DENTAL LEARNING

Fluorescence-Enhanced “Theragnosis” Evaluation

Continuing education course explains the concept of “theragnosis” in a convenient online article featuring detailed descriptions and images

Dental Learning course cover When dental professionals are looking to introduce new treatment options, expand their practices, or meet state licensure requirements, they often turn to continuing education (CE) platforms for expert advice. But when travel expenses and time away from patients are factored in, traditional in-person CE classes are not always the most convenient or efficient option. As dental professionals realize the convenience and safety of online learning, including how it can be done from any location, at any time, and on any device, virtual CE offerings are exploding.

Dental Learning, a CE provider recognized by the ADA and AGD, provides accessible and high-quality online CE that allows dental professionals to stay up to date on the latest advances in treatment protocols, products, and services—no matter where they are. With a host of online learning opportunities, including articles, videos, webinars, live events, and online classes, Dental Learning offers relevant and timely material in a format that’s convenient for a variety of learning styles.

One of Dental Learning’s popular educational offerings, Fluorescence-Enhanced “Theragnosis” for Minimally Invasive Caries Management, introduces a concept that most clinicians have never heard of before—theragnosis. Theragnosis combines fluorescence-enhanced therapy and diagnosis to allow clinicians to visually differentiate between the various phases of active carious lesions. In this online article, the author presents a new evidence-based technology for clinicians to effectively diagnose caries and possibly develop a minimally invasive treatment plan for improved patient outcomes.

DPS reached out to dentists and hygienists who participated in the “Theragnosis” online activity, inquiring how they felt about the convenience, content, and overall learning experience.

Convenient Online Course Format

Fluorescence-Enhanced “Theragnosis” for Minimally Invasive Caries Management is a web-based CE opportunity, a 10-page article with full-color descriptive images and flowcharts. It is written for dentists, hygienists, and assistants by a respected specialist in prosthodontics and endodontics, Dr. Liviu Steier. After registering for the course on Dental Learning’s website, participants read the content on their own time, at their location of choice, on their favorite electronic device. To obtain 2 CE credits, clinicians must review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain a score of at least 70%.

“I liked being able to take the course on my own time,” said Lesley Nellor, DDS. Dr. Tiffany Campbell said she appreciated the easy online accessibility, and another dentist said, “It was a simple process to take the course.” Jimmy Slamat, DDS praised the course for being “quick and concise,” and said he would definitely take another Dental Learning CE course in the future.

Lesley Nellor, DDS, Evaluator

"I liked being
able to take the
course on my
own time."

Matthew Kanter, DDS, Evaluator

"The material
discusses
promising devel-
opments in
objective caries
diagnosis."

John Shepard, DDS, Evaluator

"I liked learning
about the
different colors
and stages of
caries."

Lesley Nellor,
DDS
Lawrence, KS

Matthew Kanter,
DDS
Menifee, CA

John Shepard,
DDS
West Monroe, LA

Course Content

As minimally invasive caries management gains popularity, experts are rethinking the way they diagnose caries to determine appropriate and possibly less-invasive treatment options. Using the theragnosis concept, the article introduces dentists to a unique tool called REVEAL, from Designs for Vision, that combines magnification and fluorescent light technology to diagnose caries. A loupe and light combination that shines fluorescent light onto teeth under a specified magnification, REVEAL allows clinicians to visualize the phases of caries to determine appropriate treatment.

“The material discusses promising developments in objective caries diagnosis,” noted Dr. Matthew Kanter, who said he would like to see yearly updates on the theragnosis concept. Another dentist, who hopes the theragnosis technology will assist with patient education, said the article “provided a good science background,” and Dr. Slamat shared, “The article provided a great explanation and demonstration with pictures.”

“The course was very stimulating,” noted Dr. Campbell, who suggested showing video animation of the technology. “It’s an interesting technique,” said a Texas dentist, and another shared, “The course was brief but full of useful information.” Dr. John Shepard said he enjoyed “learning about the different colors and stages of caries.”

Knowledge of Instructor

Dental Learning authors include respected professionals in the field of dentistry. Fluorescence-Enhanced “Theragnosis” for Minimally Invasive Caries Management was written by German dentist, Dr. Liviu Steier, an internationally recognized lecturer, professor, and specialist in prosthodontics and endodontics. DPS evaluators were pleased with Dr. Steier’s knowledge of the material, especially since he co-developed several breakthrough technologies in caries detection, prevention, and therapy.

"Fluorescence-enhanced theragnosis represents the next generation of minimally invasive treatment."
-Liviu Steier, Prof. Dr. med. dent.
Boston, MA

Overall Satisfaction

Applauding the content and convenient online format, all the evaluators said they would recommend the course to their colleagues, and most would take another Dental Learning course in the future. Together, the group decided that Dental Learning’s Fluorescence-Enhanced “Theragnosis” for Minimally Invasive Caries Management is a DPS Best Product.

Takeaways

• Online course can be completed at a time and place convenient for participants
• Using fluorescent light technology and magnification, caries are visually diagnosed using a device called REVEAL
• A loupe and light combination shines fluorescent light, allowing clinicians to visualize the phases of caries
• Participants receive 2 CE credits from Dental Learning
• Dental Learning materials are written by respected professionals in dentistry

FLUORESCENCE-ENHANCED “THERAGNOSIS” for Minimally Invasive Caries Management