Has your dentist ever recommended getting checked out by a doctor for a certain symptom? It happens all the time. Maybe it’s high blood pressure or a circulation issue. Maybe it’s a small sign, something that never occurred to you. These are dentists who are watching out for your overall health, not just your oral health.
Dentists are required to take continuing education courses by their state dental boards to remain licensed. There are a wide variety of CE courses available to dentists. The courses a dentist chooses influences the added value he or she offers patients.
The Dallas County Dental Society makes a point of offering numerous continuing education classes throughout the year. The content of our classes focuses both on innovations and the latest research specific to dentistry and it’s connection to a person’s overall health. Each year, research further defines the connection between oral health and overall health. Thus, DCDS members who participate in our CE bring the added value of this education into action for their patients.
Earlier this year, DCDS offered a presentation on Alzheimer’s disease by Mary Ellen Quiceno, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotheraputics at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Quiceno illustrated the latest research into the causes and initiatives for prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Presentation of such information in continuing education for our member dentists can improve and, at times, save lives. Dentists know their patients and observe their medical condition as part of treatment. In fact, a patient might see a dentist more frequently than they see their doctor. So, an informed dentist can spot warning signs that can lead to early detection or even prevention of some illnesses related to overall health, not just oral health.
At DCDS, we try to offer CE that prepares our members to help their patients with any issues that present themselves, both oral health and general health-related. Is your dentist a member? Why not ask? If your dentist is a member, you can count on him or her getting every opportunity for this approach to CE content.
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