The pursuit of lifelong learning, whether it be to enrich our lives, follow a new dream, or simply challenge ourselves, is certainly something that appeals to many of us. For some professionals, however, continuing education in their fields of expertise is more important than for others. People who work in the medical and dental fields are entrusted with the safety and comfort of others on a daily basis. If they chose to rely on their initial training indefinitely, ignoring ongoing developments and technological advancements, they would be putting their practices at legal risk and endangering the health and well-being of their patients. In these fields, it is simply not an option to assume that there is nothing more to learn.
Continuing dental education is essential for anyone working in the dental field. As in the medical field, technological advancements in this field are occurring at a breakneck rate and it is critical to keep up with the latest research, tools and treatment methods. Continuing training for dental professionals is so important that most states require dentists and hygienists to complete a certain number of dental continuing education activities each year to maintain license to practice. These requirements vary from state to state and, in some cases, apply to dental assistants as well.
Following a continuing education in the dental field can be beneficial in a number of ways. For a dentist currently in practice, continuing continuing education ensures that his patients have access to the latest methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. For a person just beginning a career in dentistry, continuing dental education can open up new career paths, provide advancement opportunities, and improve purchasing power.
A wide variety of dental continuing education activities are available to working and non-working individuals. If your goal is simply to stay informed on new research findings and updated industry best practices, there are many low-cost, self-paced online courses that can help you meet your state’s continuing education requirements and improve your ability to perform your current job. However, if you are interested in expanding your formal education, to advance your career in the dental field, you may want to pursue a degree or certificate program. For example, a dental assistant may discover that she is interested in pursuing a career as a hygienist, either to earn a higher salary or simply to experience greater personal fulfillment in her job role. In this case, you would need a degree from an accredited dental hygiene school to get your license.
Regardless of which path you choose, as a dental professional, you must consider that your pursuit of education is a lifelong endeavor. Doing so will not only better position you to advance within your chosen field; They will also ensure that you are able to provide the best possible care for your patients.
