A message from Dean Huja

Dear James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine alumni and friends,

Have you caught wind of our exciting new MUSC continuing education (CE) programs?

While our dental students' education is paramount, we at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine also understand the crucial role of continuing education for our alumni and dental professionals across South Carolina.

To keep your dental license current in the Palmetto State, dentists must complete a minimum of 14 continuing education hours per year, or 28 hours over two years. Dental hygienists and dental technicians have their own quotas, with 14 and eight hours every two years, respectively. What's more, at least half of those required hours need to be done in person. While number of required CE hours varies by state, it's a sizable commitment for any dentist in the U.S., and you'd want to make sure it's worth every minute.

To meet the needs of our alumni and dental professionals in the state and the Southeast, we are pleased to announce the launch of our CE programs in 2023 – 2024.

Leading this initiative is Dr. Sompop Bencharit, a respected expert in prosthodontics and digital dentistry who serves as professor, assistant dean for innovation and chair of our Department of Reconstructive and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Our inaugural Digital Innovation Symposium is December 7 through 8

Registration is open now. Digital dentistry has been a major disruptor, revolutionizing everything from scanning to prosthetic crafting. The heart of our CE initiative, the Digital Innovation Symposium, features a fantastic lecture series by four of our esteemed faculty members. But that's not all – there is a hands-on workshop the next day in our simulation lab, diving deep into guided implant surgery and 3D printing. That's a whopping 12 hours of CE credit right there! After soaking up knowledge on cutting-edge digital tech, join us in downtown Charleston for a laid-back reception. It's a fantastic chance to connect with peers, meet some fresh faces on our faculty, and chat with vendors. For complete course details and to secure your spot, please visit our website.

But wait, there's more on the horizon! Keep an eye out for these upcoming CE courses:

• In 2024, we're bringing back an MUSC alum, Dr. Alfred Griffin, founder and CEO of LightForce Orthodontics.
• Mark your calendars for MUSC Alumni Weekend, happening February 29 to March 2, 2024. It's a CE bonanza included with your weekend ticket. The event website will be updated with speakers and registration in early fall.

As we continue to expand our CE offerings, we welcome your feedback on how we can best support you and your team. Your input is invaluable as we strive to enhance the quality of dental education and practice in our community.

Sincerely,
Sarandeep Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D.