Healthcare professionals can be pooled into two groups - academia and private practice. Some dip their toes into both - teaching part time and working in private practice the other times. In fact, I was teaching part time at Tufts for a few years, and I'd like to return to teaching at some point down the road when I have more free time.
Now, private practice is an interesting term. In healthcare it means a business wholly owned by the doctor rather than a hospital, health system, or other entity. However, the "practice" part of it insinuates that while we are experts and professionals in this field, operating at or above the standard of care, we are always practicing and looking to improve our understanding of what's possible and refining our abilities in our respective fields. It's why we should never stop learning.
I graduated college in 2003, sought further education in Dental School, and decided to become an Orthodontist in 2009. After finishing my specialty training in 2011 it's been a continuous journey of learning and improving my skills and expertise in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Residency can only teach and prepare us for so much, so continuing education is a core requirement of our profression. While that may be the Department of Public Health's position, I genuinely believe we should pursue excellence through continued education regardless. It's why I exceed the minimum yearly requirements set forth by the Dental Board. It's also why I joined the New England Orthodontic Study Club several years ago.
While we have the AAO National Annual Meeting, NESO Regional Conference, and Massachusetts Yankee Dental Conference every year, and those alone offer enough CE credit hours to satisfy more than the minimum requirements. The quality of education our small study club offers comes from interactive presentions by world class experts, is well researched and supported, further advances the profression, and is applicable to every day orthodontic care without trying to sell any fancy gadgets from paid sponsors. I am fortunate to have been invited into this study club, and I have my colleagues and mentors in the area to thank for organizing such a prolific and valuable avenue to advancing my skillset well beyond the standard of care. It's one of the many reasons I'm able to provide the best treatment to our patients.
I remember in high school telling myself to never stop learning; that education is such a powerful privilege that sets us up for success. I pretty sure I made some corny quote for my high school yearbook saying as much. I was quite the nerd then, and today I still nerd out when it comes to things I'm passionate about - like mountain bikes, tools, and (you guessed it) orthodontics. There's a reason why I value living in New England. I've been exposed to top tier education since elementary school in New Jersey. I selected Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for its excellent dental education. I chose (and thankfully matched at) Tufts's residency for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics for the same reason. I made a home on the South Shore of Massachusetts, because we have access to some of the best schools in the entire country right here.
By exposing myself to all these wonderful courses and study clubs, listening to world renowned experts in dentistry and orthodontics, and reading the independent literature I not only set our office for greatness, but I am able to provide the absolute best treatment possible to the surrounding community.
While today's blog has been focused on how continued learning has allowed me to stay ahead in my life and career, I hope you adopt the same inquisitive mindset into your own world.
Never stop learning, and you will set yourself up for great things.
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