Choose the right orthodontics course for your needs. 

Today, many general dentists are pursuing continuing education (CE) opportunities to expand the potential treatment options they can provide and to deliver improved care for their patients. 

There are many options available, and choosing between onsite vs. online orthodontic courses can be a challenging decision. Each format has its own unique advantages, and dentists must consider them carefully to make the right choice for their practice.

Continuing Education in Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontics isn’t the only area that dentists can continue their education in. It is, however, one of the most useful. Adding orthodontic treatment options to your practice can provide considerable benefits for both you and your patients.

The demand for orthodontic treatment is rapidly growing, so investing in orthodontic CE courses for general dentists can unlock steady revenue and future growth for your practice. Providing orthodontic treatment is also highly fulfilling and engaging compared to many routine dental procedures.

Your patients will be happier when they can access a wider range of services under one roof. Instead of dealing with unfamiliar orthodontists based on a referral, they can continue treatment with the dentist they already feel comfortable with.

The benefits of investing in continuing education are clear, but what exactly is the difference between onsite vs. online orthodontic courses, and how can you choose the right option for your needs?

Online Orthodontics Courses

Online learning has provided a wide range of opportunities across all fields. This is also true for dentistry, where many aspects of learning can be handled effectively through online formats. 

Online orthodontics courses for general dentists can provide significant practical knowledge for dentists to implement and improve their orthodontic treatment options.

Even when hands-on instruction or clinical practice is still a part of a course, many lectures and tutorials can be carried out online. This makes online courses more accessible to busy dentists, allowing them to continue to learn while still managing a bustling practice.

Fitting these types of courses into your workflow is considerably easier. There’s no travel time, and many components can be accessed on demand. Online orthodontics courses for general dentists still support significant participation and interaction with instructors that provide for a meaningful learning experience.

When choosing online orthodontic courses, it’s important to make sure that you’re going with a reputable online course provider. While online learning presents many opportunities, there are some online courses that don’t deliver what they promise. 

Always check to see that courses are being offered with qualified instructors and clear outcomes that will help you improve your practice.

Onsite Orthodontics Courses

Many orthodontic CE courses for general dentists are carried out onsite at various locations across the United States and around the world. These courses can impose scheduling and travel challenges, but they also provide an engaging and practical learning experience.

Depending on the specific type of course you’re seeking out, some or all of the course could be done onsite. This is the case for course components such as hands-on demos and clinical experiences. One of the key considerations when choosing onsite vs. online orthodontic courses is this additional practical experience.

Many people value face-to-face interactions during learning. They feel more engaged when they’re physically there and able to interact with instructors and other participants directly. Everybody has their own unique learning style, and onsite courses simply speak more effectively to some people.

Not all onsite courses are a major time commitment, either. There are many seminars and workshops that won’t take too much time out of your busy schedule. These can focus on specific treatments or issues, and there are also workshops for assistants and hygienists as well.

Choosing the Right Course for Your Practice

Both options have unique benefits, so how exactly should you choose between onsite vs. online orthodontic courses? In many cases, scheduling and travel restrictions are primary factors to consider. While onsite courses are widespread, they are limited to specific locations that restrict availability.

Online and onsite courses both provide substantial useful knowledge to help you offer effective treatment to your patients. Making the right choice for you and your practice will come down to considering your individual needs and what your plans for the future of your practice are. With so many options available today, there are orthodontic courses to suit everyone.

Engaging Online and Onsite Courses

The American Orthodontic Society delivers both online and onsite courses covering many topics in orthodontics. Our available courses can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to offer orthodontic treatments through your dental practice. Browse our courses today to find out more about your potential options.