Click the following categories to view FAQ for each section:

• General CCADS
• General Administration Questions
• Grant Specific Questions
• Partner Questions
• Payment Questions
• Program Questions

General CCADS

What is CCADS vision?

Our vision is quite simple – to create a revolutionary postgraduate dental education model that helps dentists maximize their potential. We recognized that there are many barriers to post graduate education in the current model that can impact your success; the upfront fees can be a major deterrent; there is often too much theory when we all know that to gain the confidence you need you have to gain practical experience ; you often have to travel considerable distances which is both expensive and takes you away from your practice; and there is no day-to-day support provided post course which is when you need it most.

What makes CCADS different from other educational Institutions?

Unlike many of other educational institutions, CCADS is about giving you what you need to succeed on a day to day basis. Based on our experience, we recognized that what really helps dentists reach their potential is an exceptional level of education, as much hands-on instruction as possible, a good mentor and support group that can help them when they need it and some financial options to help manage the cost of continued education. CCADS also has managed to create a unique teaching environment that is professional, supportive and relaxed. This is often the hardest part to explain in words as you really need to experience it. Check out what some of our students have to say in video testimonials section.

General Administration Questions

 

I need to change my course dates and staff that will be attending – how do I do that?

Simply email our Program Manager.

I have forgotten my login- what should I do?

Simply email our Program Manager.

I want to join a Lecture Series, but there are no groups listed in my area. How can I join?

Simply complete the Lecture Series Application and include the name of your city under "Other Location". We will contact you when a Lecture Series becomes available in your area.

 

Grant Specific Questions

Why does CCADS offer grants? 

Providing an exceptional level of teaching, mentorship and implementing a hands-on program is expensive to organize and execute. Realizing that the upfront cost may be a deterrent to some dentists who really want to progress, CCADS wanted to come up with a way that allowed dentists to attend the course by helping them with the cost. Working with Frontier Dental Laboratories, CCADS is able to offer dentists a number of grant options. The purpose behind this is to help dentists get the experience they need to do great aesthetic dentistry, help manage the cost of the course and also work with what we think is a great lab. Recent feedback from our members say that they think this is a great way of getting the best of all worlds.

Why is Frontier Dental Laboratories prepared to cover the costs?

Frontier Dental Laboratories is a high quality lab that wants to work with exceptional dentists. They have found that over the years, the level of work they were receiving could be better for patients and they wanted to help change this. As a result, Frontier wanted to work with CCADS and come up with a way to both help improve the quality of work, continue to generate work for their staff and help more dentists access a program like CCADS. By working with CCADS – it’s an all win situation. Dentists get access to a high-quality program with manageable costs, Frontier gets to work with exceptional dentists, and most importantly, patients receive a smile that is of a superior quality.

Why do I have to write a 500 word essay for the Full Grant application?

Not everyone is right for the CCADS program. The essay helps us decide who are the best candidates for our program. Are we being picky? Yes, however we have found that only a few dentists have the potential and ability to really get the most out of our program.

Why don’t other institutions offer a grant program?

Some may, but we currently do not know of any. Most institutions have to charge the full tuition amount upfront as they do not have a partner like Frontier Dental Laboratories that can help dentists with cost of tuition.

I already have a relationship with a lab – does that mean I won’t qualify for a grant?

No, we understand that many dentists have existing relationships with labs and we also know that many have more than one. The grant is a way for you to further your education in a way that makes sense financially. We ask that you commit to using Frontier Dental Laboratories for a portion of your lab bill during the course.

What if I don’t want to use the lab for the length of the program?

That is not a problem. There is the option to pay upfront for each course and not have to commit to using Frontier Dental Laboratories. However, in Level 2 and 3 of the hands-on program, you will have to utilize the Frontier Dental Laboratory for each of your cases. For all our members – including the ones taking the full grant option - we offer them the chance to trial the lab for a month prior to signing-up. We believe everyone should be very comfortable about committing to each of the grant options, so you may want to do this before committing to the full program.

What if I can’t meet the minimum amount each month?

The amount per month was developed based on existing volumes that our CCADS members are sending so in the majority of cases, we find that our members manage this. If the situation arises where you can’t meet the agreed to amount – you can meet with the lab manager and they will do their best to help you in this situation.

How long do I have to continue using Frontier Dental Laboratories after I have completed Levels 2 and 3?

We hope that you will continue to work with Frontier Dental Laboratories past the commitment of the program, but there is no obligation once you have completed the program. However, after experiencing the level of work and skill of the lab team, most of our members usually do not want to work with anyone else.

Why do I have to bring my staff?

One of key factors to a successful practice is having a team that supports your vision. Without having your team on side, it can be an uphill struggle implementing your vision and having your staff understand and embrace the changes you are trying to make. This is why we insist that staff members attend the program with you.

Partner Questions

What is the relationship between Frontier Dental Lab and CCADS?

Both Frontier Dental Laboratories and CCADS are in the same group of companies. Frontier Dental Laboratories realized that a lot of the work their lab was receiving from dentists was not of a level that patients deserved. The issue seemed to be that many dentists do not have the appropriate training and experience to do exceptional aesthetic dentistry. The CCADS program was developed to help dentists reach their potential in this field and also ensure that Frontier worked with the best dentists.

How did you choose the other partners you have?

All our partners have been chosen based on the fact that they are passionate about the quality of their product and are committed to moving aesthetic dentistry forward. Our partners are some of the most respected names in the dental business and are excited to be a part of the unique CCADS educational concept. We hope that you choose to work with our partners after you experience the level of product and service each of them provide.

Why would I want to use Frontier Dental Laboratories?

Frontier Dental Laboratories hires the best people from around the world who are both artists and perfectionists. The materials they use are of the highest quality and they will do whatever it takes to make the perfect restoration for your patients. Each lab is run by very experienced managers - each having over 20 years in the dental laboratory world. All of the labs truly stand behind their work and are committed to providing the best work they possibly can. They know the impact a new smile has on a patient and how that helps you promote your dental practice. If you would like to know more, please review our testimonials or simply email us and we will put you in touch with a Manager from a Frontier Dental Laboratory nearest you.

Payment Questions

Why do you ask for a deposit on the lab bill before the course?

Over time, we have experienced last-minute cancellations – which makes it difficult for us manage and can impact the quality of the program for the other dentists. Last minute cancellations incur a number of negative effects on our program: additional costs, rescheduling of staff, instructors, and sometimes, venues etc. By requesting 50% of the lab bill before the course, we find that the number of last minute cancelations are reduced and it also ensures that the course runs more smoothly for everyone.

If I am paying the full fee – do I have to sign up for all 3 courses?

Although we have found that most people do want to complete all three courses, you have the option of registering in each individual course. The only thing to consider is that if you wish to progress to becoming a mentor or instructor, you must complete both Level 2 and Level 3 courses.

Is there another way of paying instead of credit card?

Ideally we request payment by credit card as it is the most efficient system and helps us internally process applications faster. However, there are certain situations where we will accept alternative payment options. If you are unable to pay by credit card or would like to discuss other options, please contact our Program Manager.

Program Questions

 

How do I select the right patient to bring to the program

It is very important to select the proper patient for the program. Level 2 and 3 doctors should look for 8-10 maxillary or combination veneer/crown/bridge cases. Please avoid severe crowding or cases where the opposing detention is compromised. Occlusion and perio should also be stable. Minor tissue re-contouring may be performed in the clinic during the first session as we will have a laser available.

How do you select your instructors?

When selecting instructors for our program, we are looking for both exceptional talent and teaching skills. However, it is equally important that they support and enhance the environment we strive to create - an honest, open and “ego-less” learning environment. All of our instructors are extremely successful in what they do and each of them has extensive knowledge and experience. What makes each of them unique is that they too, see themselves as “students” and that they believe there is always more to learn. For more information about individual instructors visit instructors.

Why don’t you offer more courses?

CCADS, unlike many other institutions, does not want to offer a multitude of courses. We will only offer courses that are best in class and that we truly believe are fundamental to the success of your practice. The Core Excellency Program is focused on really understanding what makes a truly great smile design, delivered in a very comprehensive format. We also introduced this knowing that aesthetic dentistry is one of the fastest ways to increase your profitability. Some of our members have asked for some additional courses and we are in the process of reviewing them. To stay informed of special events offered through CCADS, please click here.

Why doesn’t CCADS have a campus like other institutions?

One of the barriers that CCADS identified in existing post-graduate education is the costs associated with travel and accommodation. CCADS is a about creating program around your needs. We have found that most dentists prefer not to travel and would welcome programs taught at a local level. We come to you, versus asking you to come to us. Interestingly, a few of our members have expressed an interest in having a single destination. Although we may consider holding some courses at a set location in the future, the majority of our courses will continue to be taught at a local level.

I can’t see any courses in my area – what should I do?

CCADS is continually expanding and we are constantly developing courses all the time in new regions. However, if you cannot find one in your area –  you may want to consider traveling to the nearest course destination, if the costs are manageable for you.If this is not feasible, please click here to request a program in your area.

What is the difference between the hands-on Level 2 and Level 3 courses?

The main difference is the complexity of each of your cases. In order to take your skill and confidence to the next level, your Level 3 case should be considerably more difficult than the case you worked on in Level 2. One of CCADS core beliefs, based on experience, is that the more cases you do and that you are exposed to, the greater your confidence and skill set will become. 

How do you become an instructor?

It’s not easy! Our instructors have to meet extremely tough criteria in order to be able to teach our courses. Besides having exceptional talent and instructing abilities, they are also required to take extra courses past Level 2 and 3 to qualify. They work with the President and Program Directors and, only when they have satisfied both, are they qualified to instruct. That said, we find that most of our instructors love this part of their job and find it fulfilling to be able to teach and help other dentists reach their potential.