This article is sponsored content brought to you by Primary Dental.
In 2018 Primary Dental launched FORWARD, a complimentary and bespoke continuing education program available exclusively to dentists at Primary Dental.
The program forms part of the dental service organisation’s (DSO) overarching continuous development strategy for practitioners and offers tailored education sessions for graduates through to senior practitioners, helping develop the skills and knowledge to reach the next level of their practicing career.
Designed as a rolling 12-month program and facilitated by trusted and recognised experts in their specialist areas, FORWARD covers a broad range of topics; everything from achieving excellence in patient care and infection prevention to the latest concepts in endodontics and restorative dentistry – and much more.
Michelle Aquilina, CEO Primary Dental, said that the organisation understands the needs of consumers and dentists in today’s rapidly changing environment, which makes the program so pertinent.
“We know that consumer needs are constantly changing and the expectations for quality, safe and modern dental care are greater than ever. As a national dental service organisation our responsibility is to adapt and ensure we meet those changing expectations,” explains Aquilina.
“We are seeing new techniques entering the industry at a record rate, driven by new technology and digital advancement and the pressure is on to ensure there is a high level of quality and service maintained across the industry. Through the program, we not only help enhance treatment outcomes but also upskill practitioners, meeting their needs as professionals.”
The growing consumer expectations matched with a dentist’s desire to develop further in their areas of interest, makes FORWARD by Primary Dental an attractive solution for those who want to offer a wider range of services to patients.
Dr Natalie Nairn is an experienced dentist with a special interest in orthodontics and paediatrics. Natalie joined Primary Dental’s FORWARD program to meet like-minded professionals with whom she could discuss clinical cases without judgement.
“We become dentists after completing a university degree, but the essential tools and skills to thrive in the industry long term require continuous development and those opportunities are not always so accessible,” said Dr Nairn.
“When I graduated I aspired to be a good dentist, but FORWARD is about aspiring to be a great dentist. With the latest technology at our fingertips and hands-on courses as part of this program, I am ready to take on more complex dentistry and succeed,” said Dr Nairn.
Dr Prabhjeet Kaur is another experienced dentist at a Primary Dental centre and feels that the program allows her to have her finger on the pulse.
“Every session in FORWARD is outstanding. All the sessions were quite different, which makes every session very interesting. The program is well structured and fulfils the requirements of today’s dental professionals.”
“The presenters are experts, leaders in their fields and the content and pace were superb,” expressed Dr Kaur.
“I’ve learned new clinical and professional techniques, which has helped me achieve my desired goals and oriented me in the right direction as a contemporary dentist.”
Aquilina ultimately attributes balanced collaboration to the success of the program. “The reason FORWARD is so unique to the industry is because we make meeting the needs of dentists and consumers an equal priority,” she explains.
“This means we provide an open forum for dentists to provide feedback on their clinical experiences, we collaborate with industry leaders to ensure dentists are receiving access to quality CPD content relevant to everyday modern practice—and with that input, we adapt the program accordingly. Striking that balance is key.”
Interested in FORWARD and other development opportunities at
Primary Dental? Visit www.primarydental.com.au/forward/ or email forward@healius.com.au.
