Have you ever called to schedule an appointment with your dentist only to learn that the office will not be open on the day of your choosing because he is attending at a conference? If this it the case, do not despair. Be happy that your chosen dental professionals are doing their best to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field of dental care. Consult your calendar, choose another appointment date, and be sure to ask them what they learned at their conference when you see them.
East Coast
A lot of dental professionals make it a priority to include continuing education in their practice. A great way to do this is by attending an area conference. Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari reports professionals at the Premier Dental Care Clinic in Northern Virginia “… attend the Washington, D.C. Dental Conference every year, and (they) take course there, as well.” They believe “… it is very important to have the whole office up to date with what the new research shows and (understanding) how the different services that (offered) benefit our patients.”
This conference held annually in the nation’s capital provides a forum for dental professionals to discuss, study, and experience issues facing their field. The planners of the conference strive to bring international experts in various fields of dental health to share information and knowledge. Topics covered in the past and covered on the D.C. Dental Society website include the affects of oral piercing on dental health, oral cancer screenings, the benefits of early installation of braces, how women’s health issues impact oral health, smoking and oral health, and how medications can affect teeth and gums.
In the Desert
The Washington, D.C. conference is not the only option for dental professionals to expand their knowledge and share their experiences. The Nevada Dental Association (NDA) also holds an annual conference and features programs that have included an extensive look at porcelain veneers, office-wide infection issues, and oral pain caused by jaw and bite problems. The NDA organizes several conferences throughout the year, several of which are held in locations besides Las Vegas including San Diego and the Napa Valley.
In all states, licensed dental establishments require their employees to receive continuing education on a variety of educational issues that affect the dental community. It is also a great bonding and team-building experience for dental offices to travel to and attend the conferences together. While this may not seem like a big deal for patients, it is important to remember that dentists and hygienists work together when treating your mouth. You want each professional to be comfortable working with one another and confident in the skills of their colleagues. And, attending the conferences together is a great way to build strong professional relationships.
Keeping in Tip-Top Shape
Conferences are also a great way for dental professionals to relieve stress. Like any career, certain issues are unique to the field. Each office may feel as if they are the only group dealing with aggravations. If professionals are able to gather throughout the year to share experiences, it gives them a chance to realize they are not alone. Many issues are the same from office to office and region to region. If you are able to discuss coping strategies and get the sense your office is not isolated, it will boost morale and help you cope with day-to-day problems. Again, patients benefit from the professionalism and stress reduction dental offices gain from conferences. Conferences are often held at resorts, getting the dental professionals out of the sterile environment of the office and into situations where they can kick back, relax, and unwind.
It can be challenging to keep up with a constantly developing medical field like dentistry. Conferences are a great place for dentists, hygienists, oral surgeons, and other dental health professionals to expand their knowledge, discuss their field, and keep up with cutting-edge procedures. As a patient, do not be upset if your dentist or favorite hygienist is not available to see you because he is attending a conference. In the long run, you will benefit from their experience and will be able to enjoy the best dental health available. Support your dentist’s attendance at a dental conference.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
