January - LVI Visions

An obstacle is defined as one that opposes,
stands in the way of, or holds up progress.
Primary incentives to pursue
continuing education:
• Personal gratification
• Financial gain
• Peer recognition
• Patient recognition
Primary obstacles in attending
continuing education:
Distance
Some places are just too far away
or too hard to get to. Some people just
cannot fly every time - especially not
from coast to coast. Often times, traveling
adds an extra day away. It
would be so much easier if it were a
short drive away.
Time Requirements
You do not have the time. If you
were to take a week out of your practice
you would think it was not cost
effective. It does not seem to make
sense to close the office and pay the
team while you are gone. That is just
too much time away.
Cost
In addition to lost production time
while away from the office, there are
fees associated with the course as
well as travel expenses. You have to
consider the cost of airfare, hotel,
meals, and of course entertainment.
You can not afford that - especially
not for a continuum of courses. Is
there a perception that there is no
more to learn – at least not enough to
value the expense? Do you feel like
you know it all without even seeing
what the course really has to offer?
Convenience
You can not inconvenience your
patients, let alone your family. Your
patients have been scheduled for six
months to see you at their hygiene
visit. Time away would not be fair.
Who will take the kids to soccer
while you are gone? What will your
spouse think - left there all alone
while you are away whooping it up?
No, you can not do that to your patients
and family. Or can you?
Overcoming obstacles to
continue education:
Distance
The obstacle of distance is easily
overcome. You need to get out of the
office, and out of your normal environment
to concentrate effectively
and get the most out of what is being
offered. You can not do it at home
with all the distractions.
A new environment renews the
mind. Where else can you go and talk
to others in a situation similar to
yours? Where else can you get your
questions answered immediately?
Not only is support offered while you
are there, but oftentimes it is available
later through personal contact or
electronic forum discussion.
Time Requirements
How can you take almost a week
off to go to a course? You can if it is
to attend the most advanced, up-todate,
exciting education in the world.
Technologies advance quite rapidly
and it is important to go where you
can keep up with them easily and accurately?
The education experience itself
continues to get better through modern
PowerPoint presentations, humor,
personal experiences, informative
content and interesting dialogue. A
first-class faculty that works extremely
hard to keep you mainstreamed
with the most current and useful dental
information is paramount. Great
food and an impeccable facility add
to the experience. The instructional
quality should be very high and the
LVI VISIONS • JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH • APRIL 2008 53