As the dental profession evolves with rapid technological advancements, shifting patient expectations, and new regulatory frameworks like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), the demand for up-to-date, accessible continuing education (CE) has never been higher. Todays dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative professionals are looking for flexible, engaging ways to stay ahead of the curveand thats where online dental education comes in.
Creating online courses for dental continuing education offers clinicians, educators, and dental entrepreneurs an exciting opportunity to share their expertise, build authority, and contribute to the growth of the professionall while opening up a scalable and impactful income stream.
At McLevin Dental, we value lifelong learning and innovation. In this blog, well explore how you can create high-quality online CE courses for the dental industry, the skills and platforms needed, and what makes educational content valuable, engaging, and profitable.
Why Create Online Dental CE Courses?
Demand for Flexible Learning
Busy dental professionals prefer on-demand access to CE that fits into their clinical schedules, travel limitations, or family obligations.
Rapid Changes in Dentistry
New technologies (e.g., AI in imaging, 3D printing, digital workflows), evolving infection control standards, and public health initiatives (like CDCP) require updated training.
Professional Authority & Thought Leadership
Creating CE courses helps you build a reputation as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL), attract speaking opportunities, and grow your professional brand.
Revenue Diversification
Online CE courses create recurring, scalable income for dental professionals who want to move beyond chairside care or reduce clinical hours.
Global Impact
Your expertise can reach learners across provinces, countries, and disciplinesespecially in underserved or rural communities.
Popular Topics in Online Dental CE
CDCP billing and eligibility procedures
Digital workflow integration (e.g., intraoral scanning, PMS systems)
AI-enhanced diagnostics and case documentation
Implant planning and prosthetics
Infection control and IPAC compliance
Teledentistry best practices
Communication and consent training
Pediatric behavior management
Practice growth, marketing, and leadership skills
Step-by-Step: How to Create an Online CE Course for Dentistry
Identify a Specific, Valuable Topic
Start with what you know deeplyand what your audience urgently needs. Use these filters:
Does the topic solve a problem dental professionals are actively facing?
Is it relevant to CDCP, digital transformation, patient safety, or emerging tech?
Can you provide case-based insights or practical frameworks?
Examples:
How to Prepare Your Practice for CDCP Reimbursements
Mastering Radiographic Interpretation with AI Support
Digital Dentures: A Chairside Protocol for Efficiency
Know Your Audience
Define whether you’re teaching:
General dentists
Dental hygienists
Office managers / administrators
New grads or specialists
Tailor the language, depth, and examples accordingly.
Check Accreditation Requirements (Optional but Powerful)
In Canada, CE credits for dental professionals are regulated by provincial colleges or associations (e.g., RCDSO, CDHO, CDHA). You may partner with:
CE-accredited institutions or vendors
Dental associations or continuing education bodies
If you’re not seeking formal CE accreditation, you can still market your course as a professional development resource.
Outline Learning Objectives
Your course should clearly state what participants will gain. Use outcomes-based language, such as:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to accurately submit CDCP claims using e-claims-ready systems.
Identify early-stage periodontal disease using AI-enhanced radiographs.
Choose a Format and Platform
Common formats:
Video lectures (most popular)
PDF or slide-based modules
Interactive case studies or simulations
Live webinars with Q&A
Quizzes and final assessments
Platforms:
Teachable or Thinkific (host your own course)
Udemy (built-in marketplace but lower pricing control)
CE Zoom or Dentaltown (dental-specific CE platforms)
LinkedIn Learning or Kajabi (for professionals with broader audiences)
Record and Edit Professionally
Invest in quality:
Use a good microphone and webcam (or screen capture software for slides)
Keep videos under 15 minutes each for attention and digestibility
Add captions or transcripts for accessibility
Use simple graphics or animations to enhance understanding
Tip: If youre not tech-savvy, hire a freelance video editor or course builder.
Include CE Tracking and Assessments
Add knowledge checks after key modules
Offer certificates of completion (many platforms generate them automatically)
If youre offering CE credit, ensure the course meets time and assessment requirements
Price Your Course Strategically
Typical price ranges (CAD):
Mini-courses (3060 min): $25$75
Full CE courses (24 hours): $100$300
Bundle or subscription models (for clinics or teams)
Promote Your Course Effectively
Email your professional network and patients (if relevant)
Share case previews on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook Groups
Partner with dental influencers, bloggers, or CE providers
Host a free webinar or mini-training to showcase value
Collect Feedback and Iterate
Use post-course surveys to assess:
Relevance and clarity of content
Learner confidence before and after
Areas for improvement or expansion
Refine your course regularly to stay relevant and increase enrollments.
Skills That Help You Succeed as an Online Dental Educator
Subject matter expertise with hands-on clinical experience
Instructional design skills (course structuring, learning principles)
Video creation and editing (or managing someone who does it)
Clear, confident communication and presentation
Basic digital marketing or platform usage
Empathy and audience understanding
Who Should Consider This Career Path?
Clinicians with a passion for teaching or mentoring
Dental consultants expanding into education
Practice owners building a brand or scaling passive income
Retiring professionals seeking flexible, remote work
Educators transitioning from in-person to online formats
Bonus: Creating CE courses also positions you to:
Speak at conferences or host workshops
Consult with dental companies
Build a social media following or thought leadership brand
Final Thoughts
Creating online courses for dental continuing education is more than a trendits a career path, a business model, and a chance to leave a lasting impact on the profession. Whether youre passionate about prevention, practice growth, or clinical excellence, your expertise is valuableand the digital world offers the perfect platform to share it.