What if you could grow your skills, boost your confidence and level up your dental practice, all without stepping foot outside your clinic? For dentists Dr Chien and Dr Sun, RipeGlobal Fellowships have done exactly that.
In a recent conversation with RipeGlobal, both dentists shared more about their learning journey. Once a self-described ‘single-tooth dentist,’ Dr Chien has expanded his skills to confidently plan advanced restorative treatments, while Dr Sun has grown from managing a few single crowns per week to tackling more complex cases within the same day – and enjoying every moment of it.
The best part? These skills and growing confidence have been gained from the comfort and efficiency of learning in their own clinics. Read on as Dr Chien and Dr Sun discuss how RipeGlobal Fellowships have transformed their approach to dentistry.
Can you just tell me what fellowship you studied, what skills you developed through that fellowship, and what kind of impact those skills have had on your day today?
Dr Chien: I’m currently studying RipeGlobal’s Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry. Before starting my Fellowship, I was really only a single tooth dentist doing basic restorative work. Through my Fellowship, I’m learning more advanced skills, I’m picking up multiple back-to-back crowns, compositive veneers and treatment planning including full-mouth rehabilitation and smile design.
I’m only halfway through my Fellowship, so I haven’t completed the full-mouth rehabilitation module yet, but I’ve already been able to apply pretty much everything I’ve learned into my day-to-day practice.
Dr Sun: Through my RipeGlobal Fellowship, I’ve learned to really dive into restorative dentistry, especially direct and indirect restorative work. It has made procedures much easier for me. For example, before my Fellowship, I would typically do one or two crowns per week. But now, I’m handling more cases. Just yesterday, I completed one bridge and one double crown. My Fellowship has not only increased my confidence but also allowed me to find joy in providing more complex treatments for my patients.
How has being able to complete the fellowship in your own clinic, like studying online, doing it from home, doing it from your clinic, change the way you approach learning and kind of integrating those new techniques into your practise?
Dr Sun: The biggest benefit is that I don’t need to travel or take time off work. I can learn in my own clinic, where I know exactly where everything is. Using my own chair, tools, and materials makes the process much more comfortable. Even outside the scheduled Fellowship sessions, I’ve found that being in my own space has helped me feel more confident in recommending treatments to patients. It’s made a big difference.
Dr Chien: Studying in my own clinic has been incredibly beneficial. It saves so much time and money in travel, meaning I don't have to spend time booking hotel, booking flights, going to the airport, transiting. Instead, I’m learning in an environment I'm familiar with. Instead of using unfamiliar tools that are provided at in-person courses, I’m using my own tools and equipment.
I’m also able to apply what I’m learning straight away. I can be exposed to a new skill and start practicing it and pretty much apply it into real life the next day.
Have the skills you gained through your Fellowship made a noticeable difference in patient outcomes?
Dr Chien: I learned to do onlays and overlays in a hands-on session with Dr Michael Frazis. After that session, I was able to complete overlays much more predictably and efficiently.
What used to take me 2-3 hours now only takes about 1.5 hours, and I can sometimes treat two patients in that time. I’m now a lot more confident and comfortable in my skills, and patients have also noticed the difference. In turn, they feel more comfortable and confident in my care. I’ve also gained the confidence to recommend multiple crowns or onlays in one visit, which patients appreciate because they see my certainty and expertise.
Dr Sun: One case stands out, a patient needed an indirect crown (RTI crown). Because of what I learned in my Fellowship, I was able to save their tooth when it might otherwise have been extracted. The patient was very pleased with the outcome.
Overall, the skills I’ve gained have allowed me to take on more complex procedures with confidence, leading to better outcomes for my patients.
What do you see as the biggest advantage of practising hands-on skills in your own clinic, using your tools, compared to attending in-person training?
Dr Chien: The biggest advantage is familiarity. I get to use my own handpieces, my own chair, equipment and set up and it’s a lot more comfortable that way. In contrast, at in-person training courses, you have to adjust to different equipment, materials, and setups, which adds unnecessary stress. Often, those courses use benchtop models or mannequins that don’t replicate real patient care. Practising in my clinic allows me to focus on perfecting techniques in a realistic setting.
Dr Sun: Practising in my own clinic means I get to use my own instruments, handpieces, and materials, which helps me get comfortable with them much faster. In-person courses often provide their own tools, like burs or instruments, which can make it harder to transfer those skills back to your own practice.
By using my own equipment during my Fellowship, I’ve become more confident and efficient with what I already have, rather than having to adjust to unfamiliar setups.
What advice would you give to dentists considering a RipeGlobal Fellowship?
Dr Sun: Just do it! I understand being busy, it’s hard to find time, but the Fellowship is designed to be flexible.
When I first decided to enrol in my Fellowship, I remember seeing ads from RipeGlobal saying something like, ‘You’ll earn back your Fellowship investment within six months.’ And I definitely did! Not just the cost of the Fellowship, but I’ve significantly increased my revenue, and it keeps growing each month. But it’s not just about the revenue, it’s about getting bigger cases accepted, tackling more complex challenges, learning from experts and truly enjoying the process. It’s been such an exciting and rewarding journey.
Dr Chien: Don’t overthink it. The more time you spend deliberating, the more opportunities you’re missing to grow your skills and confidence. I regret waiting for a few months before enrolling when I could have used that time to improve my skills and confidence sooner.
The Fellowship has boosted my income, patient trust and personal confidence. If you’re considering it, just take the chance, you won’t regret it. I’m already considering which Fellowship course I’ll take next.
If you’re considering a RipeGlobal Fellowship, take their advice and don’t overthink it. Take the next step in your professional development with RipeGlobal’s online Fellowships. Learn more and start your journey today!
