Getting Ready for Your Ortho CE Course

You’re nearly ready to start the next journey of your dental career: orthodontics. Now that you have committed to taking orthodontic CE courses for pediatric and general dentists, you need to prepare accordingly to make the most of it. The Basic Straight Wire Orthodontics Course is a top-notch course that equips you to incorporate orthodontics in your practice. It contains both a lecture portion and clinical portion to give you the most extensive education. You’ll be immersed in orthodontics over the period of three days, but what can you do ahead of time to feel like you’re really benefiting? 

The best thing you can do is your “homework” prior to attending so that you have all your questions answered and feel competent once you leave to treat patients. Here are 4 steps you can take to prepare for your orthodontic CE course: 

1. Consult other dental professionals.

Signing up for an orthodontic CE course can be a major investment, both timewise and financially. You want to come prepared so that once you’re there you can reap the benefits of this comprehensive course. Doing your due diligence will help you learn better and have a clear state of mind during both the didactic and clinical portions of the course.

Speak with other dentists who have taken the course and ask if there is anything you can do to prepare or read beforehand to help you succeed. Is there an online journal or orthodontic paper that will help you understand the foundations of orthodontics? Email the course director to ask how you can prepare and what the session breakdown will be like. It is always better to be prepared and have a good idea of what the schedule is like so you are more likely to enjoy the course. 

2. Get your team on board.

Before you attend your orthodontic course, ensure your office is prepared by communicating to your team that you’ll be out of town for a few days every few months. This may mean having an associate dentist cover for you or rearranging your schedule accordingly. This may also be a good time to have your team order supplies, as well as market the practice using email blasts or social media to inform patients you’ll soon be offering orthodontics. 

This is a great opportunity to encourage your team to go on their own vacations when you will be at your course. Remember that scheduling ahead and knowing when your course sessions take place over the next six months are good ways to be sure everything is organized at your practice when you return. 

3. Pack accordingly.

Just like with dental school and residency, you want to feel like you are organized when you attend a CE course. Make sure you have all materials, both didactic and clinical, you’ll need for the course to succeed. If you begin taking more advanced courses, you’ll need to bring back materials that you’ve used before. A good way to prepare is to email the course director to request a list of supplies or paperwork you’ll need.

Remember that further along in the course, you’ll have patient cases to review, so it is wise to jot down questions and notes at your practice to bring with you to your next session. This way you can network with other dentists and review real-life cases to get the most out of the course. 

4. Come with a clear state of mind. 

This is a chance for you to learn and network with colleagues who are in the same boat: wanting to get an orthodontic education and incorporate orthodontics into their dental practices. It may seem overwhelming to learn an entire new speciality, but remember that you have your patients’ best interests at heart, and you are also doing this for your professional growth. 

When you have good habits like sleeping well and eating healthy and come to the course with an open mind, you’ll have no problems succeeding. One of the greatest aspects of the Basic Straight Wire Course is that it spans several months, so that you’ll develop a strong connection with the other attendees and instructors. 

Setting Yourself Up for Success

The Basic Straight Wire Course is an amazing opportunity for dentists wanting to get a solid orthodontic foundation and learn the basics of incorporating it into their practice. The best way to get the most of this extensive course is to come feeling well rested and prepared so that you are able to take it all in. The good news is that once you are at the course, you’ll feel right at home with colleagues and dedicated instructors who want the very best for you.