National dental associations require that our profession responds to changing public needs, understands and uses the best available new techniques and knowledge, and assists practi- tioners in providing prevention and successful management of oral conditions. In light of these directives, how can a doctor go about confirming that a program they select will fulfill these requirements? Given our educa- tion with its focus on the head, neck and oral cavity, it only makes sense that we should be the primary caretakers of oral conditions. As with any area of practice and adopting new modalities, I would rely heavily on evidence- based research, scientific data and profes- sional experts. Often, courses and meetings are sponsored by manufacturers and dental supply companies, which help defray the cost of the program, but make sure the program is not an “infomercial.” Sometimes, we as dental professionals think we are being in- vited to an educational program only to find out it is simply a sales pitch. A sales pitch is OK, as long as it is not misrepresented as an educational program. I believe in finding out as much as we can before adopting the tech- nology, and many times the manufacturer is the primary source. Just make sure they are not your only source of information.


How has the nature of dental CE changed over time with the current emphasis on interprofes- sional education (i.e. interacting more closely with our medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues)? We are seeing and developing more programs that are interdisciplinary. For example, in a course on tongue-tied infants, speakers include a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, a nurse practitioner, a pediatrician and a lactation specialist. The condition may be detected first by the general dentist, but by coordinating the care, the providers work as a team, and ultimately the child receives the best care possible. For the last two years, we (the dental profession) have been work- ing with pharmacy, nursing, medical and therapy to remedy the opioid crisis. In the area of sleep medicine dentists are working with physicians and sleep-study centers to appropriately diagnose and treat sleep apnea. By learning through a broad spectrum of providers across a variety of disciplines, we will be better able to communicate with our interprofessional cohorts.


What have you found are the most popular CE topics currently and what venues do dentists prefer? Also, talk a little about the cost of CE programs and what doctors should expect to pay. Currently, the most popular CE topics are: COVID 19 and returning to practice safely; implants; CAD/CAM and digital solu- tions (guided surgery, digital dentures, milled crowns and bridges); clear aligner therapy; and, dental lasers. The cost is widely varied depending on the course format. If it is a lecture or webinar, the fees could be rela- tively inexpensive due to the low overhead of conducting the course. On the other end of the spectrum, if it is a hands-on program with a variety of equipment, technology and perhaps even “live-patient” modules, the course overhead is significant and the class size is often limited, thus driving the price up. My suggestion when entering a new den- tal area of education or provider is to perhaps start with a lecture or webinar to see how it meets your needs at a “lower-stakes” level. If you feel they offered a quality program, then consider embarking on more comprehensive programs with them in the future.


Finally, in a post-COVID-19 world that relied heavily on remote distance learning for continuity of education during the pandemic, do you foresee a fundamental shift in dental CE going forward? Absolutely. Certainly, in the near future, we will see a high utilization of distance learning. As the pandemic hit this past spring, many state dental meetings were canceled. Moving forward, the ADA has elected not to hold their annual meeting this fall in an on-site format. The void created by canceling these large national meetings will necessitate more meetings being held virtually or possibly in smaller formats with social distancing measures taken. Also, many facilities, such as our campus and many other dental campuses have temporarily eliminated the option to hold “in-person” events. Along those lines, we are holding most pre-doctoral lectures via webinar and the only time dental students are on campus is for clinic, sim-lab exercises and major exams.


I do feel we are very fortunate that if a pan- demic had to happen, it happened during a time when we have such great technological advances to keep us connected. I also ap- plaud many of the hosting companies such as


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Missouri CE Requirements


Following is the Missouri Dental Board’s statement on CE require- ments. For any questions, contact the Board at 573-751-0040.


The Missouri Dental Board has not waived the requirements for CE hours for the November 30, 2020 renewal date. There is no limitation on the number of CE hours that licensees can obtain through online courses, journal offerings, webinars or other distance/ virtual learning formats. The Board has observed that during the current COVID-19 pandemic, many online or distance learning providers are actually offering free or reduced fees for CE courses. While many traditional CE providers are canceling events due to social distancing limitations, this is an excellent opportunity for licensees to take advantage of opportunities to earn affordable CE through distance learning providers.


EXTRA HOURS CARRYOVER


The Board also reminds dentists that they may carry over up to 25 extra hours earned beyond the renewal requirement into the next CE report- ing period. For example, if a dentist earned a total of 70 hours of CE during the current period, 20 of those hours could be applied to the requirement to renew in 2022. The Board does remind licensees to check to make sure that their hours are from approved CE providers. A list of Board-approved CE providers can be found in the Board’s Continuing Dental Education rule, 20 CSR 2110-2.240 (pages 15-17).


ISSUE 4 | JUL/AUG 2020 | focus 17


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