How confident are you in your skills?
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 28th August 2022
There are many reasons for dentists to enhance, expand and refine their clinical skills over time. Not only is continued education and training essential to remain abreast of the latest techniques, materials and technologies in the profession, but it is also integral to career progression and quality of patient care. While every dentist will have their own motivations and goals for training, we all share the same desire to provide the best possible care to our patients.
Confidence is key
In all jobs and industries, being confident in your role is important for performance and job satisfaction. This is just as, if not more true in healthcare professions. Research has shown that self-confidence can impact clinical decision-making and behaviour by healthcare professionals.[i] Indeed, patients seems to agree, with a study finding that patient perspectives also placed high importance on a professional’s confidence when assessing their competence.[ii]
When it comes to implant dentistry, it is particularly important for a clinician to have confidence in their knowledge and abilities. The advanced nature of the modality means a wealth of skills is required to deliver successful treatment. The practitioner must also be able to discuss potential treatment with patients to optimise case acceptance, which further requires a robust working knowledge to convey the right messages in the right way.
The fight against litigation
Enhanced skills and the ability to provided dental implant treatment assertively are also crucial when it comes to protecting one’s self in an increasingly litigious society. It is no secret that complaints have been rising across dentistry in recent years, with a huge number of dentists concerned that a legal case may be brought against them.[iii]
While simply being confident in your clinical skills may not prevent a patient complaint, knowing that you are delivering the best, evidence-based dentistry will offer peace of mind. Combined with meticulous record keeping and an opportunity for patients to raise issues locally, this ensures you have everything in place to minimise the risk of a complaint straight to the GDC.
Boosting clinical confidence
Aside from where the Dunning-Kruger effect is at play (a cognitive bias where people with low ability perceive themselves as experts), most people will be less confident the less they understand about a subject. This highlights the importance of continued learning and education to boost both competence and confidence.
Throughout the medical field it is widely recognised that on-going training and education can improve clinician confidence.[iv] It the method by which individuals improve their competency, broaden their experience and develop trust in the products or techniques they are using. The same has been suggested within dentistry, with one study linking the completion of an MSc programme to increased confidence, as well as improved communications skills and greater job satisfaction.[v]
So, how do you go about finding an implant-related course or training provider you trust to install the knowledge and competence you need to approach case in practice with confidence?
Among the many criteria to consider, here are some vital aspects to think about:
Who is the course designed for?
It is important that training is delivered at the right level for you – too easy and you will learn little, too advanced and you’ll leave with more questions that you started with!
What experience do the instructors/lecturers have?
Learning from those at the top of their game, who have all the appropriate qualifications and experience themselves is essential.
What format does the course take?
When learning or developing skills in almost any area of dental implantology, both theoretical and practical training will be critical, so you’ll need a programme that offers a sufficient amount of each.
What will be the outcome of the training?
Consider whether the course is designed as part of a pathway or to enable you to put what you’ve learnt into practice immediately, safely and confidently.
How large is the group?
If focusing on a surgical technique, for example, a small group size will enable one-to-one mentorship and an improved learning experience. That said, a larger group size brings together more individuals to network with, share ideas with and learn from also, so look for a balance of both.
For anyone looking to develop competency in soft tissue management around dental implants, BPI Dental Education & Training offers various courses that share a wealth of knowledge and provide hands-on experience. The Soft Tissue Around Dental Implants course covers everything from different soft grafting techniques, to microsurgical concepts, CBCT interpretation, donor site management, reduction of common complications and so much more. Cohorts fill up fast so be sure to secure your place soon for the next available dates in October 2022!
Fulfil your potential
Boosting your clinical confidence is central to becoming a successful dental practitioner and fulfilling your true potential in the implant field. If you can deliver treatment you trust to deliver functional, aesthetic and long-lasting, you will not only enjoy what you do more, but will also likely achieve more doing it as well.
For more details of upcoming courses with Dr Boota Singh Ubhi and BPI Dental Education & Training, please visit www.bpieducation.co.uk
[i] Fry M, MacGregor C. Confidence and impact on clinical decision-making and behaviour in the emergency department. Australas Emerg Nurs J. 2014 Aug;17(3):91-7. doi: 10.1016/j.aenj.2014.03.003. Epub 2014 Jul 4. PMID: 25113311.
[ii] Bendapudi NM, Berry LL, Frey KA, Parish JT, Rayburn WL. Patients’ perspectives on ideal physician behaviour. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. March 2006. 81(3);338-344 https://doi.org/10.4065/81.3.338
[iii] Dental Protection. Dental Protection survey 8 March 2019 – 25 March 2018. Press release Dental Protection survey reveals 9 in 10 dentists fear being sued by patients. October 2018. https://www.dentalprotection.org/uk/articles/dental-protection-survey-reveals-9-in-10-dentists-fear-being-sued-by-patients [Accessed May 2022]
[iv] Fine P, Leung A, Bentall C, Louca C. The impact of confidence on clinical dental practice. Eur J Dent Educ. 2019 May;23(2):159-167. doi: 10.1111/eje.12415. Epub 2019 Jan 28. PMID: 30585682.
[v] Fine P, Leung A, Bentall C, Louca C. The impact of confidence on clinical dental practice. European Journal of Dental Education. December 2018. 23 (1). DOI:10.1111/eje.12415
