Best Dental CE Courses: Comprehensive Training Guide for Durham, NC
- Local Start Dental
- Nov 12, 2025
- 16 min read
Selecting quality continuing education is essential for every dentist who wants to stay up to date with emerging procedures and advance their clinical practice. Whether you're a general dentist looking to expand into surgical implants or a seasoned practitioner seeking to refine specialized techniques, top-tier dental CE courses can transform your outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Why Dental Continuing Education Matters for Your Dental Practice
Dental continuing education serves critical purposes in modern practice. Beyond fulfilling mandatory CE credits required by licensing boards, high-quality dental CE programs enable practitioners to deliver exceptional patient care while remaining competitive in an evolving field.
The American Dental Association emphasizes that ongoing learning helps maintain clinical competency and discover improved approaches to treatment planning. For dental professionals committed to long term success, investing in comprehensive education isn't optional—it's essential for practice growth and improved outcomes.
The Growing Demand for Advanced Procedures
Patient interest in advanced procedures, particularly implants and full-arch restorations, continues increasing across general dentistry. General dentists who cultivate expertise in these areas can significantly enhance practice management capabilities and revenue potential. Hands on courses that provide actual surgical experience prepare practitioners to confidently offer these treatments in their practice.
Maintaining Competency Through Quality Continuing Education
As new techniques emerge and technology advances, what worked five years ago may no longer represent best practice. Regular participation in dental continuing education ensures that dental professionals can offer patients the most current, evidence-based care available.
What Makes Quality Dental CE Courses Stand Out
Not all dental CE courses deliver equal value. The best course offerings share several key characteristics that set them apart from standard continuing education programs.
Hands-On Training with Live Patient Experience
Exceptional dental CE courses provide hands on training where attendees work with actual patients under expert supervision. This in person learning approach allows dental professionals to develop practical skills and gain confidence with new techniques before implementing them independently in their dental practice.
Live surgery sessions offer invaluable experience that lectures alone cannot provide. Dentists who participate in course offerings featuring actual patient treatment develop better clinical judgment and understanding of how procedures unfold in real-world scenarios.
Expert Instructors with Real-World Clinical Dentistry Experience
Quality continuing education depends on instructors who actively practice what they teach. Top dental CE courses are led by experienced dentists who regularly perform the procedures and can share practical strategies, troubleshooting tips, and insights from their clinical dentistry experience.
Seasoned instructors help dental professionals navigate challenges and develop approaches that work in general dentistry settings, not just academic or specialty environments.
Comprehensive Curriculum and CE Credits
Top-tier programs offer substantial CE credits and credit hours that help dentists fulfill their licensing requirements while building genuine expertise. Each course should provide enough credit hours to justify the time investment and cover topics thoroughly rather than superficially.
The best offerings structure their content to progress logically, allowing attendees to build capabilities systematically from foundational knowledge through advanced material, ensuring each course date delivers maximum value.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology
Modern training requires access to current technology and equipment. Course offerings using outdated materials or methods fail to prepare dental professionals adequately for contemporary demands.
Facilities equipped with CBCT imaging, digital workflow technology, and current implant systems ensure that dentists learn with the same resources they'll use in their office, making the transition to clinical application seamless.
Southeast Institute for Dental Education (SIDE): Premier Dental CE Courses in Durham, NC
For dental professionals seeking exceptional continuing education, the Southeast Institute for Dental Education (SIDE) in Durham, North Carolina, provides comprehensive hands on courses. SIDE's unique service-and-training model creates an outstanding educational experience while serving the community.
About SIDE's Mission
SIDE serves as a vibrant community where dental professional practitioners network, connect with industry leaders, and forge lasting relationships with like-minded peers. The institute advances dental education by providing dentists with course offerings and mentorship to deliver exceptional, cutting-edge oral health care to patients.
All dentists holding a valid license and malpractice insurance in the United States are welcome to join these programs and access quality continuing education opportunities.
World-Class Training Facility Established in Durham
SIDE operates from a state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot clinic featuring 10 fully equipped operatories with advanced technology including 3D printers, two Carestream CBCT units, and an Ivoclar PM7 Mill. The facility also includes a fully equipped lab plus a spacious classroom for didactic sessions during each course date.
This comprehensive setup ensures that course participants gain experience with the same technology and workflows they'll use in practice, making knowledge transfer immediate and practical. The established facility provides everything needed for comprehensive dental education.
Partnership with Local Start Dental
SIDE is a division of Local Start Dental, a non-profit clinic in Durham, NC, that provides affordable dental care and tooth replacement services for underserved populations. This connection creates a unique opportunity: course participants often treat Local Start patients during live training sessions.
This service-and-training model benefits everyone involved. Patients receive excellent patient care from skilled practitioners under expert supervision, while dental professionals gain invaluable hands-on experience. The arrangement also creates a sustainable financial model that supports Local Start's mission to serve the community and assist dental professionals in developing new skills.
ADA CERP Recognition
SIDE maintains high standards and is an ADA CERP recognized provider of continuing education. This designation ensures that dental professional attendees earn CE and credit hours with confidence, knowing their learning meets rigorous standards set by the American Dental Association. As an ADA CERP recognized provider, SIDE demonstrates its commitment to excellence in dental education.
Comprehensive Course Offerings at SIDE
SIDE offers a carefully developed curriculum of dental CE courses designed to meet dental professionals at various experience levels. From beginners exploring implant work to established practitioners refining advanced procedures, SIDE's programs provide the training and hands on experience needed for clinical excellence across dentistry.
Beginner Single Implant Placement Course
This two-day surgical implantology course is designed for dentists starting their implant journey. The program provides a solid foundation in single implant placement, covering everything from case selection and treatment planning through surgical execution and immediate post-operative care.
Course participants receive extensive training, placing implants in live cases under the guidance of expert instructors. This in person learning experience builds confidence and competence, preparing general dentists to begin incorporating implants into their practice immediately after the course date.
Topics include:
Patient assessment and implant case selection
Surgical site preparation and bone evaluation
Implant placement techniques and proper positioning
Immediate post-operative management strategies
Common challenges and troubleshooting approaches
Dentists completing this program earn substantial CE credits while developing practical skills that enhance patient care and expand office potential. The course provides exceptional value for general dentistry practitioners looking to add implants to their practice.
Surgical and Restorative Single Implant Course
This advanced program is designed for dental professionals who already have adequate experience with implant placement and want to acquire and share knowledge in a diverse range of implant-related procedures in their practice.
The course goes beyond basic placement to address complex single-tooth replacement scenarios, immediate placement protocols, and comprehensive restorative techniques. Course participants work on challenging cases that develop clinical judgment and problem-solving capabilities essential for success in general dentistry.
Topics covered include:
Advanced case selection criteria and risk assessment
Immediate implant placement after extraction
Bone grafting and socket preservation techniques
Provisional restoration strategies
Final restorative protocols for optimal outcomes
This dental CE training provides the experience needed to handle the full spectrum of single implant cases confidently in any dental practice.
Surgical and Restorative Overdenture Course
This comprehensive program addresses one of the most predictable and life-changing treatments available: implant-supported overdentures. The course is designed for dentists who already have adequate experience with oral surgery but not necessarily surgical implant placements.
Overdentures provide an excellent entry point for dental professionals interested in full-arch rehabilitation. The treatment is more forgiving than fixed hybrid restorations while delivering dramatic improvements in patient quality of life and oral health.
Course participants learn:
Overdenture treatment planning and case selection
Surgical protocols for implant placement
Attachment selection and prosthetic planning
Conversion methods for existing dentures
Maintenance protocols and management strategies
The hands on format ensures that dentists gain confidence with both surgical and prosthetic aspects of overdentures, preparing them to offer this valuable service in their practice.
Surgical and Restorative Fixed-Hybrid Course
This advanced surgical and prosthetic program represents the pinnacle of full-arch rehabilitation in modern dentistry. The course is designed for dental professionals who already have adequate experience with implant placement but not necessarily full arch work.
Fixed-hybrid restorations (also known as All-on-X treatments) require sophisticated planning, precise surgical execution, and expert prosthetic management. This dental CE training provides comprehensive learning needed to master this complex but highly rewarding procedure.
The curriculum covers:
Complete patient evaluation and treatment planning
Digital workflow integration and surgical guide use
Advanced surgical approaches for full-arch cases
Immediate loading protocols when appropriate
Provisional and final prosthetic procedures
Team coordination and laboratory communication strategies
Course participants work through complete cases, gaining experience with each phase under expert guidance. This intensive program prepares practitioners to confidently undertake full-arch rehabilitation.
Small-Group Single Implant or Overdenture Case
For dental professional practitioners who want personalized attention and intensive mentorship, SIDE offers small-group training sessions. This course option is designed for dentists with limited experience or who have knowledge but want to gain more confidence before treating patients independently.
These intimate learning environments provide exceptional value for every dentist who participates, allowing attendees to work closely with expert instructors and receive individualized feedback. The focused setting accelerates skill development and builds clinical confidence for general dentistry practice.
Extraction and Socket Preservation Course
This focused program addresses critical techniques that support successful implant outcomes: proper extraction methods and socket preservation protocols. Dental professionals learn how to minimize bone loss during extractions and prepare sites optimally for future implant placement.
Topics include:
Atraumatic extraction techniques for preserving bone
Socket preservation materials and approaches
Timing considerations for implant placement
Managing complications and challenging extractions
Mastering these techniques improves implant success rates and expands treatment possibilities for any dental practice.
Benefits of Choosing SIDE for Your Dental Continuing Education
Dental professionals who select SIDE for their dental CE courses gain numerous advantages that enhance both their learning experience and clinical outcomes.
Convenient Durham, NC Location
SIDE's Durham location provides easy access for dental professionals throughout North Carolina and the broader Southeast region. The convenient location makes attending courses practical, allowing dentists to fulfill their CE credits requirements without excessive travel demands.
Durham offers excellent accommodations, dining, and amenities for course participants, making the entire educational experience pleasant and professionally enriching on each course date.
Real Patient Experience During Training
Unlike many programs that rely on simulation or extracted teeth, SIDE courses provide hands on training with real patients. This invaluable opportunity helps dental professionals develop the clinical judgment and confidence that only comes from treating actual cases.
Working with live patients under expert supervision bridges the gap between learning and doing in dentistry, ensuring that course participants leave ready to implement new capabilities immediately in their practice.
Comprehensive Support for Your Entire Team
SIDE's programs help dental professionals build not just individual capabilities but entire team operations. Understanding the full scope of procedures—from initial consultation through final restoration—enables better practice management and communication with your entire team.
Course training provides insights into scheduling, case presentation, and treatment coordination that help teams deliver exceptional patient care and office efficiency in general dentistry settings.
Networking with Other Dental Professionals
SIDE courses attract motivated practitioners from across the country, creating valuable networking opportunities. Course participants can connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and build professional relationships that provide ongoing support beyond the scheduled date.
These connections often lead to mentorship opportunities, case consultations, and collaborative learning that continues well after formal sessions end. Many dental professionals find these relationships invaluable for long term success.
Ongoing Skill Development Through Multiple Courses
SIDE offers a complete curriculum that allows dental professional practitioners to develop expertise progressively. Dentists can begin with foundational courses and advance through increasingly complex procedures as their skills and confidence grow.
This structured approach to continuing education supports success in dentistry and enables systematic expansion of clinical capabilities rather than jumping into advanced work before being ready.
How to Choose the Right Dental CE Courses for Your Needs
Selecting appropriate continuing education requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure the investment delivers maximum value for your practice and patients.
Assess Your Current Skill Level as a Dentist
Honest self-assessment is crucial for choosing course offerings that match your experience. Taking advanced programs before you've mastered fundamentals leads to frustration and potentially unsafe clinical work. Conversely, repeating basic training when you're ready for advanced material wastes time and resources.
Dental professionals should evaluate their comfort level with relevant procedures, their case volume and outcomes, and areas where they want to develop skills before selecting course dates and programs.
Consider Your Practice Goals and Focus
Your continuing education should align with your vision for your dental practice. If you want to focus on single-tooth replacement for general dentistry patients, extensive full-arch training may not be the best immediate investment. Conversely, if you're building a practice with a focus on complex rehabilitation, advanced course offerings in full-arch restoration become priorities.
Consider patient demand in your area, referral patterns, and where you can add the most value to patient care when planning your education strategy and selecting course dates.
Evaluate Course Format and Content
Look for programs that provide substantial hands on training rather than passive lecture attendance. The best dental CE courses balance didactic education with practical application, ensuring you understand both the "why" and the "how" of procedures.
Review agendas carefully to ensure topics align with your learning objectives and that CE credits offered justify your time investment for each course date.
Check Instructor Credentials and Experience
Research the backgrounds of course instructors to ensure they have extensive clinical experience with the techniques they teach. Instructors who actively maintain busy practices and teach from real-world experience provide more valuable insights than purely academic educators. The best dental CE courses feature instructors who are currently practicing dentists.
Consider Logistics, Schedule, and Accessibility
Evaluate location, scheduling, and tuition to ensure the training fits within your constraints. Course offerings requiring excessive travel or time away from your practice may not be sustainable despite their quality.
Check available course dates to find options that work with your practice schedule. Some dental professionals prefer courses spread over several dates, while others want intensive programs. Consider what works best for your learning style and practice demands.
Maximizing the Value of Your Dental CE Investment
Simply attending courses doesn't guarantee improvement in your dental practice. Dental professionals who implement effective strategies for applying their education achieve the best outcomes.
Take Comprehensive Notes During Each Course
During training, document not just what instructors demonstrate but also the reasoning behind their clinical decisions. Capture tips, troubleshooting strategies, and nuances that may not appear in formal course materials.
These notes become invaluable resources when you begin implementing new approaches in your practice and encounter unexpected challenges. Many dentists find that reviewing notes before their first few cases helps ensure proper execution.
Review Course Materials and Resources Regularly
Quality programs provide substantial reference resources. Review these materials before attempting new procedures to refresh your memory and reinforce proper protocols learned during the course.
Schedule regular review sessions even after you've begun performing procedures independently in your practice to ensure you maintain best practices and haven't developed bad habits.
Start with Appropriate Cases in Your Practice
When beginning to apply new skills from courses, select cases that match your current competency level. Success with straightforward cases builds confidence and refines execution before you tackle more complex scenarios in your dental practice.
Resist pressure to attempt difficult cases before you're ready. Building expertise systematically leads to better outcomes than jumping into challenging situations prematurely after completing a course.
Seek Mentorship and Ongoing Support
Many dental professionals benefit from ongoing mentorship after completing training. Connect with course instructors or more experienced colleagues who can provide guidance as you develop your abilities in practice.
Consider attending additional sessions or advanced programs to continue developing expertise and address challenges you've encountered. Some dentists schedule follow-up course dates specifically for this purpose.
Document Your Cases and Track Progress
Maintain detailed records of your early cases after completing courses, including treatment planning decisions, radiographs, and clinical photographs. Reviewing these cases helps you identify patterns, learn from complications, and track your development over time.
Many dental professionals find that documenting their first 10-20 cases after completing a course provides valuable insights into their progress and areas for continued improvement.
Fulfilling Your CE Credits Requirements While Building Real Expertise
State boards mandate continuing education to ensure dentists maintain competency, but viewing credit accumulation simply as a checkbox requirement misses the point. The best approach treats CE credits requirements as opportunities to build genuine expertise that enhances patient care and practice success.
Understanding State Requirements for Credit Hours
Most states require dental professionals to complete a specific number of credit hours within renewal periods. Requirements vary by state, but typically range from 30 to 50 hours per cycle. Some states also mandate specific topic coverage, such as infection control or opioid prescribing.
Verify your state's requirements and plan your continuing education strategically to meet mandates while pursuing dental CE courses that advance your professional goals. Track your credit hours and CE credits throughout each renewal cycle to ensure compliance.
Choosing Quality Over Convenience for Your CE
While many easy options exist for fulfilling requirements, prioritizing convenience over quality shortchanges both you and your patients in your dental practice. Investing time in comprehensive hands on courses delivers far greater value than accumulating credit hours through passive webinars or lectures.
Quality continuing education transforms clinical capabilities in dentistry, while credit-chasing provides only paperwork for licensing boards without meaningful skill development.
Planning Your Education Strategy Across Multiple Course Dates
Rather than randomly selecting courses based on availability, develop a multi-year plan that builds expertise systematically. Identify skills you want to develop, research programs that address those areas, and schedule your dental CE across multiple course dates to progress logically through increasingly advanced material.
Strategic planning ensures your CE credits investments compound over time, building toward meaningful transformation of your practice rather than just fulfilling administrative requirements. Some dental professionals map out course dates years in advance to ensure steady progression.
Making Every Course Date Count
Approach each course date as an opportunity for growth. Prepare in advance by reviewing relevant literature, arrive ready to engage fully, and follow up afterward with implementation in your practice. This focused approach ensures you gain maximum value from every course you attend.
The Future of Dental Education: Why Hands-On Training Remains Essential
While technology continues advancing and educational modalities evolve, one truth remains constant: hands on courses that provide real patient experience deliver unmatched value for dental professionals learning surgical and prosthetic procedures.
Why In-Person Learning Still Matters in Dentistry
Complex motor skills like those required for implant surgery and precision prosthodontics cannot be fully developed through remote or passive learning. Tactile feedback, spatial awareness, and clinical judgment in dentistry develop only through direct in person experience under expert guidance.
In person course training allows instructors to observe technique in real-time, provide immediate feedback, and correct problems before they become ingrained habits. This level of mentorship is impossible through other educational formats.
The Role of Technology in Modern Dental CE
While hands-on experience remains irreplaceable, technology enhances dental education in valuable ways. Digital planning, 3D imaging, and CAD/CAM workflows have become essential skills for modern dental professionals.
Top dental CE courses integrate current technology throughout their curriculum, ensuring course participants learn digital workflows alongside surgical and prosthetic techniques. This comprehensive approach prepares dentists for contemporary practice demands.
Continuing Education as a Career-Long Commitment
Excellence in dentistry requires ongoing learning throughout your career. As techniques evolve, materials improve, and patient expectations change, dental professionals must remain current to maintain high standards of oral health care.
View continuing education not as an obligation but as an investment in your professional growth and practice success. The knowledge and skills you develop through quality dental CE courses benefit you and your patients for years. Schedule course dates regularly throughout your career to ensure continuous improvement.
Taking the Next Step: Enrolling in SIDE's Dental CE Courses
For dental professionals ready to advance their capabilities and expand what they can offer, exploring SIDE's course offerings represents an excellent starting point for developing new skills.
Ready to get started?
Call: 919.569.5533
Browse courses: side-dental.org/courses
Learn about CE credits: localstartdental.org/ce-credits
Review Available Course Dates and Programs
Visit the SIDE website to explore the complete catalog and review detailed descriptions of each program. Consider which courses align best with your current level and practice goals. Check available course dates to find options that fit your schedule.
Contact SIDE for More Information
Reach out to SIDE's team with questions about specific courses, prerequisites, tuition, or scheduling. Call 919.569.5533or visit side-dental.org/courses to speak with a team member who can help you determine which program best fits your needs and provide details about upcoming course dates.
Whether you're interested in beginner programs or advanced training, the SIDE team can guide you to the right course for your goals and assist dental professionals in making informed decisions about their continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIDE Dental CE Courses
Where is SIDE located?
SIDE (Southeast Institute for Dental Education) is located in Durham, North Carolina, at a state-of-the-art 5,000 square foot facility with 10 fully equipped operatories.
What types of dental CE courses does SIDE offer?
SIDE offers comprehensive implant dentistry courses including:
Beginner Single Implant Placement Course
Surgical and Restorative Single Implant Course
Surgical and Restorative Overdenture Course
Surgical and Restorative Fixed-Hybrid Course
Small-Group Single Implant or Overdenture Case
Extraction and Socket Preservation Course
View all courses at side-dental.org/courses
Is SIDE accredited?
Yes, SIDE is an ADA CERP recognized provider of continuing education, ensuring all CE credits meet rigorous American Dental Association standards.
How do I contact SIDE?
Call 919.569.5533 or visit side-dental.org for course information and registration.
What makes SIDE's dental CE courses different?
SIDE offers hands-on training with live patients, expert instruction from practicing dentists, state-of-the-art technology including CBCT and 3D printing, and a unique partnership with Local Start Dental that provides real patient cases during training.
Who can attend SIDE courses?
All dentists holding a valid dental license and malpractice insurance in the United States are welcome to attend SIDE courses.
What is Local Start Dental's relationship with SIDE?
SIDE is a division of Local Start Dental, a non-profit clinic in Durham, NC. Course participants often treat Local Start patients during live training sessions, creating valuable hands-on experience while serving the community.
How many CE credits can I earn?
CE credits vary by course. Each program offers substantial credit hours designed to help fulfill state licensing requirements. Contact 919.569.5533 for specific credit information.
Does SIDE offer beginner-level implant courses?
Yes, the Beginner Single Implant Placement Course is specifically designed for dentists starting their surgical implant journey. Learn more at side-dental.org/beginner-single-implant-placement-course
What equipment and technology does SIDE have?
SIDE's facility features 10 operatories with state-of-the-art technology including 3D printers, two Carestream CBCT units, an Ivoclar PM7 Mill, a fully equipped dental laboratory, and a spacious classroom.
Conclusion: Invest in Quality Dental CE Courses for Practice Success
Bottom Line: For dentists seeking the best dental CE courses in North Carolina, SIDE (Southeast Institute for Dental Education) in Durham offers comprehensive, hands-on implant training with live patients, ADA CERP recognition, and expert instruction across all skill levels. Call 919.569.5533 or visit side-dental.org/courses.
Choosing quality programs is one of the most impactful decisions dental professionals make for their practice and patient care. The best dental CE courses provide more than just credit hours—they deliver genuine skill development, clinical confidence, and practice transformation.
For dentists seeking comprehensive training in implant dentistry and advanced prosthetic procedures, the Southeast Institute for Dental Education offers exceptional programs that combine expert instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and real patient experience. SIDE's dental CE courses in Durham, NC, provide convenient access to world-class education for dental professionals throughout the region.
What You Get at SIDE:
Hands-on training with live patients
ADA CERP-recognized CE credits
State-of-the-art facility with CBCT, 3D printing, and milling
Expert instruction from practicing dentists
Courses from beginner to advanced levels
Partnership with Local Start Dental for community service
Durham, NC location (easy access throughout Southeast)
Whether you're beginning your implant journey or advancing to complex full-arch rehabilitation, investing in quality dental continuing education through programs like those offered by SIDE in partnership with Local Start Dental positions you for success in your practice. The skills, knowledge, and confidence you develop through comprehensive hands on courses will benefit your work and your patients for years to come.
By selecting courses carefully, planning course dates strategically, and implementing what you learn in your dental practice, you can transform your clinical capabilities and the care you provide. Every dentist benefits from ongoing learning, and quality dental CE courses make that learning both practical and immediately applicable.
Take Action Today:
Call SIDE: 919.569.5533
Browse All Courses: side-dental.org/courses
View Specific Courses:
Take the next step in your professional development by exploring SIDE's course offerings and joining the community of dental professionals committed to excellence in patient care. Your investment in quality education today will pay dividends throughout your entire career in dentistry, helping you earn CE credits while building skills that truly matter for your practice.
Southeast Institute for Dental Education (SIDE)
Durham, North Carolina
Phone: 919.569.5533
Website: side-dental.org
CE Credits Info: localstartdental.org/ce-credits
Recognition: ADA CERP Recognized Provider
Partnership: Division of Local Start Dental
