At Jameson Management & Marketing, we’re in the business of helping dental practices become more effective and efficient so that they can better focus on what matters—providing the very best in patient care. We understand the pressures you are under to oversee and manage back-office operations, take care of your patients, and everything else you need to do in a day. 

We also understand that finding the time for continuing education can be a struggle. That’s why virtual learning presents such as great opportunity. It can often be completed in the comfort of your own home or office. And, it often takes place at a time that is convenient for you and most conducive for your learning. That said, it is important that when taking time out of your busy schedule for learning that you can make it really count. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you not only embrace the concept of continued learning, but make sure you get out of it what you put in.

The rise of e-learning in dental education.

In recent years, especially since our experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of e-learning has seriously taken off. Today’s learners no longer have to head across town—or to another state—to take courses, get continuing education credits, achieve certifications, etc. In fact, according to the Devlin Peck website, the e-learning industry has experienced 900% growth since 2000. And, it’s expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

This style of learning offers so many benefits that dental professionals couldn’t experience just a few years ago.

• Flexibility: E-learning allows you to learn on your schedule. You can access your courses whenever it suits you best, whether early in the morning or late at night.
• Cost-effective: Learn from the comfort of your home or office and save money on travel and accommodation. There is no need to spend on gas or plane tickets to attend seminars.
• Wide range of resources: With e-learning, you can access various learning materials, including videos, podcasts, and interactive modules, all available online.
• Self-paced: Move through courses at your own pace. If you need more time on a topic, you can take it; if you’re ready to move on, you can do that, too, without waiting for others.
• Immediate updates and feedback: These days, we all love instant gratification, and the same holds true when it comes to receiving test scores, feedback, etc. With virtual e-learning, you can typically receive real-time updates and feedback on quizzes and assignments. This helps you know what you might need to review before moving on to the next module.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with peers and experts worldwide through forums and discussion groups, enhancing your learning and professional network.
• Good for the planet: Compared to traditional learning methods, e-learning is more environmentally sustainable because it reduces the need for physical materials and travel.

6 tips to embrace virtual learning for continuing education.

While you may acknowledge the perceived benefits of virtual learning and continuing education for dentists, we totally get how hard it can be to take time away from the practice. It’s important to remember that growing your skills as a dentist and dental practice owner can pay back in dividends, as it will allow you to provide a higher level of care to your patients going forward.

Here are six tips to help you not only embrace, but maximize your experience in the online classroom.

1. Identify Your Learning Objectives

Before starting any course, determine what you want to achieve. Are you looking to enhance specific skills, learn new techniques, or meet licensure requirements? Clear goals will guide your educational journey and keep you focused.

2. Explore Courses That Interest You

Choose courses that fulfill your professional requirements and spark your interest. Start with some free courses to get you going. This can be a great way to get you in the habit and interested in learning more. Engaging content will keep you motivated and make the learning process more enjoyable.

3. Set a Realistic Learning Schedule

Balance your professional and personal commitments by creating a study schedule that fits into your busy life. Allocate specific times each week for e-learning to ensure you can steadily progress without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Engage Actively With the Material

Interact with the course content by taking notes, asking questions, and participating in online discussions. You can also use online apps to help with note-taking, too, if it makes it easier for you to stay focused. Remember that active engagement helps reinforce learning and enhances your understanding of the material.

5. Track Your Progress

Keep a record of the courses you complete and the skills you acquire. This will not only motivate you, but also help you plan further educational needs or prepare for professional evaluations.

6. Apply What You Learn

Put your new knowledge and skills into practice as soon as possible. Applying what you’ve learned will reinforce your new abilities and show the real-world benefits of your continuing education efforts.

Take your first step toward embracing virtual learning with Jameson Grow. 

If you’re ready to start learning but don’t know where to start, our Jameson Grow program can help. With our services, you can take online CE courses to help expand your knowledge. This high-quality dental education comes with a virtual dental coach to help you apply your knowledge quickly and in the right places. Choose from a personal plan or team plan—whatever works best for the continuing education goals for your practice.

What are you waiting for? Get started today.