Focusing Tips for Your Next CE Course

Continuing education (CE) courses are a vital component of many professions. Dentists, in particular, are used to carrying on their educational journeys, both in order to fulfill license requirements and to keep their skills sharp and current. 

However, they must be mentally prepared to make the most of the experience, whether it involves a general course or an ortho course for general dentists. They want to take away as much information as possible, and that means that being in a suitable mental space is crucial. 

On that note, here are 5 tips to help you focus as you pursue continuing education.

Tip 1: Engage in mindful meditation.

Mindful meditation is a way to quiet your thoughts and pay attention to what is in front of you. Beginning your day with such a practice can make your mind feel clean and less stressed. When your mind is clear, your stress levels are lower, which in turn can enhance your focus while you learn.

You can incorporate mindful meditation into your continuing education courses by following these steps:

• Set a timer. Set an alarm for how much time you want to dedicate to meditation
• Close your eyes. You want to distance yourself from external stimuli.
• Focus on breathing. Sit in a quiet area and listen to each inhale and exhale, letting your thoughts drift away.
• Relax your body. Check in with your body to identify where you are holding tension, then let it go.
• Notice your thoughts and emotions: Allow any ideas to easily come and go.

You can meditate on your own or opt for guided meditation. Many apps are available for download that will help you develop your practice.

Tip 2: Prioritize rest.

Sleep is, of course, vital, and it is especially so the night before you attend a CE course. Most of what you learn is temporarily stored in the brain’s hippocampus. Many scientists believe it has limited storage, though, meaning you won’t be able to learn more information when it’s full. Orthodontic CE courses for general dentist practitioners are rich in new information. If your hippocampus cannot hold any more new skills and facts, you won’t easily be able to apply such information in your practice. 

However, scientists also believe that sleep renews your learning ability. With that in mind, you’ll want to make lifestyle choices that can improve your sleep quality to prepare for a full day of learning. 

These tips will help you achieve restorative sleep:

• Create a restful environment.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Avoid stimulants at least four hours before bed.

Creating a bedtime routine can also help promote relaxation and ensure you get enough rest. 

Tip 3: Establish a pre-learning routine.

Setting up a pre-learning routine essentially puts your brain into learning mode. Everyone’s routine will be different, but something as simple as looking over your course’s key objectives can help you better understand what you’ll need to do that day. 

A brisk walk before class can also help naturally clear your mind and boost your energy. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the course. You may also prefer a bit of a caffeine boost. In moderation, it can promote alertness and help you concentrate, allowing you to more easily absorb new information.

Tip 4: Stay hydrated and nourished.

You’ll want to drink plenty of fluids throughout your CE course. Remaining hydrated improves brain function, enhancing your concentration, memory, and cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can impact these areas. Having a water bottle with you is an easy way to ensure you keep yourself sharp. 

Additionally, you’ll want to eat snacks that are rich in protein and good fats, as these will help sustain your energy levels and prevent sluggishness during the day. Cashews and walnuts also help you feel full for longer, stopping your stomach from growling and allowing you to stay focused. You might also want to consider adding chia seeds to yogurt at breakfast, as they digest slowly and provide energy over time. 

Tip 5: Practice active listening and participation.

Lastly, push yourself to participate in discussions and practical sessions. An open dialogue and the chance to bounce ideas off your peers can help cement new knowledge into your brain. 

A laptop is always handy for taking notes and referring back to pre-reading documents, but it can also be a bit of a distraction. Consider taking a notebook and pen with you instead. Research tells us that writing information down has a serious edge over typing when it comes to retaining information. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer bullet points or shorthand, as long as it helps you recall the information later.

Maximize your learning experience with continuing education courses. 

Mentally preparing any time you’re learning a new skill is part of the process. It can be time-consuming, but it’s necessary. By putting these tips to the test in your next CE course, you’ll set yourself up for success outside the seminar.   

Contact the American Orthodontic Society for more information about orthodontic seminars for general dentist practitioners. We can register you for a course and answer any questions you may have!