Dentists, like all people, have the world at their fingertips with the internet. Today, more than ever, people are relying on the internet for many different things. You can do just about anything you want on the internet. I wanted to share with you how the internet is helping dentist help you with your treatment. There are several ways the internet is helping dentist to stay up to date.
1) Online forums.
Dental forums are websites that allow people to post questions, cases, learning videos, research, results, techniques, materials, practice management, marketing ideas, to other dentist. Thousands of dentists from all over the world can help us with ideas and opinions on ways to provide the best treatment to our patients. I have belonged to dental forums for about 6 years now. I think dentists who don’t participate in forums are really missing out on learning new things and innovative treatment ideas from others. As a dentist, the more tools I have in my toolbelt, the better. I really enjoy learning from others on forums.
2) Webinars
Webinars are live shared internet meetings. Much like skype, webinars allow us to hear a speaker or take a course from our home on the computer. So we don’t have to travel to hear the speaker, the speaker comes to us through the computer. I participate in a local study club, where about 50 dentists get together and watch a webinar. This one allows us to interact with the speaker if we have questions. It also connects dentists from around the world! Very cool.
3) On Demand Courses / Online CE
There are thousands of online continuing education videos and courses out there. Each major dental materials company is now providing videos to help us learn their techniques and products. You can watch these at anytime anywhere to earn continuing education credit or just to learn. There are also slideshows, powerpoints, and PDF articles to read and view. At the end of most of these courses, you are required to take and pass a test to earn your education credits.
4) Podcast
There are also podcast and audio files you can download and listen to.
In conclusion, dentists have a vast amount of educational resources at their fingertips today that should be utilized. My wife says I spend too much time on the computer, this is why!