What You’ll Get With Orthodontic CE Courses

Pursuing orthodontics courses as a general dentist opens the door to new opportunities for your practice and your career. However, many first-timers have concerns regarding what to expect. Here’s how things will likely go when you first start out in an orthodontic continuing education course.

1. Hands-On Training

There are many different types of orthodontic continuing education opportunities available. However, you should know that high-quality courses will offer robust hands-on training. Make sure to choose a course that features hands-on training to prepare you with the proper skills to implement orthodontic treatment options in your practice.

Such courses will include practical experience working with a variety of orthodontic instruments and techniques. The application and alteration of straight wire appliances is a prime example. This is among the most fundamental aspects of orthodontic treatment, so this direct experience is vital.

Depending on the course you take, you may develop skills using a number of different appliances. Many of these are involved in early orthodontic intervention, which is an area that will provide tremendous value for your patients and make your practice more appealing to families.

The value of this hands-on experience can’t be overstated. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that requires tactile skill and precision. While theory is important, putting your hands on the actual appliances you’ll be working with is indispensable for developing practical skills.

Having worked with actual orthodontic appliances will instill the confidence you need to move forward with implementing orthodontic treatment in your practice. While gaining this type of experience can seem daunting at first, you’ll be more than ready to take on this new challenge in your continuing education journey with a little preparation.

2. In-Depth Knowledge of Tooth Movement

Orthodontic treatment focuses largely on tooth movement, serving to adjust the position and alignment of teeth to ensure proper function and lasting oral health. The tooth movements involved in any given treatment can be complex, so in-depth knowledge of the mechanics involved is essential.

Orthodontics courses cover the science behind tooth movement. There are many principles involved, including tipping, translation, rotation, intrusion, and extrusion. Keep in mind that any given treatment will likely involve several of these principles.

Planning and carrying out orthodontic treatment demands a thorough understanding of orthodontic issues and how tooth movement can resolve them. The type and extent of movement needed will dictate the appliances to be used, the treatment length, and other key factors.

You can only provide dependable orthodontic treatment if you have an extensive working knowledge of tooth movement. By taking orthodontic courses, you’ll gain the specialized knowledge of tooth movement you need to treat patients confidently and effectively. You’ll also enjoy the assurance that comes with knowing you’re able to provide the best outcomes for your patients.

3. Case Studies and Treatment Planning

Orthodontics often differs from general dentistry in terms of treatment timelines. Rather than being a one-and-done procedure with limited follow-up, orthodontic care can span multiple years. Cases are often complex and call for a more in-depth approach to planning than other interventions.

Orthodontics courses prepare you for the reality of treatment by giving you the chance to work through real-life case studies. Such exercises help improve understanding of orthodontics as a whole. You’ll get a top-down view of the patient’s entire journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to appliance use and follow-up.

Treatment planning is central to any successful orthodontic service. Orthodontics courses offer the necessary problem-solving and patient-assessment skills to plan effectively. You’ll learn what goes into translating a patient’s needs and preferences into a successful treatment plan that improves their overall oral health.

This involves more than just selecting the appropriate appliance for the given case. It entails creating highly detailed visual projections of tooth movement, which will then guide adjustments over the course of the patient’s treatment period.

With the in-depth knowledge and experience you accrue from practical case studies, you’ll be able to offer safe, trustworthy orthodontic treatment at your practice and attract new patients through word of mouth.

Find the right orthodontic CE courses.

Orthodontics is a valuable service that is in demand. It’s also a highly skilled area, so you want to ensure that the course you choose will set you up for success. By taking a course that ticks the boxes above, you’ll gain the ability and confidence to implement orthodontics into your practice.

Orthodontic continuing education can be a highly rewarding experience in itself, giving you the tools and insight to propel your career forward. Take the first step toward expanding your practice with orthodontic treatment options today—browse our available courses to get started.