Why Dental Workshops Work: The Crucial Role in Continuing Education

In our rapidly evolving world, understanding why dental workshops work is essential for staying up to date with the latest techniques and technologies needed for Spear Education to provide Great Dentistry.  

Here at Spear, we were curious about what our members think about workshops. In our State of Dental CE e-book from 2022, we shared that 61% of the members we surveyed said they prefer to learn in person and 64% prefer hands-on learning like a workshop.

What's more, in 2022 alone, Spear had more than 2,000 workshop attendees with nearly 600 of those attendees choosing our Facially Generated Treatment Planning (FGTP) workshop. These numbers speak for themselves. Even with this interest, some might still wonder why in-person workshops remain relevant in our current digital age. 

Why In-Person Workshops Work

Hands-On Learning

We all know that dental procedures require precise manual skills. In-person workshops offer you the opportunity to practice techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors, making them the perfect environment for hands-on learning. 

Immediate Feedback

In a workshop setting, instructors provide real-time feedback, allowing you to correct mistakes and refine your techniques on the spot. This instant guidance accelerates the learning process. 

Networking

Dentistry is not just about skills; it's also about collaboration. Dental workshops foster networking with peers and experts, creating a sense of community and knowledge exchange. 

Meet Important CE Requirements

You know the importance of fulfilling your CE requirements. Dental workshops provide a reliable way to fulfill these requirements while enhancing your clinical skills. 

Comprehensive Education

In the context of Spear's many workshop and seminar offerings which are patient-centric, in-person sessions allow you to understand the patient’s experience better. This empathetic approach to dentistry is crucial for providing personalized care and demonstrates why dental workshops work effectively in improving patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.

“Good workshops provide everything we've just reviewed. A great example of a workshop that really works is Spear's Facially Generated Treatment Planning workshop.”

Spear's Facially Generated Treatment Planning (FGTP) method is an innovative approach that prioritizes individualized patient care. Our workshop, Treatment Planning with Confidence, transforms the way you see your patients and the way they see themselves.

Why Does This Workshop Work?

Patient-Centric Approach

FGTP empowers you to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique facial and smile characteristics. This patient-centric approach is at the heart of why dental workshops like FGTP are so effective. 

Holistic Dentistry

FGTP encourages a holistic view of dentistry that goes beyond routine procedures. You'll learn to consider not just dental issues but also how their treatments enhance a patient's facial esthetics. This comprehensive perspective sets FGTP apart and showcases why dental workshops like this are invaluable.   

In the ever-evolving field of dentistry, understanding why dental workshops work is crucial. They provide hands-on experience, immediate feedback, networking opportunities, and align with the industry's emphasis on continuing education and patient-centered care. As a dentist with two decades of experience, I can attest to the profound impact of in-person education on clinical excellence and patient satisfaction. Clinicians who invest in their ongoing education through workshops not only improve their skills but also contribute to the advancement of the dental profession. This is why dental workshops work, and they remain indispensable for dental professionals committed to excellence. 

Whether you've already taken a workshop this year, or you've only considered it, I invite you to explore Spear's in-person workshops and seminars.

Darin Dichter, D.M.D., is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty.