How To Choose the Right GDP Ortho Course

As a general dental practitioner (GDP), you have a wide range of continuing education opportunities available to you. Orthodontics is one of the most popular choices for professional development, with courses to prepare you for a variety of treatments and techniques. 

However, choosing the right orthodontic course for dentists is essential if you want to expand your skills effectively. Here’s what you should look for in any course you’re considering signing up for.

1. Comprehensive Curriculum

You should carefully consider your goals when choosing an orthodontic course for dentists. If you plan on offering orthodontic treatment in the future, you need a course that provides the necessary foundation. Getting such a comprehensive overview will help you achieve long-term dental practice success.

Effective orthodontic courses for GDPs cover a broad range of topics, such as: 

• Orthodontic fundamentals
• Diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Advanced techniques

A course that covers all aspects of orthodontic treatment from start to finish leaves you equipped to approach treatment at your own practice. Instead of simply learning about orthodontics, you can build a reliable knowledge base and practical experience.

2. Hands-On Training

Another important thing to look for when considering orthodontic courses for general dentists is hands-on training. While there are plenty of continuing education opportunities that can be done remotely, certain aspects of orthodontics require practical, hands-on experience.

When developing your abilities to provide orthodontic treatment, hands-on instruction will ensure that you have a firm grasp of the necessary skills. This is particularly true when it comes to the physical application and adjustment of various orthodontic appliances. Guided hands-on training enables you to get these vital skills right.

A course with this kind of practical training prepares you to apply learned skills in real-world settings. By moving beyond theory, you’ll be able to confidently carry out orthodontic treatment in your practice. You can enjoy lasting peace of mind in the knowledge that you have the foundation needed to deliver quality care to your patients.

3. Experienced Instructors

A key point to consider when choosing any type of continuing education opportunity is the quality of the instructors. The knowledge and experience you can gain through any given course depends largely on them.

You’ll want to choose a general dentist orthodontics course that is delivered by an experienced professional with a solid track record in orthodontics. Instructors who have handled many cases over the years have a breadth of experience that doesn’t come any other way. You’ll benefit from their years of unique knowledge.

Ideally, you should also choose a course delivered by an instructor who has a strong background in teaching. While there’s always plenty you can learn from any skilled professional in your field, the capabilities of an experienced instructor can improve the effectiveness of any continuing education course.

4. Flexibility and Accessibility

As a practicing dentist, you likely have a full schedule. This can make finding time for continuing education a challenge. However, there are many options available to fit orthodontic courses into your busy professional life. Both online courses and hybrid options can meet your needs.

Many in-person courses are available in formats tailored to practicing dentists, whether through weekend schedules or even one-day sessions. Fully remote sessions are typically reserved for classes and seminars that build on an established foundation in orthodontics, as hands-on training really is vital for creating that initial foundation.

5. Peer Support and Networking

When choosing a course, you should also look beyond the course material itself. Various continuing education opportunities can give you the chance to network with peers and build meaningful and lasting connections. This is one of the top benefits of in-person courses.

You might also consider seminars and events that include broader networking opportunities. These events often feature lectures and workshops that offer valuable education while also serving as key networking functions within the industry.

6. Certification and Continuing Education Credits

As a practicing dentist, you face certain ongoing continuing education requirements. Make sure that any orthodontics course you choose is accredited so that your efforts will yield CE credits.

Courses that provide some type of certification, whether for individual classes or over longer curricula, are also highly valuable. Certifications increase your professional standing and instill confidence in your patient base that you are a trusted expert.

Choosing the Right General Dentist Orthodontics Courses

Finding the right orthodontic course for dentists is vital for ensuring that you truly develop practical skills and experience. Checking off these boxes will help you make the right choice for your continuing education journey. The American Orthodontic Society provides a wide range of courses to suit dentists at any level of orthodontic experience. Browse our full course catalog to find your next opportunity.