The Trainer Network for Latin America promoted by Dentsply Sirona CAD/CAM supports dentists and dental technicians in integrating CAD/CAM technologies successfully into their practice. Experienced users transfer their knowledge to beginners and serve as competent partners. A total of 40 participants from 11 Latin American countries took part in the training sessions in Bensheim.
The use of CAD/CAM systems like CEREC and inLab for computer-aided construction of dental restorations is increasing in Latin America. After all, it is hard to imagine modern dentistry and especially modern dental technology without CAD/CAM technology. In order to provide dentists and dental technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to work with digital technology and ensure the quality of CAD/CAM restorations, Dentsply Sirona is further expanding the Trainer Network for Latin America.
Forty dentists and dental technicians from Latin America took part in a four-day training course to become CEREC and inLab trainers.
“Train the Trainer”: Qualification and continuous training
Within the “Train the Trainer” qualification programme, 40 dentists and dental technicians from 11 Latin American countries went through a series of seminars and training courses at Dentsply Sirona in Bensheim from June 27 to 30, 2016. Among other things, they learned about the training concept of the International Society for Computerised Dentistry (ISCD), which was presented to the interested participants by Dr. Olaf Schenk. After successfully completing the courses, the participants were certified as Dentsply Sirona trainers. This certificate is valid until the end of 2017 and allows the newly-certified dental technicians and dentists to train first-time users in their country.
The participants are highly motivated. Dr. César A. Tovar from Columbia praised the organisation and the feeling of family. “The sense of community at the event was great and I found the exchange with colleagues from other countries to be very beneficial.” Dr. Julio César Gomez Paris, CEREC and inLab user from Argentina, was particularly satisfied with the answers to his questions. “Any uncertainties I had were clarified and now I feel like I am well prepared for my role as trainer.”
Dentists and dental technicians from all over the world have been taking part in the Dentsply Sirona “Train the Trainer” programme for several years. In 2013 alone, 24 dentists from Latin America were trained. Recertification is required on a regular basis in order to remain in the Train the Trainer programme. This ensures training quality at the very highest level – important steps for a region where the spread of CAD/CAM technology is still in the early stages.
Successful learning from colleagues
The experiences from other countries have shown that first-time users learn how to use digital technologies best if they have experienced colleagues at their side. “Specially trained CEREC and inLab trainers are becoming increasingly important due to the growing number of devices on the market and the many application possibilities with CAD/CAM technology,” says Ms. Daniela Bischler, senior sales manager CAD/CAM for Latin America at Dentsply Sirona. This was the reason for developing the Train the Trainer programme three years ago. “It serves to provide training as well as build a local network where users can continue to exchange ideas and learn from each other.”
