Dentist’s Continuing Education
Have you ever wondered what dentists do to keep up and get ahead in the wonderful world of dental science?
When most dentists get out of dental school, they are ready to start practice and save the world’s teeth. It seems almost universal that a new graduate feels that they are up to date on all there is to know about teeth and that everyone else is behind the times. “You are better off seeing a new graduate, who knows everything, rather than one of those old timers who must be behind.” is a common thought often expressed by the new dentist.
Of course it only takes about a week or two in practice to realize that maybe you don’t know everything. In a few more weeks, you quickly discover that your dental school education prepared you for private practice in only the very basic sense. Actually, your dental school training gave you a very good foundation on which to grow, learn and eventually become a very good dentist. What it cannot give a young dentist is experience.
To learn more and to keep current, dentists take continuing education courses. Local dental societies and universities traditionally gave these courses. Over time there has evolved a large business of supplying dental courses to dentists and dental staff. These are either through private businesses or non-profit organizations.
Another way for a dentist to learn and improve is to pursue a fellowship or accreditation by a recognized organization.
An example is the American Academy of General Dentistry. This organization is dedicated to dental continuing education and has set a standard for quality in this area. The AGD has set up a system to track and record the courses taken by a dentist member. When the dentist has taken 500 hours of course study, they are then eligible to write the fellowship exam. After successfully writing and passing the 400-question examination the dentist would be awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.
Another organization is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The AACD is an organization dedicated to appearance related dentistry. This organization has a credentialing procedure that recognizes achievement in the art and science of esthetic dental care. A written examination, clinical case presentation and an oral examination are required to achieve accreditation.
While it is kind of cool to be awarded a fellowship or an accreditation status, the real benefit of pursuing these is the education and professional development that occurs in the process. The true benefactor is the patient of dentists who go through these processes.
If you are in the process of choosing a dentist, be sure to ask your dentist about the continuing education he or she pursues.
May 28th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
It is important for a dentist to continue on learning, not only will it help him to be relevant in the field it would also give him credibility in the eyes of his patients. There are changes occurring in the filed almost everyday and one must learn of these new knowledge to better treat ones patients.
June 15th, 2009 at 1:51 am
I think that continuous education is important no matter what your profession is. It updates you and makes your knowledge and skills better and more efficient. I admire dental professionals who are always eager to learn. It is important most especially in dentistry to learn because of the advancement of technology and techniques. This makes them more competitive.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
thanks for the great post. Best regards
January 14th, 2010 at 10:44 am
What separates a great dentist from an average one is continuing education. Because dentistry is always changing, dentists need to stay on top of things.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:02 am
next time i go to the dentist I am going to ask my dentist the same question , then I will be able to tell if he is serious about his profession