The Importance of Clinical Education in the Clear Aligner Industry

Introduction

As the clear aligner industry continues to grow, it’s crucial to ensure that doctors are well-equipped to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients. Clinical education is key to ensure doctors have the knowledge and skills necessary to treat all types of clear aligner cases effectively.

The Role of Clinical Education

Unlike general education about orthodontics and dentistry, clear aligners require specialized training and knowledge to ensure doctors effectively treat clear aligner cases. It focuses on the principles, biomechanics, techniques and technologies related to clear aligners.

Components of effective clinical education:

Theoretical Knowledge: 

Knowledge of the clear aligner fundamentals and biomechanics is the foundation of clinical education. Doctors must have a full grasp of the principles that are related to tooth movements and aligner functionality. This includes:

• Biomechanics‍

This involves understanding how forces are applied to achieve desired tooth movements. Doctors need to grasp the different types of orthodontic tooth movements such as intrusion, extrusion and torque. Knowledge of the biomechanics ensures that doctors understand the forces applied and tailor treatment plans to the patient's individual needs.

• Patient and Case Selection

This covers how to evaluate whether patients are candidates for clear aligners depending on the case complexity, the treatment objectives as well as other individually-varying factors. Doctors must be able to make informed decisions on whether clear aligners are the right choice for their patients depending on the requirements needed to achieve the desired outcome considering factors such as the patient's dental health and their chief complaint.

• Treatment Planning‍

Treatment planning is the cornerstone of clear aligner treatments and successful outcomes. Doctors need to understand the essential steps to evaluate the treatment plans of their aligner cases, including checking the bite and assessing the rate and sequence at which individual tooth movements are planned in order to achieve the desired outcome.

• Orthodontic Assessment Basics‍

This is considered the first step in treatment planning. Doctors must know the full process starting with understanding the history of the patient and conducting a full examination of their teeth. This also covers all the records required for an accurate assessment, including impressions or  intraora l scans, clinical photographs and radiographic images.

Practical Knowledge: 

Hands-on training is crucial for doctors to effectively apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This includes:

• Placing Attachments‍

This includes implementing the doctor’s understanding of  the different types of attachments as well as  where and how to place them for optimal results.

• Interproximal Reduction (IPR)

This involves understanding the timing, amount, location and procedure through which IPR is performed to enable certain movements to take place and make sure the patient’s teeth remain on track with the planned treatment. 

• Placing Elastics

This includes a step by step process on how to place rubber bands on aligners and the different types of elastics available. 

• Continuous Education

The clear aligner industry is continually evolving with new techniques , technologies and best practices. Ongoing education helps doctors stay up to date with all the techniques and skills necessary to provide the best possible care to their patients. This includes:

• Advanced Workshops

Participating in advanced sessions by clear aligner experts that delve into deeper topics such as the use of  TADs and other advanced auxiliaries  to carry out certain tooth movements.

• Clear Aligner Conferences and Lectures

As a cornerstone in orthodontics, countless conferences, seminars and lectures are being given on clear aligner therapy. Attending such events can enable doctors to learn more tips and tricks on this ever-evolving technology.  

Benefits of Clinical Education:

Improved Patient Outcomes 

Well-educated doctors are better equipped to achieve optimal patient outcomes. They are able to accurately diagnose and plan treatments, foresee potential challenges and implement effective solutions.  

Professional Competency and Confidence

Clinical education enhances the skills and confidence of doctors. When doctors are familiar with all the techniques and skills, they can handle cases with greater assurance. This confidence translates to better patient communication, improved diagnostic abilities and effective treatment planning. 

Ability to Treat Wider Range of Cases

With advanced clinical education, doctors can expand their scope and include a wider range of cases including complex ones. By broadening their expertise, doctors can attract a bigger patient base and enhance patient satisfaction. 

Advancement of the Industry

Clinical education plays a role in advancing the clear aligner industry. By encouraging the adoption of best practices, doctors can contribute to the development of new treatment methodologies.

Strategies for Enhancing Clinical Education 

Partnerships with Educational Institutes

Collaborations with universities to include lectures can help dental students understand clear aligner technology and its benefits to patients. This early exposure ensures that future dentists are well-prepared to integrate clear aligners into their practice as well as consider collaborating with your brand which helps in building brand loyalty.

Utilizing Technology and Online Learning

Online education courses and webinars offer flexible and accessible options for clinical education. These tools allow doctors to learn at their own convenience. At Eon Dental, we offer this service to our clients through our online education platform Aligner Edu.

Offline Events and Workshops

In-person events and hands-on workshops provide valuable opportunities for dental practitioners to learn from experts. These events foster a sense of community and encourage learning. Workshops also offer practical hands-on experience making them an essential part of clinical education.

Conclusion

Clinical education is crucial for the success and advancement of the clear aligner industry. By investing in comprehensive training and ongoing education, doctors can build confidence in treating clear aligner cases including complex cases, improve patient outcomes and contribute to the industry's growth.