749: When is the Right Time to Take the Right CE? – Dr. Christopher Mazzola

Continuing education is critical for your practice. But if you don't take the right ones at the right time, it could be harmful for you and your team! To help you optimize your CE experience, Kirk Behrendt brings in Dr. Christopher Mazzola, a CE provider from the Pankey Institute, to share his insights into when, where, what, and how to take courses that will elevate your practice. To learn how to stop wasting time and money when taking CE, listen to Episode 749 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Mazzola:

• Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzola
• Follow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladds
• Register for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Dental Photography: From Start to Finish course (October 10-12, 2024): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdp
• Register for Dr. Mazzola’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (October 2-4, 2025): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtp

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 749: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Read The Song of Significance by Seth Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736958/the-song-of-significance-by-seth-godin
• Read Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719611/hidden-potential-by-adam-grant/?ref=PRH0ACEFFE3D63E&aid=43830&linkid=PRH0ACEFFE3D63E

Main Takeaways:

• Are you going to CE for education or edutainment?
• Work on the health of your practice before taking any CE.
• CE can drive a wedge into your team if you're not aligned first.
• Remember that your team can become overwhelmed very quickly.
• Take time to implement your learnings. Don't see patients the day after CE.
• Don't take CE just to take it. You won't gain anything by speeding through it.
• There are amazing webinars out there, but CE should all be taken in-person.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:27 Dr. Mazzola’s background.

3:14 Dr. Mazzola’s CE courses at the Pankey Institute.

4:22 Why this is an important topic.

7:52 Figure out the type of dentistry you want to do.

10:43 Don't see patients right after taking CE.

13:24 CE challenges in a multi-doctor practice.

15:32 Know what you're investing in beforehand.

17:32 What CE has taught Dr. Mazzola about himself.

18:45 Get rid of limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome.

20:36 Work on your practice culture before taking CE.

23:40 How core values are relevant to CE.

25:54 Get your significant other on board.

30:57 Why CE should be taken in-person.

33:32 The importance of connection and relationships in CE.

35:19 The future of CE.

37:58 Start your own study club.

39:03 Final thoughts.

42:20 Write your struggles down.

Dr. Christopher Mazzola Bio:

Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.

In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!