Practice Perspectives CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17


Zoom and WebEx for offering free platforms for many months. If this had happened a few years ago we would be offering CE with smoke signals and carrier pigeons! I do feel moving forward, more CE courses will be of- fered via webinar and other distance learning technology. In Texas, like many other states, the state dental boards consider “live and interactive” webinars with “the opportunity for dialogue with the presenter,” the same as attending an “in-person” event. A few states require a test after a live webinar to demon- strate understanding and mastery. Even with this requirement, it allows dental profes- sionals to gain CE credit while participating remotely.


One final thought is that dentistry is a resilient profession full of resourceful, compassionate and innovative people. Large gatherings aimed at disseminating dental in- formation will, at least in the near future, no longer occur. I feel that going forward per- haps smaller venue courses requiring hands- on programming will occur but only with appropriate precautions. We will continue to innovate and find ways to provide evidence- based education to benefit our dental profes- sionals and ultimately our patients. f


Practice Perspectives is contributed by Dr. David Thein, a periodontist and associate clinical professor at UMKC School of Dentistry. He is the course director for the practice management curriculum and advises students/residents and recent grads in professional career development. In each column, Dr. Thein provides


an interview with industry experts on a variety of topics. He invites your feedback and suggestions for future columns at 816-835-7480 or drthein@drthein.com.


Dr. Scott G. Stafford, DDS, MBA is a 1996 graduate of UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He co-developed an interactive, online practice management curriculum (dentalpracticeready.uthscsa.edu/ index.aspx) that is being taught at multiple dental schools. He left full-time private practice in 2017


to become Director of Continuing Dental Education and Practice Management at UT Health San Antonio. He continues active patient care in his dental faculty practice on a part-time basis, while lecturing and scouting for new CE topics and speakers. He can be reached at staffords@ uthscsa.edu or 210-567-3177.


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ISSUE 4 | JUL/AUG 2020 | focus 19


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