CDE courses offer more hands-on learning

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to affect our lives, Continuing Dental Education (CDE) at the School of Dentistry has been working tirelessly to offer the same high-level training courses to dentists and dental hygienists.

After the initial lockdown in March 2020, CDE had little time to plan and change hundreds of its courses before being back up. While the initial gear-up was strictly online, the move has now led to a hybrid model of training and course delivery that benefits the attendee – a balance of online and in-clinic training.

CDE has streamlined the way they offer courses by utilizing the eClass platform – a University of Alberta online course delivery portal – that has allowed for a 90% retention of programs and enrollment.

“Our strength has been adapting to the challenges of the day and are most realized through our core programs,” says James Yacyshyn, director of the CDE program. “Our metamorphosis to a blended learning model has made our course offering more efficient and achievable.”

The reduction in class size has allowed for more one-on-one intimate clinical training and experiences. With course preparation now completed online, the new model allows dentists and dental hygienists the flexibility to work around their own schedules. This leaves them with more time to see patients and less time away from their practices or family.

“With COVID restrictions, clinics are staying open longer. With the switch to online learning, registrants can complete the modules accordingly and do not need to take extra time off,” says Yacyshyn. “Smaller groups in clinical training has allowed for more intimate handson learning and with increased frequency in the amount of times the course is offered, our total participant numbers have remained high.”

This past fall, CDE began offering CBCT, Nitrous and Oral Sedation, Sedation Assistant Certification, Neuromodulators and more on their new platform.

“E-Class allows us to remotely offer the program that participants can do on their own time, while maintaining the same quality of education people have come to expect. The real value here is that not only does the online platform allow us to deliver our programs, but it also allows participants to attend without giving up valuable clinic time. While the online delivery may be new for many of our participants, we know that like everyone this year we will adjust and continue to excel,” says Yacyshyn.

Dentistry alumnus celebrates 99th birthday

Dentistry alumnus celebrates 99th birthday

Arthur (Horodezky) Hayes (DDS ’47) was a natural born artist. He was very creative and enjoyed dabbling in sculpture and painting. Growing up on his parents Alberta farm, Arthur spent time honing his craft. Therefore, when the time came to choose his own path, he naturally ended up in dentistry.

“My mother was a very modern thinking woman,” says Arthur. “She always said you should be your own boss and so I was. My parents were modern and progressive for people of that time.”

Today, Arthur lives in Vancouver with his wife Arlene, where on February 14, 2021, he celebrated his 99th birthday. Arthur shared his birthday with his late mother.

Graduating from dentistry over 70 years ago from the University of Alberta, Arthur often reminisces about his fellow graduates and close friends, Andi Wong and Leo Laimon.

“I made many great friendships here,” he says, and recalls living in residence at the time. “They became my lifelong friends.”

After graduating, Arthur went on to practice dentistry in Vancouver, where he met his wife Arlene, who coincidently was on her first trip to the big city. The two were set-up on a blind date, where they went dancing, and, two week later, the two were engaged. Arthur and Arlene went on to raise 3 children, Jeffrey, Jacquelyn and Lianne, in the big city where they fell in love.

“Arthur has always been a very refined man who dresses beautifully,” says his wife. “His art is featured in our home.”

Motivated to study further, he attended Columbia and became an orthodontist. When Arthur returned to Vancouver, he started the first of its kind – The Orthodontic Group. He took in 3 other orthodontists and built a very successful practice. He practiced in this same office for almost 50 years, and even had his grandchildren as his last patients.

“It has truly been an honour to have worked as a dentist and orthodontist for so many years. Always practice to perfection and remember to lead with empathy and kindness,” says Arthur. “I wish all my fellow new colleagues a fulfilling and rewarding career ahead! Best of luck!”