Continuing education is a must for all dental professionals. Not only is it required for relicensing, lifelong learning is essential for staff to keep up with changes in science, technology and state regulations. Providing financial support for continuing education shows staff that their practice office leaders see their value. In turn practice owners receive a hefty return:
1. Longer employee retention.
When employees feel valued, they are more likely to stay. And with today’s difficult hiring environment for employers, the extra nudge of paid continuing education could pay off for you by retaining a staff member who is glancing at other job options. The cost of CE courses is modest compared to the stress and costs of onboarding new staff members.
2. Higher-performing employees.
Whether learning technical skills or soft skills, CE courses can boost a staff member’s job performance. Training on equipment maintenance and medical billing can save your practice both time and money. Training on improving case acceptance can grow your case load. OSHA and HIPPA deficiencies can cost your practice in fines, while a lack in emergency preparedness may cost a life. Staff members who do not change and grow can hinder your practice’s growth as the market place and technology changes.
3. Stronger teams.
Taking CE courses can build confidence, create innovative sparks and help employees feel like they belong. Turning a full day of learning into a teambuilding opportunity enhances these benefits. This all contributes to individuals who want to work together towards success. Patients can sense the atmosphere of a practice, and a smooth running team helps in patient retention.
4. Higher profits.
If you are looking to add new procedures in your practice such as therapeutic Botox, clear aligner orthodontics or laser tongue and lip tie releases or if you looking to improve your clinical techniques like oral surgery, root canals, photography and occlusal equilibration, you will want your staff members to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk as well. CE courses in these areas are often open not just to dentists, but to staff members as well.
Staff members who feel valued, are confident and are more productive will impact the company’s bottom line positively through increased productivity, increased sales and innovation that every practice needs to remain relevant in dentistry over a long period of time.
The Southwest Dental Conference, sponsored by Dallas County Dental Society, provides a wide variety of top-notch CE courses to dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, techs and front desk staff—something for everyone, including the CE topics mentioned above! Learn more about this affordable CE conference and the continuing education courses available to keep your employees engaged and motivated at www.swdentalconf.org
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1In the State of Texas, dentists and hygienists are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of CE biennially and dental assistants 6 hours annually. See https://tsbde.texas.gov/ for full explanation of requirements.