Because they play such a crucial role in the dental industry, it is essential for dental assistants to continue their education and stay up to date on new technology and techniques in the field.
Last month, we spoke about the different career advancement opportunities for dental assistants, including continuing education. In this article, we will expand on the importance of continuing education for dental assistants and provide a list of free CE courses that can help dental assistants enhance their skills and knowledge.
ColgateOralHealthNetwork.com
Colgate, a well-known and trusted brand in the dental industry, created Colgate Oral Health Network to provide free high-quality and evidence-based CE courses for dental professionals.
The courses are designed to help dental assistants stay up to date with the latest dental techniques, products, and technologies. They cover topics such as oral hygiene, caries management, and dental implants. This is a great way for dental assistants to earn CE credits.
For a full list of Colgate’s CE courses for dental assistants, click here.
DentalCare.com
DentalCare.com is a reputable platform created by Crest + Oral-B. Their CE courses cover a wide range of topics, from the latest research on dental products and treatments to practical tips for improving patient care and communication.
Many of the courses offered on DentalCare.com are available for free, making them accessible to all dental professionals regardless of their budget. The courses are interactive and engaging, with a variety of multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and quizzes.
To view all of the available CE courses for dental assistants, visit this page.
VivaLearning.com
Viva Learning is another well-established platform in the dental industry. This website offers plenty of free and low-cost CE courses relevant to dental assistants, including topics such as infection control, chairside assisting, and dental radiography.
Viva Learning also provides dental assistants with access to industry experts through live webinars and on-demand courses, allowing them to ask questions and receive feedback. The platform’s flexible, interactive, and customizable features make it an ideal choice for dental professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Check out all their available CE courses here.
ADA.org
The American Dental Association (ADA) also offers free CE courses to dental assistants. Their courses help dental assistants stay up to date with the latest research and techniques in the field. Although many of the courses are paid, dental assistants can earn CE credits through the many free options available as well.
To access the free CE courses on ADA.org, professionals need to create an account and log in. Then, they can browse relevant CE courses and earn CE credits to meet their continuing education requirements for licensure and certification renewal. This is a great way for dental assistants to maintain their professional credentials and advance their careers.
To view ADA.org’s continuing education courses, click here.
DANB.org
The Dental Assisting National Board’s (DANB) CE courses are developed by experts in the dental industry to provide dental assistants with the latest information and best practices in the field. Completing CE courses on DANB can help dental assistants stay current on the latest advances in dental care and increase their knowledge and skills, which can lead to career advancement opportunities.
To view the requirements and full catalog of DANB.org’s RDA CE courses, click here.
Other Options for Free Continuing Education for Dental Assistants
In addition to these online resources, many dental supply companies offer free CE courses to dental assistants. These courses are often product-specific and provide information on the proper use and maintenance of dental products. Dental assistants can earn CE credits while also learning about new products that may benefit their patients.
Additionally, some state dental associations offer free CE courses to their members or to the dental community in their state, while others may charge a fee for courses or offer a mix of free and paid courses.
By continuously learning and improving their skills, dental assistants can gain greater confidence in their abilities and become more effective in their roles. Those who pursue further education in specialized areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry can become more valuable to their employers and enhance their professional standing in the industry.
