Continuing Education Update by Howard M. Goldstein, DMD

The end of the year is getting closer. Get your 2016 CE credits completed now, rather than waiting until the last day! (Yes, Dec. 31 really is the busiest CE day of the year here at Dentaltown.) We recently released some great new courses that are worth checking out even if you don’t need the credits.

Next Level Endodontics: Endodontic Fundamentals
by Dr. Martin Trope
Based on their decades of academic and clinical expertise, Dr. Martin Trope and the Next Level Endodontics faculty have created a curriculum on the fundamentals of predictable clinical success. This series emphasizes the biologic requirements for successful endodontics. Strategies discussed include cutting-edge instrumentation and root-filling technologies that promise excellent results for prevention and treatment of apical periodontitis, as well as for the tooth’s long-term survivability. Completion of this program is a prerequisite for Trope’s world-renowned, hands-on courses. 

Ceramic System Selection and Laboratory Communication Protocol: Making Predictable Happen
by Dr. Arthur Volker
The world of dental ceramics can be difficult to navigate. This webinar aims to classify and discuss the properties of the most widely used ceramic materials available. Also, shade selection and laboratory communication protocols for optimal functional and aesthetic results are addressed.

Delayed Versus Immediate Implants and the Principles of Bone Preservation and Augmentation (Recorded live at the CAD-Ray Symposium)
by Dr. Jay Reznick
Dr. Reznick demonstrates how to extract teeth in an atraumatic way, which in turn leads to implant success. He goes into details on the decision process involved, as well as the pros and cons of delayed versus immediate placement of implants. The principles and importance of ridge preservation also are taught, as well as how to graft around an immediate implant. This course is a must for anyone who’s placing implants or thinking about doing so in the future.

Appropriate Analgesic Prescribing for the General Dentist
by Dr. Mark Donaldson
Wouldn’t it be great to be known as the dentist who offers excellent pain-free, postoperative care without the use of narcotics? Wouldn’t you like to be more confident in all of your prescription writing, knowing that you’re on the cutting edge, evidence-based and guideline-driven? This program will help you get there.

Keys to Your Success (Filmed live at Townie Meeting)
by Dr. John Nosti
Dr. Nosti covers a plethora of topics and shares concepts that he’s learned from his practice that have allowed him to continue to perform with a less than a 50 percent overhead. Topics include treatment-planning presentations, from single-unit crowns to full-mouth reconstructions. Learn the one procedure that can increase your production significantly. Increase new patients, increase referrals, decrease overhead, and more.

The Power of Solo Dentists with PPO Negotiations
by Sandi Hudson
This course is designed to help solo dentists understand how to successfully negotiate PPO fees, based on the makeup of their individual practices. Tailor your participation to strategically position yourself against increased competition and corporations. Understand the differences between direct contracts and third-party administrators or shared networks to take control of your level of participation.

Next Level Endodontics: Anesthesia and Pain Control
by Dr. James G. Hupp
This course describes strategies to obtain profound anesthesia to perform comfortable endodontic treatment. Also, current evidence will be presented regarding the use of analgesics and antibiotics for posttreatment care of endodontic patients. 

The Standard of Care: What Is It? What Is It Not? Key Information Both Specialists and General Dentists Need to Know
by John Dovgan
This course will educate you on the definition of the “standard of care” and how to meet it, as well as key legal terms you need to know. Guidelines are given for what is looked for in dental board cases and malpractice cases, as well as local anesthetic and sedation mistakes that dentists make. Learn which lines should not be crossed, and typical treatment notes you should incorporate into practice.

Pediatric Dentistry: Anesthesia, Pulp Therapy and Stainless Steel Crowns
by Dr. Josh Wren
With the Affordable Care Act mandating dental coverage for those 19 and younger, more than 3 million pediatric patients will be added to 150,000 dental practices. Treating children may become a necessity for your dental office. Pulp therapy and stainless steel crowns are procedures often considered complex when performed on pediatric patients—this course will alleviate any fear of the unknown that leads to this misconception. Indirect pulp therapy, pulpotomy and pulpectomy are discussed, with emphasis on diagnosis and technique. Stainless steel crowns are also discussed, with procedural steps explained and shown. The course also discusses Wren’s process for using nitrous oxide, appropriate topical anesthesia and local anesthesia to achieve painless injections.

Busting the Myths of Occlusion: Practical Concepts for Everyday Dentistry
by Dr. Barry Glassman
This two-hour course clarifies many of the common myths of occlusion and provides you with the ability to implement the reality-based concepts to improve your ability to help each and every patient. Basic TMD concepts are reviewed to help end much of the confusion associated with the term “TMD.” This is the occlusion course that gives useful, commonsense advice.

Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics
by Dr. Lane Ochi
Successfully treating patients with fixed prosthodontics requires a mastery of materials and mechanical concepts, as well as a respect for tooth structure. We need to be aware of the interactions between preparation design, margin configuration, core buildups or posts, and the luting agent. After viewing this course, you’ll be able to identify the causes of failures and prevent them from recurring.

Buying a Dental Practice: There Is More to It Than Price (Filmed live at Townie Meeting)
by Tim Lott
This presentation is designed to educate prospective buyers about how to approach the financial “due diligence” of buying a dental practice. You’ll learn which information to look at, how to piece it together and how to analyze it to formulate an offer. You’ll also learn other aspects of the purchase process, so you’ll be prepared when you locate a practice you want to buy.