Dentistry Keeping Up With Distance Learning

By Author: Karen McDonagh
Total Articles: 75
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Distance learning has been around since the mid-19th century. It has its origins in England where an instructor was able to teach students shorthand writing through postal correspondence. Distance learning improved as technology developed and the want for education increased. More people partook of the opportunity to gain information and knowledge through media portals such as radio and television and even through telephone conversations. Today, the number one source for any distance learning is the internet. People, young and old, from around the world rely on the internet as a quick and convenient source for information and knowledge.

With regards to oral health, one can observe that the dental profession is keeping up with this trend for distance learning through the internet because of the rise in number of websites offering articles about oral health and oral health care. Recognized dental organizations from around the world own their own websites wherein members and even non-members are able to receive the latest news, scientific discoveries, principles, etc regarding the field of dentistry. Some dental ...
... authorities have also started their own information websites to be able to share their expertise about oral health care and their experience of dental practice. This allows other members of the oral health care work force to stay updated and refreshed in their knowledge of the profession and to learn from note-worthy practitioners, which in turn allows them to provide the best quality oral health care to their own patients.

In most nations, including Australia, dental practitioners are required to fulfill a minimum number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours within a fixed time frame prior to having one’s professional license renewed. This is a requirement not only asked of the primary dental professional but also of the supporting dental team, due to its recognized importance in maintain a good standard of oral health care offered and provided to the general public. Furthermore, requiring that dental practitioners undertake CPD ensures integrity in the composition of oral health care workers available to society. As such, many reputable dental schools and organizations have turned to distance learning via online dental CPD websites to be able to provide members of the profession a credible means for further education and fulfilling the required CPD hours. Most of these websites are noted to be managed by persons with a sufficient background in dentistry or education and should have attained an accreditation to provide valid CPD study materials. Dental practitioners who choose to undergo distance learning for their CPD will soon recognize the benefits of its convenience, assortment of topics to explore and relative ease of use, which will help them not only earn their CPD hours but also adequately enhance their knowledge of and skill for oral health care.

These days, both dental students and dental practitioners may conveniently stay updated with news and developments within the field of dentistry through these distance education sources, which will positively affect their capabilities to provide good oral health care. With reputable dental organizations and experts of the profession constantly keeping up with modern trends for sharing knowledge, other members of the dental profession around the world will be guided towards a wide range of oral health education materials via the internet.

Karen McDonagh is a proud contributing author and write articles on several subjects including Dental CPD. For more information please read Courses for your Dental Education.