Best Practice 7

Continuing Dental Education Programs

In keeping with our institution’s motto, “Where Wisdom Is Divine”, we have always aimed to pursue excellence in knowledge. The need to constantly update ourselves is of paramount concern in a field such as dentistry, where innovative techniques and concepts are churned out on a regular basis. Continuing Dental Education programs are a means to ensure our students and faculty are in tune with all the latest developments in our speciality.

Objectives:

• Review existing dental treatment concepts and techniques.

• Earn credit points.

• Gather practical knowledge on how to use latest tools and equipments.

• Understand business practices.

• Learn how to expand your professional practice.

• Acquire certification.

Context:

The dental field is a very competitive one and to stay ahead of the competition, dental professionals have to stay abreast on ever-changing dental technologies, trends and best practices.

In the rush of daily life, we as dental professionals may become stagnant in our skill set if we are unaware of the latest trends in dentistry. With patients becoming more self reliant and demanding, we have to do our best to provide our patients with the best standard of treatment and care.

Continuing dental education can help to learn essential skills, expand knowledge on the best dental practices and current technologies and increase services to best meet the needs of patients.

Practice:

Each department takes turns to organize a CDE program. First a proposal is put forward with the suggested topic, speakers and tentative dates. Once the proposal is approved, it is then forwarded to the CDE Committee.

The CDE Committee then joins hands with the organizing department to conduct the CDE program.  A formal request is sent to the Kerala Dental Council with all the necessary details regarding the program. Once the green signal is given by the council, we are provided with credit points and an official order number which will be awarded to the participants after the completion of the program. Program brochures, notices and social media updates are then circulated to inform one and all about the upcoming program.

All arrangements are made to make sure the speakers and participants are comfortable and well taken care of. After the program, feedback is collected from both Resource Persons and participants to analyze any shortcomings that can be addressed in the following programs.

Certificates are provided to the Resource Persons as well as all the participants.

All CDE programs are extensively documented for future reference and a report of the conducted program will be sent to the Kerala Dental Council with all details enclosed.

Evidence Of Success:

The frequent conduct of such programs is well received by the students and faculty as is evidenced by their feedback after each program.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required:

1. Conducting such programs without hampering the functioning of clinics and theory classes.

2. Making sure patient appointments are not delayed.

3. Ensuring all students and faculty are benefitted from the topic selected.

The feedback collected provides a plethora of information to help realize and overcome any issues faced.