Howard Speaks By: Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, MAGD
Publisher, Dentaltown Magazine

Howard Farran, DDS,
MBA, MAGD
Publisher,
Dentaltown Magazine

If you have ever followed my advice at all, you know I am a firm believer in continuing education. L. D. Pankey said you cannot sell a product if it isn’t sitting on your shelf. If your skills are limited to cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings and crowns, your production is going to be severely limited. Well I am very proud to announce the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, in Scottsdale, Arizona, the world’s premier institute of dental continuing education.

It’s nice to have allies. For those of us who have been fighting the good fight for unbiased continuing education for dentists all these years, it’s a relief to welcome the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry to the neighborhood. I recently visited this brand-new facility for a preview.

At 65,000 square feet, it’s a large facility and is resting on a very solid foundation. The center stands for truth and integrity and welcomes all schools of thought across all dental disciplines. Its education programs will aim for the ideal balance among evidence-based dentistry, academic research and the deep experience and broad application of knowledge by a faculty that is credible and ethical. I want to congratulate my friend and CEO of the Center, Imtiaz Manji, on the completion of this huge project.

I’ve known Imtiaz – who is also the CEO of Mercer Advisors, Mastery and Transitions – for 15 years. I’ve heard him speak at dental events, I’ve attended his practice management workshops and I think he more than deserves his reputation as one of dentistry’s most innovative thinkers.

“We wanted to create a philosophical learning environment unlike any other in dentistry,” says Imtiaz. “We recognize the importance of each role in the dental team and our goal is to teach practical clinical skills in the context of a team approach to comprehensive care. We want to empower every member of the team with the inspiration, motivation and knowledge to excel in every aspect of their professional practices and personal lives.”

That’s powerful stuff, but if it can happen anywhere, the center is the place for it. The center is purpose-designed to offer a full range of educational experiences including lectures in large and small groups, over-the-shoulder programs, hands-on programs, even one-on-one education in every aspect of dental activity and it’s all inclusive for dentists, teams and technicians.

Imtiaz also believes that learning should continue beyond the boundaries of clinic or classroom. Students and graduates join a community that enjoys value added programs that foster ongoing discussion and allow them to remain connected to their peers.

Another key ingredient to the future success of this educational center is another very good friend to the profession, Dr. Gordon J. Christensen. He has strong views on the need for ethical, broad-based, independent continuing education and the fact that he has accepted the position as dean of the center speaks volumes about what the center stands for. Congratulations, Gordon!

When I contacted Gordon for comments, he shared this: “When you combine a facility that features the ultimate in dental technology with a philosophy of offering unbiased, high-quality and affordable education, I truly believe the result will be a major positive advancement in dental education. To be the dean of this world-class learning facility is an awesome responsibility and I feel both motivated and excited as I accept this challenge.”

“I have been pleased to be a consultant for the original development of the center and its philosophy over several years,” says Dr. Christensen. “Much work has been done by many experts on the physical facility and the plans for curriculum and faculty, and I am excited about the potential of the direction that’s been taken. My goal is to accelerate this project so that in the weeks and months to come, the center will provide dentists, dental specialists, hygienists, assistants, technicians, and business personnel with ideal choices about both the subjects and the depth of their continuing education.”

I don’t know of a better place for dentists to enjoy working vacations that blend the best in high-quality continuing education with activities like golf, spas, fine dining, nightlife and other luxurious amenities Scottsdale is famous for.

In building this center, Imtiaz has made a huge commitment to the future of dentistry personally, professionally and financially. But like he says, when committed, ethical, cutting-edge educators come together with a shared vision for dentistry, the possibilities for promoting ever-increasing levels of professionalism, patient care and enjoyment are limitless. I hope you will find the time to visit our sunny corner of the dental world!

Scottsdale Center for Dentistry

The facility is an impressive structure with many state-of-the-art features. Some of the highlights from my tour:
• A state-of-the-art, 278-seat auditorium with on-stage operatory for over-the-shoulder learning with film and broadcast capability and cameras linked to giant plasma screens for optimal viewing
• A dental practice of the future, designed and equipped to ideal standards with six operatories featuring the latest in clinical technology and office design plus a master clinical operatory with film and broadcast capabilities
• A clinical training area to support hands-on learning with 36 lab benches and 10 clinical operatories
• A 60-seat classroom for non-clinical programs with film and broadcast capabilities
• Five meeting rooms for small meetings and strategy sessions
• Outdoor courtyard and amphitheatre for breakouts and fireside chats
• Café and lounge areas, ideal for meetings and casual lunches