There is a strong case to be made for online education. It’s benefits are many, including its accessibility, flexibility, cost effectiveness and overall ease. However, it is still only a substitute for in-person learning – nothing beats the real thing.
Among dental professionals, CPD is vital for career progression, enhancing your skill set and clinical knowledge so that the daily workflow is performed in a safe and efficient way. Face-to-face interactions are an excellent way for clinicians to not only achieve the hours of CPD required to be GDC compliant,[i] but also to actively engage with the educational content in a way that online alternatives are sometimes limited by. For dental practice owners, it is worth considering the many advantages of face-to-face learning for the dental team, especially sessions delivered in-practice.
Questions and answers
Dentistry spans an enormous breadth of research and development – there is a lot to learn and a lot to prove that you have learnt it. When hearing about new products, skills, techniques or changes in legislation it can be overwhelming, which is why so many educational sessions finish with the opportunity to ask questions. In an online space, such as a webinar, this can be difficult. Attendees may feel less confident to speak up virtually as the social cues are more limiting; no eye contact, no pointing, no raising a hand.
In-person learning eliminates this communication barrier, placing dental professionals in a more dynamic environment that promotes discussion and where they can raise their hand and speak to the educator with greater ease. This also helps the educator gauge understanding and address concerns promptly, rather than waiting for the end of the session. Answers are received quicker and the impact is that engagement with the group is a lot stronger.
Tailored teaching
For those leading a CPD session, in-person education provides a flexible space to tailor the teaching to the audience. A personalised approach can further improve engagement. For instance, tying certain topics into the local culture of the dental practice. This can add a level of fun and relatability, making it easier for you and the team to recall the information afterwards. Customised sessions also support those with different learning styles, as the session leaders can accommodate individual needs and preferences to optimise the educational journey for each participant.
Networking
Face-to-face education is a brilliant networking opportunity. Dispensing with some of the formalities of online learning (especially pre-recorded videos), in-person meetings are more personable and allow professionals to connect. You may be able to build contact lists, find suppliers, be introduced to marketing agencies or hear about upcoming events from other dental professionals – each can help grow your business. Face-to-face learning therefore brings the dental profession closer together for a more reliable, social and mutually beneficial experience.
Business benefits
The benefits of in-person learning extend to each employee and the business as a whole. Learning that is aimed at the whole practice, such as infection control, improves the daily workflow by reminding each member of the dental team of the correct protocols. It also means that, if someone is ever unsure of what to do about something in this area, a colleague can quickly help as they too would have completed the training. The dental team are therefore empowered in their knowledge and can perform their duties efficiently, boosting practice productivity, reducing delays and ultimately increasing revenue.
Subject of interest
Infection control is a vital component for a safe, functional and successful dental practice. In-person education in this area is invaluable, making a difficult subject seem simple and accessible.
To support the team, dental practice owners should consider the Dentilearn in-practice CPD session from Dentisan. Delivered by one of the infection control experts, there is the choice for a 1-hour or a 2-hour training session, covering such topics as hand hygiene, practice inspections and making sure you have the correct documentation for the records. Specific topics can also be selected in advance to ensure the needs of your team and practice are met, and all are delivered in an interactive and refreshing educational session.
The benefits of in-person education are many, making it the best channel for helping you and your team grow your knowledge and skills. From boosting your network to increasing workplace efficiency, face-to-face education is a reliable way of achieving success.
For more information about Dentisan, please visit https://dentisan.co.uk/
Book your in-practice CPD by emailing your request to the expert in your area:
For the Midlands, North Wales & North of England, contact Jenny: jenny.nixon@getinge.com
For the South of England, Wales & Channel Islands, contact Anne: anne.harris@getinge.com
For Scotland, Ireland & Northern Ireland, contact Holly: holly.dickinson@getinge.com
Author: Jenny Nixon, Business Development Director at Dentisan
[i] Continuing Professional Development for dental professionals. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/education-and-cpd/cpd/enhanced-cpd-scheme-2018/continuing-professional-development-for-dental-professionals-2008.pdf [Accessed 27 July 2026].
