A look at how to find a training course that ticks all the boxes.
There are many educational paths in modern dentistry. Depending on your skills, passions and goals, clinicians have carte blanche to explore the areas of dentistry that will benefit their practice, and appeal to their individual interests.
However, taking new steps in your career is never easy, especially if you want to pursue a new skill that’s complex, such as learning how to place dental implants. As with learning any new skill, confidence is key. But how can you build confidence and prepare yourself for this new chapter in your career?
The first step clinicians should take is to enrol on a hands-on course to learn the fundamental skills. However, while this sounds straightforward, finding the course most suited to your requirements isn’t always easy. There are many factors to consider. For instance, the cost of the course, the necessary time commitment and any travel will, of course, need to be taken into account.
On top of this, it is vital to research the content. Here are some aspects to bear in mind:
Versatility
With hundreds of different dental implant systems on the market, it makes sense to try to gain experience using a variety of products. This way you’ll be able to identify which systems mesh best with your working style. Plus, as you’re at the beginning of your implant career, getting to grips with different implant systems will give you a good idea of how you want to work in the future. As such, courses that teach more than one implant system, or which are unbiased in their teaching, should definitely be at the top of your list.
Who is the course taught by?
Due to the complexity of dental implantology, you want peace of mind that you are being taught by experts with plenty of experience. If you are unsure, look at the qualifications of the person leading the course as well as the mentors involved. You can also look up reviews from past delegates and read about their experiences – this is a fantastic way to gauge what the teaching style is like and whether it has helped colleagues earn the skills they were looking for.
Course structure – what are you getting?
It’s impossible to become confident in dental implantology without receiving education that balances both theoretical and hands-on instruction. The surgical and restorative principles, as well as practical knowledge of how to use specific systems, are all equally important. A course should cover both extensively, allowing you to build confidence along the way. Additionally, if you’re seeking education that covers beyond the fundamentals, you should look at those offering insight into aspects such as bone grafting as well as concepts such as immediate loading.
Facilities that make a difference
Every dentist will know that skills are only part of the equation, and having cutting-edge facilities and technology at hand is vital for truly modern care.
When looking for a course you should research the amenities available and how the course content will make use of the resources at hand.
Courses that teach using up-to-date technology are preferable, especially as technology advances quite rapidly in the field so you don’t want to be left behind before you even begin. For example, is the course using the latest CBCT systems and technology such as intraoral scanners?
Support during and beyond
Learning a new skill takes patience, and you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of questions during and even following your course. Think about how the course you’re considering will support you moving forward. Will it teach you how to promote implant therapy to your patients and market your new skills effectively? Will there be anyone to speak to if you have any questions or concerns? Implementing your knowledge into practice is a daunting transition, so it’s always good to have support available and the knowledge that you have gained the skills to make this change as seamless as possible.
A course that ticks all the boxes
Finding a course that offers all the above can be a challenge. For clinicians looking to build confidence in dental implantology, the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7) is a comprehensive course that fulfils the needs of every delegate. Taught by Professor Cemal Ucer, the course includes both theoretical and hands-on instruction, as well as ongoing support, mentoring and much, much more.
Ultimately, the training course you select will have a huge impact on the skills you learn and your long-term confidence in dental implantology. By researching the available options and making sure that the course you select is high-quality and fulfils all of your needs, you can start your journey into dental implantology on the right foot.