Digital Dentistry Summer Courses: Your 2024 Training Guide
Summer's always been the sweet spot for dental continuing education. Lighter schedules, fewer emergencies, and the perfect time to dive deep into new techniques. If you're looking to level up your digital dentistry game this summer, you've got some fantastic options ahead of you.
📑 Table of Contents
- Foundation Level: Getting Your Digital Feet Wet
- Intermediate Level: Refining Your Technique
- Advanced Level: Pushing the Boundaries
- Specialized Training Opportunities
- What to Look for in Any Course
- Making the Most of Your Investment
- Cost Considerations and ROI
- Virtual vs. In-Person Training
- Regional Training Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
I've been through my share of CEREC courses over the years – some incredible, others… well, let's just say not all training is created equal. Here's what's actually worth your time and investment this summer, broken down by skill level and focus area.
Foundation Level: Getting Your Digital Feet Wet
Dentsply Sirona CEREC Basic Training
If you're new to CEREC or considering the jump, the official basic training remains the gold standard. The summer sessions run June through August at their Charlotte facility, with some regional options popping up.
What you'll actually learn:
- Proper prep design for CEREC restorations (they'll drill the 6-degree taper rule into your head)
- Scanning techniques that actually work – including how to handle those tricky subgingival margins
- Basic CAD design principles using CEREC Software 5.2
- Milling and crystallization protocols for different materials
Real talk: The course moves fast. Come prepared with specific cases you want to discuss. The instructors are practicing dentists, not just trainers, so they get the real-world challenges.
Materials focus: You'll work primarily with IPS e.max CAD and VITA Suprinity. They touch on Celtra Duo, but don't expect deep dives into the newer materials.
Spear Education Digital Dentistry Continuum
Spear's summer digital track is more comprehensive but less hands-on than the Sirona courses. It's perfect if you want the big picture before diving into specific systems.
The standout module covers digital workflow integration – not just the clinical side, but how to streamline your entire patient experience. Speaking of workflow, I've noticed practices investing heavily in chairside technology sometimes overlook their front-desk processes. Tools like Intake.Dental can digitize your patient intake to match the modern experience you're creating chairside.
Intermediate Level: Refining Your Technique
Glidewell Digital Dentistry Institute
Glidewell's summer intensives focus heavily on material science and advanced CAD techniques. If you've been doing CEREC for a year or more but feel like you're not maximizing the technology, this is your spot.
Key highlights:
- Advanced scanning strategies for difficult cases (think deep margins, limited access)
- Custom characterization techniques for anterior restorations
- Troubleshooting common milling issues – finally understand why your crowns sometimes come out rough
- Integration with lab workflows for complex cases
They use a mix of CEREC and other CAD/CAM systems, which gives you broader perspective on digital workflows.
Kois Center Digital Integration Course
This isn't purely a CEREC course – it's about integrating digital tools into evidence-based treatment planning. The summer session runs in July and fills up fast.
What sets it apart: They teach you to think digitally from diagnosis through delivery. You'll learn to use digital impressions, photography, and CAD design as diagnostic tools, not just fabrication methods.
The case presentation portion alone is worth the tuition. They show you how to use CEREC's biocopy and biogeneric design modes for patient education.
Advanced Level: Pushing the Boundaries
Digital Enamel Advanced CEREC Techniques
Dr. Sameer Puri's summer workshops are intense, hands-on affairs. Limited to 12 participants, you'll work on actual patient cases under direct supervision.
Advanced techniques covered:
- Multi-unit CEREC restorations with proper emergence profiles
- Advanced contact and occlusion refinement
- Integration of CEREC with guided surgery workflows
- Custom abutment design and milling
Fair warning: This course assumes you're already comfortable with basic CEREC procedures. They don't review fundamentals.
Gordon Christensen CEREC Mastery
Gordon's summer CEREC intensive covers the clinical situations where CEREC shines – and where it doesn't. His honest approach to technology limitations is refreshing in a field full of vendor hype.
Clinical focus areas:
- When to choose CEREC vs. traditional lab work
- Material selection based on clinical situation
- Long-term follow-up data on CEREC restorations
- Cost-benefit analysis for different case types
Specialized Training Opportunities
Orthodontic Integration
Several programs now focus on using CEREC in orthodontic workflows. The summer sessions at Progressive Orthodontic Seminars cover digital impressions for clear aligners and retainer fabrication.
You'll learn to use CEREC's ortho software modules and integration with treatment planning software. It's a growing niche that many general practitioners are exploring.
Pediatric Applications
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's summer digital workshop addresses the unique challenges of using CAD/CAM in pediatric patients. Smaller preparations, behavior management during scanning, and material considerations for primary teeth.
What to Look for in Any Course
Hands-on time: Avoid courses that are mostly lecture. You need actual scanning and design time to develop muscle memory.
Current software: Make sure they're teaching on CEREC Software 5.2 or newer. Some courses still use older versions that don't reflect current capabilities.
Material variety: Look for courses that cover multiple material options. IPS e.max CAD is great, but you should understand when to use Celtra Duo, VITA Suprinity, or even zirconia options.
Real case scenarios: The best courses use actual clinical cases, not idealized models. You want to practice on the challenging situations you'll face in your practice.
Making the Most of Your Investment
Prepare beforehand: Review your current CEREC workflow and identify specific pain points. Bring these to the course for targeted help.
Document everything: Take photos of settings, write down material protocols, and save design examples. You'll forget the details within weeks if you don't.
Plan implementation: Don't try to change everything at once when you return. Pick 2-3 specific improvements to focus on initially.
Follow-up support: Choose courses that offer post-training support. Most reputable programs provide email or phone consultation for the first few months.
Cost Considerations and ROI
CEREC training isn't cheap – expect to invest $2,000-$5,000 for quality programs. But consider the math: if the training helps you complete just 2-3 more same-day restorations per month, you'll recoup the cost quickly.
Many courses offer early-bird pricing through March, and some provide CE credits that satisfy state requirements. Factor in travel and accommodation costs when comparing options.
Insurance and tax benefits: Most training qualifies as deductible business education. Some dental insurance plans even cover continuing education expenses.
Virtual vs. In-Person Training
Virtual training exploded during COVID and some programs remain online. While convenient, hands-on CEREC skills really need in-person practice. Save virtual courses for theory and case review, but invest in hands-on training for technique development.
That said, virtual follow-up sessions can be valuable for case review and troubleshooting specific challenges in your practice.
Regional Training Options
Don't overlook local study clubs and regional training centers. Many major cities have CEREC user groups that organize summer workshops. These smaller venues often provide more personalized attention and networking opportunities with local colleagues.
The quality varies, but the cost is usually much lower, and you might discover techniques specific to your geographic market.
Digital Impressions. Digital X-Rays. Paper Intake Forms?
Something doesn't add up. Intake.Dental was built by a practicing CEREC dentist to eliminate the last analog step in a modern practice. Digital forms, seamless transfers, happy patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I take CEREC continuing education?
I recommend annual training for the first three years, then every 2-3 years after that. Technology and techniques evolve constantly, and it's easy to fall into habits that limit your results. Software updates alone justify regular training – CEREC Software 5.2 has capabilities that many users never discover on their own.
Should I take manufacturer training or third-party courses?
Both have value. Manufacturer training (Dentsply Sirona) gives you the official techniques and latest updates, but can feel sales-heavy. Third-party instructors often provide more honest assessments of limitations and alternative techniques. I'd start with manufacturer training for fundamentals, then explore third-party options for advanced techniques.
Is it worth traveling for training, or should I stick to local options?
The best training is worth traveling for, especially if you're serious about maximizing your CEREC investment. Local options are great for networking and follow-up, but don't limit yourself if there's a specific instructor or program that addresses your needs. The top-tier courses fill up fast and may not come to your area regularly.
How do I know if a course is right for my skill level?
Most reputable programs clearly outline prerequisites and skill levels. When in doubt, contact the course organizers directly. Describe your current CEREC experience and specific goals. A good program will honestly tell you if you're ready or suggest prerequisites. Don't jump into advanced courses without solid fundamentals – you'll be lost and frustrated.
What should I bring to hands-on CEREC training?
Bring your laptop if the course allows it – practicing on your own setup helps with retention. Pack a notebook for settings and protocols (phones die, notebooks don't). If possible, bring photos of challenging cases from your practice for discussion. Most courses provide materials and equipment, but check the supply list when you register. Don't forget comfortable shoes – you'll be standing a lot during hands-on sessions.