Continuing Education "Do"s & "Don't"s

We returned recently from The Paragon Program's Super Workshop Academy in Ohio. This two day program was geared towards dentists, office managers and dental assistants.

Gina and I were interviewed in the human resources section of the Office Manger Academy. They asked us questions about why we try to go above and beyond, how to be a great dental assistant and how to interview/hire exceptional team members.
Gina was also part of a panel discussion on innovative ideas, continuing education, the value of dental assistants and technology in
the Dental Assisting Academy. We came back with some fresh new ideas and goals to put into practice in our office. Unfortunately, there were some disturbing things we observed in the Dental Assisting Academy that we thought would be a great blog topic.

"Do"s & "Don't"s of Continuing Education 

"Do"s:

• Show up early so that you can find a good seat
• Pay attention to speaker
• Take brief notes-think about what you can apply to yourself or your practice
• Talk to your doctor and dental team about what you learned and how it can benefit your office
• Network with other assistants you meet
• Dress for success! Dress conservatively and look respectable. 

"Don't"s:

• (These are things we actually saw!)

• Don't pull out a mirror and start plucking your eyebrows
• Do crossword puzzles
• Check your Facebook feed 
• Talk out loud during session
• Sleep with your head down on the desk
• Text your friends
• Dress provocatively, showing too much skin or cleavage. 
• Drink excessively or get drunk at dinners or events that may be held during evening hours. 

Having your doctor  include you in continuing education courses is a real privilege. Most of these course are not free. They involve traveling to locations outside your city/state which requires lodging/food expenses. We encourage assistants who want to take their careers "to the next level" to use these continuing education courses as a way to better yourself , your team and your practice. Even if you have been to a similar course, it's always possible to take away new "pearls".

We have shown our doctor that we want to learn  and she has given us the opportunity to travel all over the U.S. and learn from leaders in the dental field.  When you are at a continuing education course, it's important to remember that you're still "on-the-clock" and you are always representing your doctor and your practice. If you take take your position seriously and pursue your career, your doctor will see you as an asset and will be more inclined to include you in future educational opportunities.