Orthodontic procedure mastery requires specific skills and knowledge for helping your patients get the care they need and want in a comfortable setting. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of orthodontic continuing education so you can feel confident with braces, clear aligners, and more.
Orthodontics is a wide discipline that covers many services and procedures. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) lists these main orthodontic treatment areas:
Braces
Retainers
Archwires
Elastics
Mouthguard
Orthodontic surgery
Although dental school may teach the basics, carrying out predictable orthodontic procedures requires a practiced hand. Aside from getting licensed, additional training and learning are often needed before a dentist can confidently tackle the potential complexity of these treatment types head-on. Advanced skills needed for successful orthodontic procedures include dexterity and muscle memory, treatment planning know-how, and knowledge-based decision-making.
Expanding your knowledge is a valid reason for learning the ins and outs of orthodontic procedures. However, you’ll also want to consider the benefits to your career and your patients. Orthodontics is a vast and growing industry, with a market size of 19 billion in the United States alone. The demand for clear aligners and a more confident smile is on the rise. By offering expert dentistry, you can expand your business and help more patients with comprehensive treatment plans — if you have the right continuing education support.
Orthodontic courses can be in-person or online. There are countless continuing education seminars, conventions, and in-person courses available around the world. If you can travel — and have the budget — these are valid options that dentists have used for decades to earn CE and CPD credits.
The real challenge is finding all of the courses you wish to take that won’t interrupt your schedule. In-person orthodontic courses often have rigid class times and locations that can be difficult to attend regularly enough to be beneficial.
Luckily, improving your skill set is no longer restricted to in-person classes and limited practice opportunities. There are now many dental education providers who offer online options — including courses that can count for CE credits.
Online orthodontic CE courses may utilize cutting-edge simulation technology to give you hands-on experience and mastery through repetition. Having the flexibility to learn from your home or practice is crucial because orthodontic skills take time and practice to master. Additionally, as advancements in technology and equipment allow for new approaches, even seasoned dentists can benefit from diving into online courses without interrupting their dental practice operations.
Although online courses may offer greater schedule flexibility, it’s crucial to take a deeper look into your options so you can find what works best for you. The best online dental education providers will offer a variety of courses that cover orthodontic procedures with multiple course type options including:
These course types can help you choose your learning path to orthodontic mastery. If cloud-based hands-on learning is available, you’ll also have opportunities to practice learned skills and watch dental educators demonstrate techniques so you can feel confident that you’ve “got it right.”
Mastering the skills and learning the techniques needed to boost your career in orthodontics is not a challenge to be taken alone. Online orthodontic courses taught by world-class instructors can give you the support you need to thrive.
Gaining confidence in orthodontics can help you help your patients and grow your practice. With several courses specializing in specific orthodontic procedures and best practices available online, your potential is limitless. Learn more about orthodontics.