Dental continuing education can help keep dentists of all levels on top of the changes in the industry. Through dental continuing education courses, seminars and lectures, dentists can improve their skills and learn about new techniques. New online dental continuing education opportunities mean that dentists from all over the country can receive similar training.
Dental License Renewal
Dental continuing education is important for a variety of reasons, but one of the most important is for license renewal. After a dentist graduates and goes into practice, she needs to become licensed by her state of residence. Each state has its own sets of license requirements, but every state requires that the license be renewed from time to time. For example, in the state of California, dentists need to renew their dental license every two years. In order to renew their license, they need to complete 50 hours of continuing education.
ADA Programs
Dentists can use several continuing education programs in order to renew their licenses. The most reliable classes are offered by the American Dental Association. Through the ADA, dentists can further their education and earn credits toward licensure.
The ADA offers both online and offline courses and seminars. The ADA Continuing Education online program offers free and paid courses that help dentists stay on top of important issues in their field. The program is designed to integrate ADA-approved continuing education courses with new distance learning technology.
Types Of Continuing Education
Dental education programs cover medical training, business practices and the integration of new technology into dental practice.
Here is just a sampling of the programs available:
ADA-Licensed Programs
In addition to offering its own programs, the ADA also licenses programs to offer continuing education courses. For a comprehensive list of ADA-approved programs, see the official Web site at http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/ce/courselisting/index.asp
 | Dental training programs offer individuals the opportunity to become dental hygienists or dentists. While dental schools are four-year postgraduate programs that train dentists, shorter dental assistant training programs prepare students to enter the dental hygienist field. |
 | Certified dental assistants perform many of the daily tasks in a dentist's office. Certified dental assistants can also go on to teach other dental assistants in schools and training programs. |
 | Have you ever considered becoming a dental hygienist? This career offers flexibility when it comes to work hours and can provide a solid income. Start by mapping out a plan for heading to school and getting a dental hygienist degree. |
When applying to dental schools, you'll want to know their requirements, and you should find a school that is a good fit for your personal needs and abilities. Start early, and brace for plenty of competition. |
Many career opportunities are available within a dental staff, and you don't even have to be a dentist. You could be a dental assistant, a dental technician or a dental hygienist. |
