What are the most affordable online CE courses for dental hygienists
I’m a dental hygienist working in a small, private practice. We’re a little tight on budget right now, and while my employer helps with some CE expenses, I’m looking to get a few more credits on my own to renew my license. I need about 12 more hours before my renewal date in (whoops, almost forgot!) six months.
I’m really looking for the most affordable options possible. I’m not necessarily looking for specific topics, although anything related to periodontics or infection control would be a plus. Ideally, I’d love to find courses that are free or very low cost, even if they’re only worth 1-2 credits each. Reputable providers are a must, of course – I don’t want my hours to be rejected by my state board! My state is [insert state abbreviation here] and while I’m here, is there any resource where I can find which providers are pre-approved by the state dental board?
Answer
To identify the most affordable online CE courses for dental hygienists, it is important to consider various providers and their pricing structures. The definition of "affordable" can vary based on individual budgets and needs, but generally, it refers to courses with competitive pricing, discounts, or bundled offerings.
Key Providers Offering Affordable Online CE for Dental Hygienists:
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Dental CE Academy: Dental CE Academy is known for its large selection of CE courses and webinars and has a variety of courses that fit most budgets. They are also an ADA CERP recognized provider of education.
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Colgate Oral Health: Colgate offers a range of free online CE courses for dental professionals, including dental hygienists. These courses cover topics such as periodontology, caries management, and oral cancer detection.
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Procter & Gamble (P&G) Dental Care: Similar to Colgate, P&G Dental Care provides free online CE courses. Topics often include the latest advancements in oral hygiene products and techniques.
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Dimensions of Dental Hygiene: While not entirely free, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene often features sponsored CE articles and webinars that are available at no cost. These cover a wide range of topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
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RDH Magazine: RDH Magazine is another resource for free or low-cost CE opportunities, often through sponsored articles or webinars.
- Atrium CE: Atrium CE is a popular place to obtain CEU’s for dental hygienists. They offer courses that have been created to provide comprehensive information in an efficient manner. They also have courses that are available on demand, allowing you to complete them at your own pace.
Factors Affecting Affordability:
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Subscription vs. Individual Courses: Some providers offer subscription-based models, allowing access to a library of courses for a fixed annual fee. This can be more affordable for hygienists needing a large number of CE credits. Others charge per course, which might be better for those needing only a few credits.
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Discounts and Promotions: Many providers offer discounts for new members, students, or during promotional periods. Checking for these opportunities can significantly reduce the cost.
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Bundled Packages: Some providers offer bundled packages of courses at a reduced rate compared to purchasing each course individually.
- Free Courses: As mentioned above, manufacturers like Colgate and P&G often provide free CE courses, making them a very affordable option.
Strategies for Finding Affordable CE:
- Comparison Shopping: Compare the prices of courses covering the same topic from different providers.
- Check Professional Organizations: Organizations like the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) may offer discounted or free CE opportunities to their members.
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews of CE courses to ensure the quality of the content justifies the cost.
- Look for special offers: Check emails from companies that you are subscribed to to see what kinds of discounts they may offer for being a subscriber.
- Check your state requirements: Make sure the classes you are wanting to sign up for are accepted in your state.
