Training and Continuing Education Opportunities

Contents:

• Dental Auxiliary Training and Continuing Education Programs
• Requirement for Credits
• COMDA Listing of Approved Training and Courses
• CAO Regional Meetings
• CAO at PCSO's Annual Session
• PCSO Continuing Education Opportunities
• Additional Sources of CE Credits
• Online Credits for General Dentistry

Dental Auxiliary Training and Continuing Education Programs

The California Dental Board (DBC) through its Committee on Dental Auxiliaries (COMDA) defines the various job positions for dental auxiliaries and duties that can be performed by each position.

In addition DBC/COMDA approves and promotes training programs for staff.

Continuing Education Requirements are also under their purview.

Requirement for Credits May Change

There are proposed California regulations which would allow Doctors and Staff to earn up to twenty percent of their CE Credits from Category II or non-clinical topics, including new topics such as HIPAA and practice management.

The California Dental Association has presented a request for more flexibility with the topics that would qualify for Category II credit.

Currently, 50 percent of CE units can be earned from audio, on-line or other forms of media.

Most of this information can be found on COMDA's website: www.comda.ca.gov otherwise, please try the Dental Board's website: www.dbc.ca.gov.

COMDA Listing of Approved Training and Courses

On COMDA's website, you can also find a comprehensive listing of approved educational programs and courses in California.

CAO Regional Meetings

The California Association of Orthodontists (CAO) typically hosts four continuing education programs annually for staff at Regional Meetings, where up to five credits are available per 9AM - 4PM time frame, including a morning break and lunch.

Both clinical and non-clinical topics are covered. 

CAO in Association with PCSO's Annual Session

Typically, when the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) Annual Session is in California, CAO sponsors an additional half- to one-day program for Staff and Doctors, with up to 5 CE credits available, depending on the topic.

In 2005, CAO will convene the joint meeting for Doctors and Staff on Sunday, September 25, 2005. The PCSO Annual Session will be in San Diego, September 25-28, 2005.

PCSO Continuing Education Opportunities

Starting in 2005, PCSO will provide continuing education for staff as follows:

• Five (four in California) Regional Meetings where up to five CE units are provided.
• Annual Session, where up to twelve CE units are provided over a 2.5 day Annual Session.

Also, a wide variety of round table discussion topics of interest for clinical and non-clinical staff are available.

Additional Sources of CE Credits:

Online Credits for General Dentistry

Listed below are opportunities to obtain credits online. CAO does not endorse the following.  The selection process for these on-line opportunities remains the Doctor's responsibility.