The following is a guest post by Maria Rainier. If you are interested in guest posting for Dental Heroes, please sign up here.

The world of dentistry is changing everyday and in order to stay up-to-date on these advances, continuing education should be a priority. Dental advisors are now suggesting as many as 100 hours a year to maintain a firm grasp on all the latest techniques and equipment available in the dental field.

How Do I Find Qualified Continuing Education?

It can be a daunting and time consuming task, but here are a few guidelines for finding qualified programs. Whether you want to meet state licensure requirements, add a new treatment or expand your practice continuing education is available.

1. Make sure the course is ADA CERP certified

The American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program was created as a guideline for dental practitioners to assist in finding the programs that are most beneficial. In order for programs to be certified they must pass 15 areas of CE program quality. Institutions and programs must go through an application and review process before being given ADA CERP recognition. The ADA is in place to protect its Dental practitioners and ensure the highest level of education.

2. Earn up to two hours a month online

The ADA offers a program called the JADA Online Continuing Education Program. In association with the University of Colorado School of Medicine licensed U.S. dentists can earn up to two credits a month. Practitioners must become a member of the ADA before being eligible for the online classes, but complete online testing and submission grading will be given.

3. Make it a team effort

We should be excited to learn the new technology being invented in our field, so why not attend together? Taking the time to attend a conference, class or program as a group, can strengthen relationships outside of the office and build team spirit. It can also save money on gas and hotels and allow for a good time.

4. Find classes in your area

Finding continuing education classes will vary state-by-state, but the best way to locate programs would be through the internet. Simply searching for “continuing education for dentists” with your zip code and state should bring up the area’s institutions and their credibility. Take the time to do some research on the program and ensure that it is ADA CERP certified. Then sign up! Here are a few resources to get started:

Search the American Dental Association’s CE Course Listings

Search Online Continuing Education Programs through an ADA CERP recognized provider.

In a world that is constantly updating itself we must ensure that we do not fall behind in
our professions, for our clients and the security of our business. If we offer the latest techniques and products then we can continually grow. Continuing education is just the first step, but it can be the most crucial.

Your Thoughts

How many hours of continuing education do you participate in each year? How valuable has continuing education been to your success in the dental field?

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