Nearly two-thirds (65%) of general dentists participating in a recent survey by the American Association of Endodontists say that opportunities for continuing education are effective in building relationships with their endodontist colleagues.
The AAE annual session, April 14-17, 3010 in San Diego, will offers seminars and workshops to enhance skills along with the chance to network and build partnerships with colleagues from around the world.
Expanded this year to four full days of education, the session, "Access to Apex, Education and Care," will offer 232 continuing education hours in 120 courses.
A new focus on the first day of the meeting, "Hot Topics and Controversies," provides attendees with a forum to debate many of endodontics most contested issues. Additional programming tracks allow participants to focus on one area or choose among multiple subjects, including surgical and nonsurgical endodontics, new science and regenerative endodontics, practice management, professional staff, and submitted presentations.
Another new feature of the AAE annual session allows participants to observe live surgical procedures. At the Master Clinician Series, one can witness examples of microsurgery and grafting, CT-guided apical surgery, periradicular palatal surgery, and nonsurgical endodontic retreatment in a theater-in-the-round setting.
Additional workshops offer hands-on exposure to a number of areas, including microsurgery, suturing, regeneration, cleaning and shaping protocols, implants, CPR and basic life support, hand care, and retreatment.
"Our goal is to provide you with access to the most reliable, cutting-edge endodontic education there is in whatever format best suits your learning needs," said AAE President Dr. Gerald N. Glickman.
"About half of general dentists surveyed by the AAE indicated that they would welcome the opportunity to observe an endodontist at work. By attending the annual session, they can gain exposure to multiple complex endodontic procedures and learn from the world's leading endodontic educators and specialists."
To recognize the theme of this year's meeting and the AAE's commitment to educating and serving patients, the annual session will include the organization's first Access to Care Project. The project will provide free endodontic treatment to underserved patients in the San Diego community.
Through a partnership with the University of Southern California and Henry Schein Dental/Henry Schein Cares, prescreened patients will receive care from licensed endodontists in California.
"Patient well-being is the ultimate goal of any dental treatment, and we should make every effort to provide excellent endodontic care to help patients keep their natural teeth for a lifetime," said Dr. Glickman.
"Nationwide, more than 80% of AAE members are engaged in making a difference in their communities year-round by providing charitable services. A recent AAE member survey shows that endodontists provide an average of 10 free root canals each year."
For more information and to view the full session program, visit the AAE Web site at American Association of Endodontists.
To receive the member discount of more than 40% for session registration, general dentists are encouraged to join the AAE as associate members.
To read more about the AAE, go to American Association of Endodontists.
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