Frontiers in Dentistry from Coursera

In this course, Frontiers in Dentistry, you will be able to explore some of the latest advances in the field of dental medicine. The innovations in therapeutic techniques as well as our understanding of the biomedical sciences have been made possible by our research enterprise which integrates the latest emerging technology along with interdisciplinary collaborations.

The material presented will focus on five distinct domains which have recently undergone significant transformation and hold endless possibilities for continued advancement in oral health care delivery. You will learn about each domain and how it addresses the clinical needs of the population, varying therapeutic and scientific innovations that have been incorporated into each domain, what technologies have enabled the domains to develop, and more.

Each topic will be contained within a module containing an interview-style video with supporting visuals and accompanying quiz material, as well as any suggested supplementary reading or documents provided by the speaker. You'll finish this course with a deeper understanding about some of the newest innovations in dentistry and how the field has evolved over the past few decades.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Frontiers in Dentistry

Throughout this course, you will be provided the opportunity to explore some of the latest, most fascinating advances in dental medicine. These innovations in therapeutic techniques as well as our understanding of the biomedical sciences have been made possible by our research enterprise which integrates the latest emerging technology along with interdisciplinary collaborations. We will begin the course with a warm welcome from Penn Dental Medicine's Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, and a brief introduction to the five domains that we will be discussing in this course. You will also get the opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your hopes for this learning experience. Let's get started!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Course provides insights into emerging dental methodologies, catering to learners seeking to stay up-to-date in the field

Taught by Dr. Uri Hangorsky, an esteemed professional in the dental field

Suitable for individuals curious about the latest innovations in dentistry or seeking a general overview of the field

Covers a broad range of topics, including dental materials, digital dentistry, and orthodontics

Incorporates hands-on activities to enhance learning

Offers an interdisciplinary approach, bridging dentistry with engineering and applied sciences

Reviews summary

Exploring cutting-edge innovations in dental medicine

According to learners, this course offers an absolutely fascinating and highly relevant overview of the latest advances in dental medicine. Students frequently praise the cutting-edge topics, such as the Center for Innovation and Precision Dentistry, biomaterials, AI, and digital dentistry, calling the insights groundbreaking and vital for staying current. The expert speakers and engaging interview-style format are consistently highlighted as strengths. While new dentists found it a fantastic perspective, some experienced professionals suggested it provides a high-level recap rather than deep clinical applications, indicating it excels as a broad survey course on the future of dentistry.

Offers crucial insights into treating patients with disabilities.

"Dr. Robbins' module on treating patients with disabilities was eye-opening and incredibly important."

"I particularly appreciated the focus on patient care for individuals with disabilities – a topic often overlooked."

"I learned how to better consider accessibility and tailored care for patients with alternative needs."

Features knowledgeable experts in an engaging interview format.

"Incredible insights from leading experts. Each module was a standalone masterpiece."

"The interview format kept it engaging, and the supplemental readings were valuable."

"The speakers are highly knowledgeable and articulate. I learned a lot and feel more informed."

"The interview format is quite engaging and allowed for a natural flow of information."

Explores the latest innovations shaping modern dentistry.

"Absolutely fascinating course! ...this course truly expanded my view on where dentistry is headed."

"Excellent course! As a new dentist, this gave me a fantastic perspective on advanced topics I didn't fully grasp in dental school."

"This course is a must for anyone in dental research or advanced clinical practice. It truly showcases the 'frontiers' of the field."

"I learned a lot and feel more informed about innovations. Definitely a valuable learning experience."

Provides broad awareness but lacks deep clinical application.

"Some topics, like computer-assisted orthodontics, felt a bit too brief; I would have loved more in-depth clinical examples."

"It felt more theoretical than I hoped. ...Good for a general awareness, but don't expect deep dives."

"I expected more hands-on or detailed clinical applications. ...Good for understanding the 'what' but less on the 'how'."

"As an experienced specialist, much of this felt like a high-level recap rather than 'frontiers.' Perhaps better for general dentists or those new to advanced topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Frontiers in Dentistry with these activities:

Brush up on dental anatomy

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Strengthen your foundation in dental anatomy for better clinical decision-making.

Browse courses on Dental Anatomy

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Review lecture notes or textbooks on dental anatomy
Study anatomical models or images
Practice identifying and labeling dental structures

Attend a virtual seminar or lecture

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Provide a deeper dive and expertise in a subtopic of your choosing.

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Explore online platforms or university websites for upcoming seminars or lectures
Register for the event and mark your calendar
Attend the virtual session and take notes

Develop a patient education handout

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Enhance your communication and patient education skills.

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Identify a specific topic related to the course material
Research and gather evidence-based information on the topic
Create a visually appealing and easy-to-understand handout
Share the handout with patients or colleagues for feedback

Three other activities

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Attend a dental conference or meeting

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Expand your professional network and stay updated on the latest advancements.

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Research and identify upcoming dental conferences or meetings
Register for the event and make travel arrangements
Attend presentations, workshops, and networking sessions

Review occlusion principles

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamentals of occlusion.

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Review lecture notes and assigned textbook chapters on occlusion
Complete practice questions or exercises provided by the instructor
Attend a supplemental workshop or online tutorial on occlusion

Assist at a dental clinic or community outreach program

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community's oral health.

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Identify and contact local dental clinics or organizations offering volunteer opportunities
Attend an orientation or training session
Assist dental professionals under supervision, as appropriate

Career center

Learners who complete Frontiers in Dentistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dental Researcher

Dental researchers investigate oral health issues and develop new treatments and technologies. By taking this course, you will gain access to cutting-edge research in dentistry that can provide you with the knowledge and skills to make significant contributions to the field.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. By enrolling in this course, you will learn about the most up-to-date techniques in dental medicine. This will give you a competitive advantage in the field and enhance your ability to excel in the role of a dentist.

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Dental Assistant

Dental assistants perform a variety of duties in dental practices. including assisting dentists during exams and procedures while following patient care guidelines. By completing this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the latest advancements in dental medicine, which can assist you in understanding the procedures you will be assisting with.

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Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists provide preventative dental care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. By taking this course, you will gain additional knowledge about the latest advancements in dental medicine, which can assist you in providing the best possible care to your patients.

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Dental Educator

Dental educators teach dental students and residents about the latest advancements in dentistry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach dental students and residents about the latest advancements in the field.

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Dental Sales Representative

Dental sales representatives sell dental products and services to dentists and other healthcare professionals. By learning about the latest advancements in dental medicine, you can become a more effective sales representative. You will be able to speak intelligently about the benefits of new products and services, which will lead to increased sales.

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Public Health Dentist

Public health dentists promote oral health and prevent oral diseases in the community. This course may be useful for those who wish to work as a public health dentist, as it provides an overview of the latest advancements in dental medicine.

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Dental Technician

Dental technicians create and repair dental prosthetics, such as dentures and crowns. Having an extensive understanding of the most cutting-edge advancements in dentistry can help you be successful in this career. This course provides insight into the latest innovations that you can apply to your work.

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Dental Marketing Manager

Dental marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for dental practices. Gaining knowledge from this course will help you create marketing campaigns that are more effective in reaching and engaging potential patients.

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Dental Office Manager

Dental office managers oversee the day-to-day operations of dental practices. By taking this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in dental medicine, which will enable you to make informed decisions to improve the efficiency and profitability of your practice.

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Dental Consultant

Dental consultants provide advice and guidance to dental practices on a variety of topics, including marketing, operations, and finance. Completing this course will give you access to the most cutting-edge dental research, which you can use to provide valuable insights to your clients.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems in a variety of fields, including healthcare. This course may be useful for those who wish to use data science techniques to improve the delivery of dental care.

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Dental Writer

Dental writers create content about dentistry for a variety of audiences, including patients, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. This course can be useful to those who wish to create content that is up-to-date and scientifically accurate.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to data in the field of biology. This course may be useful for those who wish to use statistical methods to analyze dental data.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare services. This course may be useful for those who wish to work as a healthcare administrator in a dental setting.

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