For dentists, specialists, hygienists, practice owners, and clinical team leads evaluating live CE (in person or live virtual).
Executive Summary
This guide shows how to select a high quality, practice relevant live continuing education course this quarter. Start by defining outcomes, verify provider recognition, choose the right format for your goals, calculate cost and ROI, and confirm support for implementation. Use the 12 question checklist below to compare options quickly.
Start With Outcomes: Define Your CE Objectives
Identify the specific gaps you want to close this quarter: clinical procedures, diagnostics, decision making, communication, or practice management. Map these to team roles so each participant gains chairside ready skills, not just theory. Create a one page CE goal sheet that lists the procedure or topic, desired competencies, target course date, and metrics for implementation.
- Role mapping: GP, specialist, hygienist, assistant, admin
- Outcome focus: chairside protocols, documentation, and case criteria
- Quarterly plan: define your top 1 to 3 objectives and deadlines
Accreditation, Credits, and Compliance
Before registering, confirm provider accreditation and the type and number of CE hours. Understand how ADA CERP and AGD PACE recognition help you identify quality providers, and check your state board for any mandated topics such as infection control or opioid prescribing. Keep documentation such as the certificate, agenda, learning objectives, and provider details for your records.
- Know the recognition system: ADA CERP and AGD PACE
- Match course credits to your renewal cycle and any mandated subjects
- Keep accurate records in case of audit
Hands On vs Lecture vs Live Virtual
Select the format that best fits your goals, procedure complexity, and learning style.
- Hands on (typodont or live patient): best when tactile competency and step by step protocols are critical
- Lecture and case based: ideal for diagnostics, treatment planning, and decision frameworks
- Live virtual: look for real time Q&A, polling, and breakout rooms for interaction; consider hybrid models with pre course modules plus a live skills lab
Evaluating Course Quality Before You Register
Strong courses publish clear learning objectives, competencies, and assessment methods. Vet faculty via CVs, publications, and transparency around financial disclosures. For hands on courses, check class size and faculty to learner ratios. Review how cases and evidence are presented, and confirm there is post course support such as templates, checklists, or mentorship.
- Syllabus signals: specific skills, cases, and measurable takeaways
- Faculty vetting: clinical experience, publications, and disclosure statements
- Ratios that support learning: smaller groups for hands on competency
- Bias checks: brand neutrality and conflict of interest management
Red flags: vague objectives, unclear prerequisites, lack of post course support, or no disclosure policy.
Logistics, Cost, and ROI
Calculate total cost of attendance, not just tuition: travel, lodging, meals, clinic downtime, and team coverage. Discuss tax treatment with your CPA. Estimate ROI by mapping a realistic adoption timeline, case fees, and utilization targets. Consider bringing key team members if it improves implementation speed and consistency.
- Total cost: tuition plus travel and opportunity costs
- Adoption: plan the first 3 cases and supply list before you attend
- Team training: align front office, assistants, and hygienists for smooth rollout
Safety, Ethics, and Legal Considerations
Ensure new techniques are taught with appropriate safety standards. Know scope, supervision, and delegation rules for each role on your team. Update consent forms and charting to reflect new procedures. Build in mentored practice or simulation before independent clinical use.
Prerequisites, Materials, and Post Course Support
Confirm prerequisites and baseline equipment requirements. Clarify what is included (instruments, disposables, typodonts, lab gear) and what you must bring. Look for post course resources such as checklists, treatment protocols, case review forms, and access to recordings or refresher modules for live virtual courses.
Registration Fine Print
Read cancellation and refund policies, transfer options, and weather or force majeure terms. Watch early bird pricing deadlines and waitlist options. Confirm accessibility and dietary accommodations as needed. Know how and when certificates are issued (PDF vs paper) and where to download them.
Fast Comparison Framework: 12 Questions to Ask
- What are the measurable learning outcomes?
- Is the provider recognized by ADA CERP or AGD PACE?
- Does the course satisfy any state mandated topics I need?
- Which format best matches my objective: hands on, lecture, or live virtual?
- What is the faculty to learner ratio for hands on portions?
- Are prerequisites clearly defined and realistic for my team?
- What post course support or mentorship is included?
- Are commercial interests disclosed and managed?
- What is the total cost of attendance, including downtime?
- What are the cancellation and refund policies?
- How soon will I be able to implement the skills chairside?
- How will certificates and documentation be delivered and stored?
Download the 12 Question CE Course Vetting Checklist (PDF)
Example Scenarios
GP adding soft tissue procedures
Prioritize small cohort, hands on programs with clear step by step protocols and device agnostic curricula. Confirm safety training and post course mentorship.
Hygienist pursuing perio instrumentation updates
Look for live demos plus supervised practice with defined competencies, decontamination protocols, and documentation tools.
Practice owner focusing on airway or aligner workflows
Choose case based programs that cover diagnostics, sequencing, team roles, and billing and communication. Consider a team track to speed implementation.
Implementation Plan: From Course to Chairside in 7 Days
- Day 0: Identify 3 protocols to adopt. Build a supply and equipment list.
- Days 1 to 2: Hold a team huddle. Update consent forms and scheduling templates.
- Days 3 to 5: Select the first 3 candidate cases using inclusion criteria.
- Days 6 to 7: Run 1 pilot case. Debrief immediately and adjust settings and workflow.
Track outcomes such as procedure time, patient reported comfort, complications, and re care notes to refine protocols.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Booking a course because it is trending rather than aligned with your goals
- Overlooking prerequisites or equipment requirements
- Skipping patient communication updates or billing code planning
- Failing to schedule post course practice or mentorship
Conclusion and Next Steps
The best live CE decisions start with clear objectives, verified provider recognition, the right format for your goals, and a concrete implementation plan. Use the checklist above to compare options and register with confidence.
References
- ADA CERP Standards and program overview: https://ccepr.ada.org/ada-cerp-standards
- ADA CERP recognition process and provider information: https://ccepr.ada.org/recognition-process
- AGD PACE program overview: https://agd.org/continuing-education-events/pace/become-a-pace-provider
- Example state board requirements: California Dental Board CE topics: https://www.dbc.ca.gov/licensees/continuing_education.shtml
- Effectiveness of continuing medical education: Marinopoulos SS et al. 2007: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17764217/
- CME and practice performance: CHEST 2009: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(09)60173-2/fulltext
- Standards for independence and bias management in CE and CME: https://accme.org/rules/standards/
