As a dentist, I’m required to complete a number of continuing education courses throughout the year. These courses help to hone my craft and directly benefit patients by allowing me to offer the highest quality patient care. Over the years, I’ve found these courses to be so beneficial that I typically complete 300 hours per year, when only 30 are required. It’s a big investment of time and money, but something that I find to be very important.
Advanced Treatment Planning & Interactive Case Management
I recently completed a course at The Kois Center on Advanced Treatment Planning & Interactive Case Management. The course is the culmination of Dr. Kois’ eight-part curriculum, which I began in 2009, and uses independent research to help dentists make evidence-based treatment decisions. The final course is designed to teach dentists how to implement the thought process necessary to create systematic treatment plans and facilitate complex restorative treatment.
As dentists, we are required to make important decisions about patients’ treatments based on risk factors. The more complex the case, the more risk factors we must consider.
Take for instance an older patient who is medically compromised and has a high risk of periodontal disease, as well as a high risk of wear and several broken teeth. The treatment plan for this patient involves many areas of dentistry and several dentists. This type of dentistry is also an investment and something that insurance has very little contribution to. Therefore, good choices need to be made so the same factors that contributed to the downfall of their teeth do not compromise their new dentistry.
Advanced Treatment Planning & Interactive Case Management taught me how to make these decisions based on independent research and data. When it comes to treatment of any kind, decisions should not be subjective or based on a small sampling of evidence. Dr. Kois’ courses have taught me to make decisions based on nationwide research and the hard facts of science.
Before, dentists would make decisions based the outcomes of a small sample of dentists. Typically, those in their practice, region or state. However, The Kois Center is now bringing together dentists from across the nation and helping to standardize dental care. Courses are updated each year, ensuring that dentists are working with the latest research available.
What This Means for You
When you enter our practice, our recommendations are all backed by science. When we recommend a particular type of crown, product or procedure, it is because we have read the evidence and understand the science behind our decisions.
Completing this course is just one way that I can stay on top of the latest research and provide top-tier dental care. My hope is that this level of education will help instill confidence in my team when we are trusted with your dental care.
Whether you’re second guessing your dentist’s recommendations, or you are in need of complex dental treatment, we can help. Call our office to set up a consultation.
