Why am I taking so much continuing education?
I’m writing this after attending two dental conferences this month, for continuing education. The first conference was the Academy of Laser Dentistry Conference and the second was the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Session.
At the Academy of Laser Dentistry Conference, I meet with several other dentists via the Solea User Group Meeting. At the time of this meeting, only 350 Solea Lasers are in use in the entire world. So, we are very much on the cutting edge of this new treatment technology. Being on the cutting edge requires considerable diligence in keeping up with the changing technology, which this meeting was very helpful in providing. One of the goals of the meeting was to reduce the number of dental procedures that required anesthetic (numbing injections). We are currently at about 95% anesthesia-free in our treatment provided. I will continue to be involved in an online users group, constantly updating, until the next users group meeting.
Most recently, I attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Conference. I consider this to be one of the premier dental conferences in the North America. The quality of dental education is usually provided by the best of the best. Since I began attending this conference and affiliated dental education related to this conference, I believe my abilities as a cosmetic dentist have drastically improved. There are an unbelievable number of very minor variables that go into changing a simple filling from just filling in the space where the cavity was, to actually enhancing the appearance of the tooth. These variables are not something taught in dental schools or even at most of the other dental conferences available. Plus, there is an Accreditation Tract available for those who wish to seek it. I have already completed the written examination and am currently working on compiling the specific cases for this accreditation.
Also coming up are the Ohio Dental Association’s Annual Conference and either the American Academy of Implant Dentistry or the American Dental Association’s Annual Session (they’re both the same week, so I have to choose one or the other). Quarterly, I also meet with my Excellence in Dentistry Study Club and a new Study Club that doesn’t have a particular name yet. And there are more individual weekend classes, as well as online classes.
So, why take so much continuing education? The answer is actually very simple. I choose to practice in a manner that provides you with the most up-to-date treatment available. I strive to be the best of the best. You can’t do that with just the State minimum requirement in continuing education.