For thousands of years people have gathered to listen to speakers, from Greek orators to university lecturers. Quality can vary – we’ve all been bored by a dull teacher – but, in the hands of an excellent speaker, inspiration can strike and new possibilities unfold.
For dental practitioners, continual education is essential to keep up to date on the latest developments in the industry. Lectures, seminars, study clubs and webinars are an effective way of engaging with new technologies, techniques, debates and industry professionals, leading to long-lasting changes in a practitioner’s ability.
Learning by listening
Learning by listening is of enormous benefit. The pandemic may have accelerated online learning, with some students even speeding up the recorded lectures to their preferred pace, but an in-person lecture or seminar can be more beneficial to the speaker, allowing them to better tailor the session to a live audience. Studies on university students have shown that, when possible, students also preferred in-person education for its positive emotions and superior level of communication. Whatever the preference, a combination of virtual and in-person options enriches the learning experience.
Whilst tactile and visual memories are stronger, listening is a key way to help retain information. For educational sessions, the pairing of speech with visual aids like a presentation or a prop reinforces the learning, giving practitioners a clearer understanding of a certain topic or technique.
Unlike the monotony of a textbook or other reading resources, speech varies in diction, tone and emphasis, improving the understanding for those listening. Those running lectures, seminars, study clubs and webinars, live or pre-recorded, can place greater emphasis on complicated ideas and follow at their own pace to ensure understanding and retention. This can maintain their interest, with passionate speakers injecting a sense of fun and energy.
Going worldwide
In dentistry, the opportunities to attend a lecture, seminar or webinar are bountiful. Of particular note are those run by international dental professionals; hearing from world-renowned figures can be energising, pushing practitioners to evolve their treatments, technologies and knowledge. A lightning strike of inspiration may come from such a speaker, giving practitioners an idea that can enhance a certain treatment.
Furthermore, listening to international speakers can broaden – or even change – the perspectives that practitioners may have on dentistry outside of the UK. This can highlight that challenges in oral health are a worldwide problem, which is best solved when dental professionals cross countries and work together. On the international front, practitioners may also travel to other parts of the UK, or even other countries, to attend unmissable dental conferences. Not only are these educationally worthwhile, but they promote travel and a cultural experience, increasing the enjoyment of the event.
Listening application in dentistry
Listening is an invaluable skill, one which a practitioner must hone to deliver cosmetic dental treatments that are aesthetically and functionally excellent. Poor listening has been described as a “silent killer of productivity and profit”. In dentistry, practitioners must listen without interruption to their patients and their fellow staff members; this reduces the risk of error and keeps the workflow running smoothly. In fact, quality listening can lead to better leadership, trust, superior job performance and a lower risk of burnout.
Furthermore, giving patients the space and time to speak is vital for the patient-practitioner relationship. Active listening is a concept from 1951 that details how a patient can unload emotionally and reveals the reason why the patient is there, with the dentist posing follow-up questions to get a clearer understanding. Active listening builds rapport and increases the self-esteem of the patient, making them feel safe and well-attended. For a comfortable patient experience, carefully listening shows care and competency, so that the patient knows the subsequent treatment will align with what they want.
Fill the calendar
Lectures, seminars, webinars and study clubs are an invaluable form of CPD, one that the BACD is proud to support. A BACD membership makes it easier to manage and complete all the yearly CPD requirements, offering a variety of resources, webinars and study clubs. By engaging with the BACD’s benefits, members can arm themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to shape the future of ethical cosmetic dentistry.
Listening is the most important skill in the workplace. By interacting with dental professionals across lectures and seminars, practitioners can obtain new skills and knowledge that can be enacted into the daily workflow. By supporting speakers, practitioners can support the future for the industry.
References available on request.
For more information visit www.bacd.com