CAPTION: A typodont available for use by Mini-hygiene School students.

May was a busy education month for Dental Trade Alliance as more than 35 DTA members attended the Mini-Dental School in Denver and the Mini-Dental Hygiene School in Washington, D.C.

The first program took place on May 5 and 6, when DTA members from around the country converged at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine to get an overview of what it takes to be a dentist.

Participants learned dental terminology, practiced root canal techniques and spoke with graduating dental students about their plans after graduation and what considerations will influence the decisions they make on future equipment and supply purchases.

“Marketing to dentists can often be intimidating when you don’t have a full understanding of the terminology and products. This two-day lecture and hands-on course improved my knowledge on the language of dentistry, introduced me to the most common dental procedures, and provided me with insight on the future of dentistry. The Mini-Dental School has benefitted me greatly in my career and I now have the confidence to communicate and market effectively to dentists,” said Casey Warner, project manager/CE administrator at Dental Learning.

Based on the popularity and success of the DTA Mini-Dental School during the past 11 years, the DTA expanded its educational offering this year with the launch of a two-day Mini-Dental Hygiene School at the College of Dentistry at Howard University in Washington, D.C. With the increasing role that dental hygiene plays in providing oral health care and contributing to a modern dental practice, it was the perfect complement to the existing Mini-Dental School program. It also provided a more convenient destination for dental trade professionals located on the East Coast.

Participants attending the inaugural Mini-Dental Hygiene School gained insights into the key role of dental hygiene as well as an understanding of the skills and training necessary to become a dental hygiene professional. Participants not only learned about dental anatomy and the factors that contribute to a healthy mouth and teeth, but experienced many of the same clinical exercises that dental hygiene students receive during their academic training.  Attendees also met with Howard University Dental Hygiene School students as well as graduates who are practicing in a variety of capacities from private and group practices to community health services and research positions with the National Institute of Health (NIH).

DTA will be offering Mini-Dental School and Mini-Dental Hygiene School again in 2015. Check the DTA website: www.dentaltradealliance.org  to learn more about the sessions and next year’s dates.

Inaugural Mini-Dental Hygiene School graduates at Howard University.

Mini-Dental School graduates at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine