Online Teaching in Periodontology
Andre Shenouda, DMD, FRCD(c)
Jack Caton, D.D.S., M.S.
Current Problems in Recruiting Educators
 Lack of funding
 Lack of interest
 Distance from university
Current Problems in Recruiting Educators
 Most post-doctoral programs are relying on part-time faculty for
clinical supervision and seminars
 Most private clinicians do not want spend time away from their
practice, especially if they are not close to the training center
Distance
Will always be an issue for clinical supervision.
However, lectures and seminars can now be completely done
from a distant location using easily available technologies.
Modern Video Conferencing
Two or more users can speak to and see the other participants in
real time at any scheduled time from anywhere that an internet
connection is available.
Modern Video Conferencing
 Simple and easy set-up
 Convenient and mobile
 Easily available
 Most new computers, smartphones and electronic tablets come with the hardware and
software pre-installed
 Very low cost (if any)
Minimum System Requirements
Computer/smartphone/tablet for each location
 The residents can be seated in the same room and share one device
Broadband internet connection
Computer with microphone, video camera and video-
conferencing software (Skype, Facetime, ...)
More options available
 One participant can share their screen to show photographs, presentations and
movies
 Some systems might allow more than 2 participants/locations for additional cost.
 Higher quality directional microphone and speakers can installed to improve clarity
of communication.
Courses that can be given by video-conference
Classic and Current Literature Review
Theoretical Seminars
Treatment Planning Sessions
Live Surgeries
Advantages
 Any trained and competent clinician can become a course lecturer from anywhere
in the world without having to travel
 Scheduling flexibility
 Reduced or no loss of income
 Less bureaucracy in finding conference rooms
 Easy set-up and low cost
Disadvantages
Requires conscientious residents
Harder to gauge interest
Technical issues may arise
Less personnal interaction
Our experience
 So far limited to Current Literature Review Seminars in Periodontology and
Dental Implantology
 1½-hour sessions every 2 weeks
 4-5 articles from peer-reviewed journals chosen by professor
 8-9 residents and 1 professor per session
Our experience
 Well received by all participants
 Great level of participation
 Some technical difficulties
 Slow internet connection  cut video feedback to improve audio
 Can’t hear the most quiet participant in conferences involving 3 or more users
Thank you!
