Continuing Education for Dentists

Continuing education is an essential part of being a practicing dentist. Not only do you face certain requirements to maintain licensing, but you also have an obligation to continue developing to ensure that you provide the best care for your patients. 

However, continuing education for dentists isn’t always easy. Here are some common challenges you might face and how to overcome them.

1. Fear of Commitment

Pursuing orthodontic courses for dentists is something you should consider carefully. However, you shouldn’t let a fear of commitment hold you back. There are many clear reasons to choose continuing education in orthodontics, and signing up doesn’t entail any long-term commitment.

Taking an orthodontic CE course is the first step to implementing orthodontic treatment at your practice. However, you don’t necessarily have to continue down that line. If you’re still unsure, then taking a course can be a great way to find out whether orthodontics is right for you.

Even if you don’t implement orthodontic treatment at your practice, you’ll have a solid foundation of knowledge and experience that will help you better evaluate and communicate with patients who may need a referral to an orthodontist.

2. Limited Time and Busy Schedules

Running a practice is a time-consuming undertaking, often going far beyond what other careers entail. This leaves many dentists with the impression that they simply don’t have time for continuing education. Instead of viewing continuing education as an opportunity to grow and develop, requirements can seem a burden and a scheduling challenge.

While it can be difficult to find the time for continuing education for dentists, it is worthwhile to do so. Many course options also make it easier with hybrid options that blend both online learning and hands-on experience. Even with a tight schedule, you can still find opportunities to develop new skills.

3. Financial Constraints

Quality continuing education for dentists can often carry what seems like a high price tag. You’re learning from experts with decades of experience, who are often among the top practitioners in their specialization. However, that’s also what makes these courses so worthwhile.

The combined costs of courses, travel, and accommodation can seem inhibitory, especially when combined with the potential loss of income during learning periods. However, for orthodontics in particular, the potential increase in revenue from orthodontic treatment options makes this an investment that will pay off quickly.

There are also a variety of options to afford orthodontic courses for dentists, including signing up for an American Orthodontic Society membership to receive discounts and financing plans.

4. Limited Support and Resources

Some dentists are concerned about a potential lack of support and resources during their continuing education course. Depending on the specific course provider they choose, they could be right. Many online courses provide little in the way of meaningful support, leaving dentists to work their way through the course alone.

With American Orthodontic Society courses, you get the opposite. You receive complete support and a wide range of resources, along with the chance to enjoy lasting connections with your peers and mentorship from leading experts in the field.

5. Balancing Continuing Education With Your Dental Practice

A dental practice isn’t something you can simply walk away from without careful planning. You have patients currently undergoing treatment, and continuity of care is required to ensure proper outcomes. This leaves many dentists feeling that they can never get away from their practice to engage in continuing education.

However, with careful planning, you can balance continuing education with your practice. Many courses are scheduled with this in mind, causing minimal disruption and splitting courses into manageable blocks. You can plan ahead to avoid scheduling ongoing treatment plans during your absence, or you can refer patients to other dentists in the area.

How AOS Helps Dentists Overcome These Challenges

At the American Orthodontic Society, we understand your challenges and support continuing education for general practice dentistry through our orthodontics courses for dentists. We carefully develop courses to help you overcome these roadblocks.

The wide range of opportunities means that you can find the appropriate level of commitment, whether you’re looking for a comprehensive course or online seminars. Our courses are highly affordable, especially considering the impact that adding orthodontic treatment methods can have on your practice’s revenue.

With our courses, you have access to the support and resources you need to succeed. We provide a highly personalized experience, unlike many fast-track courses you’ll find online. When you join the American Orthodontic Society, you’ll also have networking opportunities and support from peers and experts throughout general practice dentistry.

Take advantage of orthodontics courses for dentists.

Looking to make the right choice for your continuing education? The American Orthodontic Society offers general dentist orthodontics courses that can help you meet licensing requirements while also imparting practical skills. Get the experience you need to offer orthodontic treatment at your practice by enrolling in one of our courses today.