Dental Professional Blogs and Their Role in Higher Education

 

Dental blogs provide dental students with a unique and enriching additional learning method to traditional dental school education. These online platforms serve as a valuable resource for students, offering a distinct perspective to enhance their education and expand their knowledge in the field. While traditional learning methods such as textbooks and lectures are undoubtedly important, dental blogs offer a unique lens that adds depth and dimension to the student experience.

 

 

One key benefit of dental blogs is their accuracy. Blogs are written by experienced dentists or dental professionals who have real-world experience in the field. This real-world experience allows students to gain insights and practical tips they may not find in traditional academic sources. By reading these blogs, students can gain a more holistic understanding of dentistry and learn about the latest trends and technologies in the field.

 

Another critical advantage of dental blogs is their practicality. Unlike peer-reviewed articles, which can often be dense and difficult to digest, blogs are typically written in a more conversational tone that is easy for students to understand. Students can better understand the subject matter and develop critical thinking skills by comparing information from peer-reviewed articles and dental blogs. Their practical advice makes them an invaluable resource for students looking to supplement their formal education.

 

Dental blogs offer a platform for merit-based information sharing. Bloggers often share their research, insights, and information about new developments and advancements in the dental field. Dental technology constantly evolves, and blogs can provide a valuable platform for students to learn about innovations and techniques. This can give students a competitive edge in their future careers, igniting their ambition and helping them stand out in a crowded job market.

 

After a short four years, dental students entering the work environment will find that dental blogs can offer resources for graduates to determine their next steps. Resources and information include dental practice management, forums to post job openings, navigating the job search, furthering careers, marketing, advertisement, and suggestions on building positive workplace cultures. Dental supply blog sites can provide information on infection control, dental equipment, and dental supplies.

 

In conclusion, the value of dental blogs in dental school education cannot be overstated. By providing accurate, real-world insights, offering merit-based information sharing, and encouraging critical thinking skills, dental blogs enhance the student learning experience and prepare future dentists for career success. Students should incorporate these blogs into their educational journey to broaden their knowledge and skills in dentistry.

 

 

Thanks for reading our latest blog! If you've got a topic that you'd like to see us tackle next, please submit your suggestion to our blog writing team of dental professionals at blogs@maxill.com

Maryanne Ferree RDH, BS, PHDHP

Maryanne Ferree, BS, RDH, PHDHP, CDIPC from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a registered dental hygienist with over 39 years of experience. She has ventured into many facets of dental hygiene, including clinical care, public health, and education. She is currently a clinical faculty member in the Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine focusing her clinical teaching on Periodontal Instrumentation. She has been excited to step into the role of KOL and blogger to share her enthusiasm for infection control in the dental setting, OSHA compliance training, and periodontal disease therapy.

 

Dental blogs of interest for dental students in America:

  1. The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has a GoDental website that gives students the guidance and resources they need to apply to programs and navigate dental school. This site offers information for future dentists, dental hygienists, nontraditional applicants, and health professions advisors.

Hear from practitioners: Current dentists and dental hygienists give you a peek into their daily lives in oral health care.

Words from your peers: Other predental and pre-hygiene students like you have great advice to share!

Financial aid advice: Financial aid advice from professionals that will help you finance your education.

Advice from admissions officers: Hear directly from dental school admissions officers about the type of students they seek.

Tips from current DDS/DH students: Find out what it's like to be in dental school or a dental hygiene program and how to succeed.

Health professions advisor views: Advisors talk about advising predental and pre-hygiene students.

 

  1. American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

The ASDA Blog, “Mouthing Off,” includes posts and articles to help shape the dental student experience. This blog features helpful resources for dental students, with topics covering dental networking, social media, HIPAA compliance, and numerous other student-related concepts.

 

References:

  1. Lee, R., Cannon, C., Romano, A., Xue, T., Nathani, S., & Santa, A. L. (2022, October 28). Asda blog. ASDA Blog. https://www.asdablog.com/
  2. Dental Blogs. https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Dental_Blogs.aspx