Summer Digital Dentistry Courses: Your CEREC Training Guide

Summer's here, and if you're like most CEREC users, you're probably thinking about how to level up your digital game during the slower months. I get it – there's something appealing about spending a few days in July learning new techniques instead of scrambling through CE requirements in December.

After nearly a decade with CEREC and countless hours in training rooms, I've learned that not all digital dentistry courses are created equal. Some will genuinely transform your practice, while others… well, let's just say you'll leave wondering why you didn't spend that weekend on the golf course instead.

The CEREC Training Landscape: What's Actually Worth Your Time

Let's be honest – CEREC has a learning curve that never really flattens out. Just when you think you've mastered margin lines, Dentsply Sirona releases an update that changes everything. Summer courses give you the focused time to tackle the techniques you've been putting off.

Hands-On Workshops vs. Lecture-Heavy Programs

Here's my take after attending both types: if you're not touching the handpiece and working with actual cases, you're wasting your money. The best CEREC courses I've attended had a 70/30 hands-on to lecture ratio. You need just enough theory to understand the why, then lots of practice to nail the how.

Look for courses that provide:

• Individual CEREC units for each participant
• Fresh tooth models (not the picked-over ones from last year)
• Multiple material options to practice with
• Small class sizes – ideally 8-12 participants max

Top Summer Training Opportunities for 2024

Dentsply Sirona Academy Programs

The mothership offers solid foundational training, especially their “CEREC Mastery” series running through August. Their Charlotte facility has excellent equipment, and the instructors actually use CEREC in practice – not just former sales reps reading PowerPoints.

What I like: Comprehensive material coverage, access to the latest software versions, and they don't oversell capabilities.

What could be better: Sometimes feels a bit corporate, and they tend to rush through troubleshooting scenarios.

Spear Education Digital Workshops

Spear's summer digital series focuses heavily on case planning and material selection. Their “Digital Workflow Integration” course in July is particularly strong for practices looking to streamline from impression to delivery.

The standout feature? They spend significant time on failure analysis. You'll work through actual failed cases and learn to spot problems before they happen. Trust me, this alone is worth the tuition.

Regional Study Clubs and Mini-Residencies

Don't overlook smaller, regional programs. Some of my best learning has come from weekend intensives hosted by experienced CEREC users. The Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics runs an excellent summer digital program, and the pricing is refreshingly reasonable.

Specific Techniques Worth Mastering This Summer

Biocopy and Biogeneric Design

If you're still manually adjusting every crown, you're missing out on CEREC's real efficiency gains. Summer courses focusing on biocopy techniques can cut your chairside time significantly.

Key learning points to look for:

• Proper reference tooth selection
• When biocopy works (and when it doesn't)
• Biogeneric individual customization
• Integration with smile design software

Multi-Unit Restorations and Splinting

Single crowns are CEREC's bread and butter, but multi-unit cases are where you really see ROI. Look for courses that cover bridge design, proper connector sizing, and – this is crucial – when to refer out instead of pushing CEREC beyond its limits.

I've seen too many colleagues attempt 6-unit bridges with CEREC because they could, not because they should. Good training will teach you these boundaries.

Material Mastery Beyond Emax

Emax is fantastic, but it's not the only game in town. Summer courses are perfect for exploring zirconia workflows, hybrid materials, and the newer lithium disilicate options.

Practical tip: Find courses that let you mill and fire multiple materials. The tactile differences in trimming and polishing aren't something you can learn from a lecture.

Digital Impression Refinement

Even experienced CEREC users can benefit from impression technique refinement. The difference between acceptable and excellent digital impressions often comes down to subtle technique details that are hard to pick up on your own.

Primescan Optimization Workshops

If you've upgraded to Primescan, dedicated training is essential. The scanning strategy is different enough from Omnicam that your old habits might be holding you back.

Focus areas for summer training:

• Optimal scanning patterns for different prep types
• Powder application techniques (when still needed)
• Retraction cord integration
• Managing difficult access areas

Business Integration and Workflow Optimization

Here's something most CEREC courses gloss over: how digital dentistry fits into your overall practice efficiency. The best summer programs address scheduling, patient communication, and team training alongside the clinical techniques.

Speaking of practice efficiency – I've noticed that many of us who invested heavily in chairside technology sometimes overlook our front-desk workflow. While we're creating digital impressions and milling same-day crowns, patients are still filling out paper forms on clipboards. It's worth considering how tools like Intake.Dental can create a fully digital patient experience from door to chair.

Team Training Considerations

The most successful CEREC practices I know invest in team education, not just doctor training. Look for courses that offer assistant tracks or bring your team along to doctor-focused programs.

Your assistant's comfort level with the technology directly impacts your efficiency. They should understand:

• Basic troubleshooting steps
• Patient positioning for optimal scanning
• Mill maintenance and material handling
• When to interrupt you vs. when to problem-solve independently

Choosing the Right Course for Your Experience Level

New CEREC Users (0-2 years)

Focus on fundamentals. Don't get seduced by advanced technique courses until you can consistently produce acceptable single crowns. Look for courses that emphasize:

• Preparation design principles
• Basic CAD techniques
• Material selection guidelines
• Troubleshooting common problems

Intermediate Users (2-5 years)

This is where you can branch out into specialized techniques. Consider courses on:

• Anterior esthetics and smile design integration
• Partial coverage restorations
• Multi-unit workflows
• Advanced material applications

Advanced Users (5+ years)

You're probably looking for cutting-edge techniques or business optimization. Focus on:

• Integration with other digital tools (aligners, surgical guides)
• Advanced CAD techniques and customization
• Practice efficiency optimization
• Teaching and mentoring skills

Making the Most of Your Training Investment

Pre-Course Preparation

Don't show up cold. Review your recent cases and identify specific challenges you want to address. Bring photos of problem cases – good instructors will work through your actual scenarios.

Post-Course Implementation

This is where most people fail. You'll leave the course energized and full of new ideas, then get busy and fall back into old patterns. Plan your implementation strategy before you attend:

• Which techniques will you try first?
• How will you practice new skills before attempting them on patients?
• What equipment or materials do you need to order?
• How will you train your team on new workflows?

Red Flags: Courses to Avoid

Not all training is good training. Watch out for:

• Courses promising unrealistic outcomes (“Master CEREC in a weekend!”)
• Heavy sales pitches disguised as education
• Instructors with limited recent clinical experience
• No hands-on component for technique-based courses
• Overcrowded classes with insufficient individual attention

Budget Considerations and ROI

Quality CEREC training isn't cheap, but neither is the alternative. I've seen colleagues struggle for years with techniques they could have mastered in a weekend with proper instruction.

Consider the true cost: course tuition plus travel, lodging, and practice downtime. Then weigh that against the efficiency gains and expanded treatment options. In most cases, good training pays for itself within months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I attend CEREC training courses?

For new users, I recommend intensive training every 6 months for the first two years. After that, annual updates or specialized technique courses work well. The technology evolves quickly enough that even experienced users benefit from regular education.

Should I bring my assistant to CEREC training?

Absolutely, when budget allows. Your assistant's comfort level with the technology directly impacts your efficiency. Many courses offer discounted rates for team members, and the investment pays off quickly in improved workflow.

Are online CEREC courses as effective as in-person training?

Online courses work well for theory and software navigation, but hands-on techniques require physical practice. I recommend online courses for continuing education and in-person workshops for learning new procedures.

What should I bring to a hands-on CEREC course?

Most courses provide equipment and materials, but bring photos of challenging cases, your loupes, and a notebook for technique notes. Some instructors appreciate seeing your actual clinical challenges and will work through them during the course.

How do I choose between manufacturer training and independent courses?

Manufacturer courses excel at foundational training and new technology updates. Independent courses often provide more honest assessments of limitations and alternative techniques. I recommend a mix of both throughout your CEREC journey.

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