black History Month celebration in February, Melanie Jenkins, global director of inclusion and engagement at the company, spoke with Dr Small about her passion for diversity and inclusion and discussed her dedication to reshaping the narrative in dentistry and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.