Orthodontics is a dentistry field that grants every general dentist the chance to have a real impact on the health of their patient on a daily basis. When talking about an impact, this refers to changes in health, both psychologically and physically. The fact remains that dental or oral health is an important thing for every individual and it helps to determine the well-being of a person. Along with changes in terms of health, a healthy mouth also plays an important role when it comes to the self-image of a person.
The greatest possible reward for any dentist is to see the lives of all their patients change for the better through, through a healthy set of teeth. Through orthodontic continuing education for general dentists, you can help to transform the lives of your patient and pose a positive impact on their life.
Having a perfect set of teeth helps us to process food for digestion and it goes a long way to ensure that people attain good and proper nutrition. A career path in dentistry is surely a rewarding one; however, in terms of finances, it requires a series of courses in different areas. With the right training and support, you can provide all your patients with good orthodontic care.
These days, most people who wish to pursue a career path in orthodontics tend to wonder about what the differences between orthodontic residency and continuing education. Which one is better?
The Difference between Both Career Paths
If you make up your mind to specialize in the field of orthodontics in the United States, you will first have to apply in one of the accredited residency programs. When you complete two or three years of training as a full-time student, you will then specialize in orthodontics and treat patients within this realm of care only.
This is a great option if you are passionate about a career in orthodontic and wish to treat patients with orthodontic needs only. For this reason, you will be willing to dedicate two or three years for specialization. On the other hand, if you are considering helping patients with braces but do not want to limit your services, there are so many continuing programs that can help you such as Gerety Orthodontic Seminars.
As you attend one of such programs, you can continuously provide general dentistry work and expand your services to include orthodontic care. Although there are several orthodontic CE programs available today, getting orthodontic training from a reputable platform can prove to be the best option for you, especially if you want to make money faster. Here is a comparison of both fields.
Total Time
Usually, residencies in orthodontics have a more extensive commitment of time with the residency lasting for about two to three years of schooling where students have to focus on their training in class and finally apply their knowledge during rotations at hospitals or universities. However, CE programs typically last for about 18 to 24 months on part-time commitments. Sometimes, few multi-level programs add on a master’s curriculum for 3 or 4 years as part-time education. Usually, these classes run a few days in a month or a few days every few months. Note that since these are part-time programs, they give you the freedom to work and study at your own convenience.
Things to Expect
When a person specializes in orthodontic training, they get a better understanding of a wider variety of cases. During residency, you get the chance to try out different products, appliances, and systems that you can access. Read different literature, use several appliances and learn about different systems to help you determine your favorites. You can also get a comprehensive understanding of the historical discussions and figures that take place in orthodontics.
The major difference between residency and CE is that when you choose CE, this typically is suitable for people who do not have the time and finances to enroll in a full-time residency. Orthodontic courses tend to focus more on the practical aspects of providing dentists with a high level of care in orthodontics and since it offers less time, the students may not get enough through the orthodontic literature and various systems. Although orthodontists may face some loss in this option, on the positive side, it exposes experts to a wider range of cases and expands their knowledge.
The Financial Perspective
In terms of finances, orthodontic specialization takes a large part of your financial investment. A survey conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists notes that tuition costs can flare up to about a million dollars. However, a few institutions tend to cover the cost of living or aspects like personal expenses. In addition to the cost, it takes a longer time to become a certified orthodontist.
If you decide to choose the orthodontic CE route, you do not have to take many years off from work because you will still earn while you learn. This is a good bonus and you do not have to worry about the cost since most programs offer affordable fees.
