The UMSOD Office of Continuing Education offers nearly 400 hours of continuing dental education courses each year. We are dedicated to lifelong learning and strive to provide continuing education programs that will have an immediate impact on your ability to provide excellent patient care and grow your practice.

Check this site often, as more courses are added frequently.

Have a question? Email umsodce@umaryland.edu or call 410-706-2282. We hope to see you at an upcoming course.

• Management Of the Airway and Emergencies of The Sedated Patient in Your Dental Office
  

  Are you and your team prepared if a medical emergency occurred during your patient’s dental procedure?

  This course will be given in the providing dentist’s office with their staff. We will come to you and bring manikins, monitors, and practice medications to simulate sedation emergencies. During this course we will use a combination of your emergency resources and equipment along with the equipment we will bring.

  This is a participatory course that will include a short didactic component, but largely focus on the management of common as well as rare events in the dental office. The participants will all have an opportunity to practice airway skills, oxygen administration, and administration of emergency drugs to the manikins during simulated emergencies.

  This training will count toward a class 1, 2, or 3 sedation and general anesthesia permit renewal, and the requirement for a course in airway and emergencies. We follow an outline of the requirements to obtain a sedation/anesthesia permit in most states.

  Our team is prepared to review either adult or pediatric emergencies. 

  Maximum registration is eight (8) participants per office. 

• Local Anesthesia for Dental Hygienists
  This course fulfills MSBDE educational requirements for registered dental hygienists.  Through a combination of lectures and hands-on lab work, participants will gain skills in the implementation of local anesthesia.  Attendees will participate in two days of didactic learning, including hands-on demonstrations, followed by a written examination. On the third day, participants will administer local anesthesia to a lab partner including proficiency testing. Coursework includes readings and a homework assignment. Course participants must pass the written and proficiency clinical examination with a 75 or greater. This course prepares the participant to successfully pass the CDCA written local anesthesia examination for certification by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Lasers for Periodontics - What Do We Know and What Do We Do?
  This lecture will describe the most current understanding of the use of lasers for periodontal and peri-implant therapy as well as for restorative and aesthetic periodontal tissue modifications. Questions and discussions are highly encouraged. Appropriate literature citations will also be included.
• Oral Pathology In Kids: Soft Tissue & Hard Tissue Anomalies
  This course was prepared for the clinical dentist to recognize and identify and discuss the treatment considerations with soft tissue lesions, localized gingival lesions, and hard tissue anomalies for pediatric dental patients.
• Simplifying decision making in hard and soft tissue grafting (for both teeth and implants)

  Clinicians are often faced with challenging situations where hard or soft tissue deficiencies exist (either around teeth or around implants). They may be uncertain of the appropriate treatment sequence to follow, or the appropriate grafts to use, or the correct restorative/surgical approach, to ensure long-term success.

  This lecture discusses how the above decisions can be simplified, and guides the clinicians with easy clinically relevant take-home points, which are evidence-based. We discuss the evidence- based SRA (Sequential Ridge Augmentation) protocol, and the RSC (Restorative Surgical or Combination) protocol , and how it applies to daily clinical decision-making.

  Lastly, the case-specific graft materials (autogenous or otherwise) to be used, will also be elaborated upon. This lecture is appropriate for both new graduates, as well as clinicians with a few years of practice experience. 

• Comprehensive Dentistry Touch-ups: Enhancing Restorative, Pediatric Care, and Patient Communication

  Join our comprehensive dentistry touch-ups course designed to refine your skills in restorative dentistry, pediatric patient care, and effective communication. This course is tailored for dental professionals seeking to elevate their daily practice and deliver exceptional patient-centered care.

  Embark on this journey to elevate your practice and enrich your patient care approach through a comprehensive blend of knowledge, practical insights, and interactive learning. Join us to unlock new dimensions of success in the realm of dental care."

• Nitrous Oxide Administration and Monitoring for the Dental Hygienist
  This course fulfills MSBDE educational requirements for registered dental hygienists. The first portion of this course will consist of four hours of lecture, followed by a written examination. Attendees will also participate in a two-hour practical demonstration and proficiency testing where they will administer and monitor nitrous oxide. Coursework includes readings and a homework assignment. Course participants must pass the written and proficiency examination with a 75 or greater. This course prepares the participant to successfully pass the CDCA written nitrous oxide examination for certification by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Exploring New Ways to Conserve Tooth Structure
  Techniques to save tooth structure in restorative and fixed prosthodontics procedures. 
• Oral Health Care Considerations for Victims of Human Trafficking
  In this presentation, participants will be able to describe the current situation of human trafficking plaguing the United States and learn practices to help identify potential victims in the dental practice. Additionally, an emphasis on trauma-informed care will be discussed to help equip dental professionals in treating this population.
• Dental Sports Medicine: Managing Your Patient “Who is an Athlete”
  Athletes participating in various sports experience a complex array of oral health issues. The association between biochemical physiology, oral habits, and related factors and the increase in prevalence of carious lesions will be discussed. These oral health conditions can impact the athlete’s ability to perform well and participate in both training and competitions. Most importantly, many of these athletes have no awareness of their own oral health issues.

  Thus, the need for the formal establishment of pre-participation dental screening examinations has been documented. Based on a literature review and many years of usage, a newly designed “Combination Pre-participation Dental Screening and Triaging Form” has come to the forefront. The practical application of its use will be demonstrated.

  The program will highlight other areas of concern when managing your patient – “Who is an Athlete”? These topics include smokeless tobacco (ST) use, hazard awareness and a unique approach to an ST cessation, the emergence of E-cigarette usage, mouthguard use, and bacterial contamination, and the ideal properties of a mouthguard. 

• Anterior Composite Restorations-The Perfect Recipe
  Matching the natural color and shape of anterior teeth can be challenging. Over the years, I have perfected a technique to predictably restore more than 90% of the anterior teeth using a few composite resin shades and a secret ingredient. This course is for dentists eager to learn the technique and get to know some tips and tricks for diastema closure.
• Dental pain, How does it happen?
  To provide an overview of the organization of the brain and spinal cord, cranial nerves, branches, structure and their functions. To trace and understand motor and sensory pathways. Integrate this knowledge into clinical situations in dentistry. 

• Vital Pulp Therapy Using Direct Pulp Caps in Permanent Teeth: An Alternative to Root Canals?
  The dental pulp is connective tissue that lives protected inside the hard tissues of the tooth. When this soft tissue is exposed to trauma, caries, or damage (such as tooth fracture), the tissue is at risk of infection that will eventually proceed to pain and necrosis of the pulp. In permanent teeth, the current standard of care in situations of infected pulp tissue is to proceed directly to root canal treatment. But, remember the best treatment results happen in teeth that preserve the vitality of the pulp. Lately, a potential alternative has gained clinical popularity – vital pulp therapy. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) attempts to treat the infection without the complete removal of the dental pulp tissue. The purpose of this course is to explain the clinical procedures associated with vital pulp therapy, to discuss the specific cases where vital pulp therapy should and should not be used, and to touch on the success rates reported in current research.
• The use of artificial intelligence in dentistry
  The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced spectacular development and growth over the past two decades. With recent progress in digitized data acquisition, machine learning and computing infrastructure, AI applications are expanding into areas that were previously thought to be reserved for human experts. When applied to medicine and dentistry, AI has tremendous potential to improve patient care and revolutionize the health care field. In dentistry, AI is being investigated for a variety of purposes, specifically identification of normal and abnormal structures, diagnosis of diseases and prediction of treatment outcomes. This presentation will review some current and future applications of AI in dentistry.
• Introduction to Dental Cone Beam CT
  This continuing dental education course offers a comprehensive introduction to dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Geared toward today's dental practitioner, participants will gain a solid understanding of CBCT fundamentals, including physics, radiation biology, safety protocols, and dosimetry.
• Preparation for Dental Trauma Management
  his lecture will review patient management, patient history work up, office preparation, equipment, instrument, supplies preparation, as it relates to dental trauma. Course will also review four case studies.
• Diagnosis and Management of Athletic-Related Traumatic Dental Injuries
  Dental trauma is a common dental emergency, particularly in children and young adults. The ability of the dental team to diagnose and manage dental trauma in the short and long term can make a monumental difference in patient-related outcomes. The course will overview real-life patient-based examples highlighting the different types of athletic-related traumatic dental injuries, their initial and long-term management strategies as well as prevention protocols that are recommended to minimize the effect of such injuries. 
• Quick and Easy Update in Operative Dentistry
  You will learn about the current status on how to treat and manage caries in this fast paced 2-hour course. We will discuss the new products in the market and how they perform as well as the tips and tricks for creating great restorations.
• Management of traumatic crown fractures with and without pulpal exposures in children and adults
  This course provides an overview of the diagnostic procedures, emergency and definitive treatments of crown fractures of the permanent teeth. Additionally the course will provide long-term follow up recommendations and procedures based on the most recent guidelines by the International Association of Dental Traumatology and peer-reviewed literature. 
• Laser in Periodontal Pocket Treatment
  Despite the controversy the use of the laser could maximize successful non-surgical treatment. The gold standard in periodontal pocket treatment is a proper eradication of pathological bacterial strains inside infected pockets through the means of mechanical debridement. However, root architecture and its particular anatomic variations make establishing effective debridement protocol difficult in non-surgical periodontal therapy using traditional tools, such as curettes or ultrasonic scalers. Laser therapy as a quest for alternative treatment has a growing recognition for its antibacterial qualities, safeness, and broad spectrum of use. Lasers have been used in non-surgical periodontal treatment as alternatives or adjunct methods to mechanical scaling and root planing (SRP). Erbium family laser is used for decontamination and debridement of periodontal pockets and root surfaces in nonsurgical treatment as it displays strong bactericidal and detoxification effect. Due to antibacterial properties, the neodymium and diode laser may eliminate antibiotics from our treatment protocol. Using evidence-based laser guidelines would enable dentists to provide more efficient non-surgical periodontal care. The lecture will provide based of the state-of-the-art practical procedure periodontal pocket treatment, which are predictable and driven by choosing proper chromophore for each laser.
• “Digital” Complete Removable Protheses - Part 1
  In part 1 of this two-session series, Dr. El Gendy will cover the following involving digital dentistry and removable prothesis.

  The conventional way of fabricating complete removable prosthesis has not changed in the past 50 years. The process involves multiple clinical appointments.  Each appointment requires considerable amount of time and material used both clinically and in the laboratory. This means the whole process is subject to human processing errors, inaccuracies, and further increased time and cost.

  Digitally fabricated complete removable prosthesis will revolutionize the way dentists are treating completely edentulous patients. In the past few years, digitally designed and manufactured Complete Removable Prosthesis have improved significantly due to advancement in scanning, designing, and manufacturing.  Part 2 will be held on October 15, 2024 via live webinar.

• Concepts in Implant Dentistry
  An in-depth exploration of the intricate factors influencing the success of implant-supported restorations within the esthetic zone. Delve into the nuances of tissue management, implant positioning, and restoration design, gaining comprehensive insights into optimizing outcomes. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this course equips practitioners with cutting-edge techniques and materials for crafting seamlessly natural-looking restorations. Whether you're embarking on your journey in implant dentistry or seeking to refine your expertise, this immersive lecture promises to elevate your skills and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Latest Trends in Root Canal Irrigation
  New technology for root canal irrigation is being introduced into the field of endodontics.
  New technologies as LAI and Multisonication are going to be compared to well established irrigation techniques as: positive, negative pressure and ultrasonic irrigation.
• Lingualized Occlusion for Complete Dentures
  This course will overview concepts in complete denture occlusion, with focus on tooth setup and adjustments for a lingualized occlusion.
• “Digital” Complete Removable Protheses - Part 2
  In part 2 of this two-session series, Dr. El Gendy will cover the following involving digital dentistry and removable prothesis.

  The conventional way of fabricating complete removable prosthesis has not changed in the past 50 years. The process involves multiple clinical appointments.  Each appointment requires a considerable amount of time and material used both clinically and in the laboratory. This means the whole process is subject to human processing errors, inaccuracies, and further increased time and cost.

  Digitally fabricated complete removable prosthesis will revolutionize the way dentists are treating completely edentulous patients. In the past few years, digitally designed and manufactured Complete Removable Prosthesis have improved significantly due to advancement in scanning, designing, and manufacturing.
• “Implant Prosthodontics: aesthetics, complications, innovations, and rescue treatment.”
  This presentation will present the challenges and limitations unique to the treatment of partially edentulous implant patients. Focus will be on clinical techniques for restoration of implants in the aesthetic zone, complications in the restoration of implants with fixed options, and a case series of rescue treatment in compromised implant scenarios. Clinically relevant scientific information will be integrated into the discussion for decision making and techniques.
• Mastering Esthetic Implant Restorations
  A journey to master the artistry of esthetic implant restorations with our specialized course. Explore the latest advancements in techniques and materials meticulously tailored to achieve impeccable natural esthetics. Designed for dental professionals at all levels of experience, this program offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of implant-supported restorations in the esthetic zone. This brief program will elevate your clinical proficiency, refine your treatment planning skills, and unlock the potential to deliver consistently successful and esthetic outcomes. Whether you're a newcomer to the field or a seasoned practitioner, this course promises to empower you with the expertise needed to excel in esthetic implant dentistry.
• An evidence-based perspective on the efficacy, applications, and clinicians’ perception of clear aligners’ therapy
  This lecture will summarize the latest evidence related to the efficacy of clear aligners in achieving various types of tooth movements, their utilization, and predictability in treating different malocclusions including orthognathic surgical cases. In addition to giving an overview of the most common protocols and practices, clinicians implement when using clear aligners in treating their patients. And compare the efficacy of achieving the desired tooth movement between various commercially available aligner systems.

• “Fluorescence Enhanced Theragnosis” – an evidence-based reliable new approach for Clinical DentistryThe seminar will introduce the attendees to the benefits of “Fluorescence Enhanced Theragnosis” in daily clinical practice and elaborate on its application in the different specialties from cariology to periodontology and implantology, from restorative to oral surgery and pathology. Improvement in almost any oral (visual) diagnosis is complemented by visual treatment guidance to visual identification of treatment goal achievement transforming clinics from “guesswork” into reliable, documentable, evidence-based oral healthcare.
• Simplifying Adhesive Dentistry
  Adhesive Dentistry has transformed the treatment planning and procedural steps in modern dentistry. The use of adhesive systems and polymeric materials such as resin composites, coupled with ceramics, enables clinicians to preserve more sound dental structures during restorative procedures while achieving exceptional esthetic results with robust mechanical strength and longevity. However, the high technique sensitivity of these procedures can result in issues like marginal gaps, color alteration, marginal staining, reduced mechanical strength, de-bonding, reduced longevity, post-operative sensitivity, and others. Proper technique and correct material selection are crucial for successful restorative procedures. This course aims to provide evidence-based information to clinicians, explaining how to apply complex concepts to clinical practice in a straightforward manner.
• Dental Research – Who Cares?
  This course explores dental research with direct applicability to everyday dental practice. It emphasizes the significance of clinical translational research and explains why grasping the value of such studies is crucial. Covered research topics include dentin bonding, composite materials, ceramics, digital dentistry, and bioactive materials. Through clinical examples, participants will gain insight into related research projects. Ultimately, attendees will develop an appreciation for how dental research directly influences the day-to-day operations of clinical dentistry.
• Advanced Uses of Dental Cone Beam CT
  Elevate your expertise in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with this comprehensive continuing education course designed for dental professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and proficiency in advanced CBCT techniques.  This course will provide an advanced 3D radiographic anatomy module as well as a more advanced discussion of radiation biology and radiation safety. 
• Panoramic 2D Pathology and CBCT 3D Pathology
  This course will employ examples from our radiology clinic to illustrate both normal and pathologic findings seen on Panoramic and Cone-beam Computed Tomography images.
• How Long Should My Restorations Last?
  

  This course delves into the critical topic of the longevity of direct composite resin restorations. Through an evidence-based approach, participants will gain insights into the factors influencing the survival rates of these restorations, with a specific focus on adhesive systems and resin composite materials.

  The course will explore the latest data and research findings concerning the longevity of direct restorations, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the key determinants of success. Factors contributing to the failure of these restorations will be analyzed, allowing participants to identify common pitfalls and challenges encountered in clinical practice.

  In addition to examining current best practices, this course will highlight emerging trends and innovations in restorative dentistry. Participants will explore new approaches and technologies aimed at enhancing the durability and longevity of direct restorations. Case studies and real-world examples will be utilized to demonstrate the practical application of these advancements.

  By the conclusion of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize the longevity of direct restorations with resin composites. They will gain actionable insights into strategies for improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of restoration failure. Ultimately, participants will be empowered to implement evidence-based practices that enhance the long-term success of their restorative treatments.

  This course is designed for dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, who are involved in direct restorative treatments with resin composites. It is suitable for both experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge, as well as those new to the field looking to establish a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.

• Pack the Punch: Soft Tissue Biopsy Technique for the General Dentist
  This course will focus on providing the practicing dentist with the knowledge and skills needed to perform diagnostic oral soft tissue biopsies. Participants will learn the rationale for histologic examination, indications for different biopsy modalities, selection of biopsy site and biopsy technique, and communication with the oral pathology specialist. 
• Right Under (and Up) Our Noses… And Evolving Before Our Eyes, Emerging & Re-emerging DiseasesThis seminar explores personal health issues such as new and altered diseases of importance to dental professionals, including bloodborne diseases, and respiratory and contact diseases.  Attention is given to resistant pathogens, biofilm diseases, and pathogens with pandemic potential, particularly respiratory diseases, relative to occupational risk, illness prevention, and post-exposure responses.    Leave with a plan for managing today’s microbial challenges using Standard and Transmission-based precautions, including building air safety control.

• Infection Control In The Era of COVID-19 | Proper Pharmacologic Prescribing and Disposal | Abuse: The Regulations, and the Impact of COVID-19
  These courses satisfy the continuing dental education credits required for Maryland dental re-licensure in infection control, abuse and neglect, and prescription drug monitoring and disposal.
• Infection Control In The Era of COVID-19: What Dental Practitioners Need to Know Dec 2024The cluster of severe pneumonia cases caused by a novel coronavirus first reported in Wuhan, China in December of 2019 has now circled the globe. To date millions cases have been reported and the number of cases in the USA as well as worldwide are increasing at an alarming rate. The cause of these infections was shortly identified as a novel of coronavirus similar to the SARS coronavirus that emerged in 2003. Although similar to SARS this new virus has been identified as a novel, never reported virus now called SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome in some patients and this disease has been named COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019). Unfortunately, this virus is capable of very efficient person-to-person transmission and was declared a pandemic by March of 2020. The alarming spread of this infection in the USA has had a dramatic adverse impact on dental practice. This program will provide dental providers with the latest information on the epidemiology, testing, treatment and management of COVID-19. The latest COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination strategies will be discusses. Additionally, this program will provide dental providers with the latest information on the management of COVID-19 in the dental office. Paramount to controlling this pandemic are the principles of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette and enhancements in respiratory protection that may need to be implemented. Emphasis will be placed on compliance issues and how a practical, cost effective “safe workplace” can be achieved in 2020. This course fulfills CDE requirements for infection control and requirements for annual OSHA training.
• Proper Pharmacologic Prescribing and Disposal for Dental Practitioners (Dec 2024)
  Every dentist seeking renewal must complete a two-hour board-approved course on proper prescribing and disposal of prescription drugs. Dentists who do not prescribe prescription drugs are not exempt. For dentists holding drug dispensing permits, the course may not be taken to fulfill the continuing education requirements contained in SB 603, Chapter 267, Laws of Maryland 2012. ​This course fulfills the MSBDE (COMAR 10.44.22) requirement for re-licensure, which must be completed every other renewal cycle for re-licensure.
  
• Abuse Regulations for the Dental Team: The Impact of COVID-19 December 2024
  The program reviews the Maryland regulations regarding abuse and neglect. The dramatic increase in the use of alcohol and drugs, resulting in escalating cases of abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The signs, symptoms and oral manifestations of domestic abuse; as well as the timeframe, hotlines and required reporting forms are presented. Screening questions are provided to enable practitioners to evaluate clients suspected or identified as suffering from abuse. This situation reinforces our legal and ethical responsibilities to our patients, to remain vigilant, and report suspected or identified cases of abuse and neglect.  This course fulfills CDE requirements for Preventing  Abuse and Neglect as it relates to Maryland law,  which must be completed every other renewal cycle for re-licensure.
• Updates from the University of Minnesota on dental-dedicated MRI
  The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is pleased to announce the establishment of the Orofacial MRI Center (OMRIC) and the installation of the first-ever dental-dedicated MRI unit in the Americas. OMRIC has partnered with Densply Sirona and Siemens Healthineers for the installation of this new MRI unit and funding for a multi-year research timeline to include studies on MRI indications in TMJ imaging, endodontics, and orthodontics. Other OMRIC research initiatves include studies on periodontitis, caries, and dental materials. This course will provide an overview of the current state of technology and research associated with dental MRI, a review of the capabilities of OMRIC’s MAGNETOM Free.Max 0.55T dental-dedicated MRI unit, and a look at the future of MRI imaging in dentistry.
• The Use of Contemporary Ceramics in Dental Implant Rehabilitation
  Dental ceramics are used extensively in patient treatment. This course focuses on highlighting recent innovations in ceramic material composition and physical characteristics and how they are applied for treatment of patients using dental implant. Lithium disilicate, zirconia, and process of fabrication will be discussed. Clinical examples will be used to highlight practical applications of material and how to avoid complications.