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Category 1 Course

Stuff Happens: The Neuroscience of Difficult Conversations

Speaker: Dr. Bruce Freeman

October 18, 2024

Category 1 course approved by the RCDSO

Course Description

No matter how hard we try, not everything ever goes according to plan. Understanding what drives our behaviour can help us communicate better with everyone in our lives, including ourselves, especially when a problem arises! In this seminar you will learn the neuroscience behind how we think and act, allowing us to deal with people with more confidence, and most importantly, less stress, particularly when patients become upset. Mindful communication sets the stage for the creating of safe and inclusive spaces to support the formation of therapeutic dentist-patient relationships, founded in empathy.  Additionally, you will also learn the steps to clearly communicate treatment plans and advocate for your patients to ensure they are appropriately consented and able to make informed decisions about their care.  

  • At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

    • Identify details that may be overlooked and may lead to miscommunication and conflict and understand the neuroscience of communication behavior.
    • Highlight communication strategies that work, including the SPIKE and NURSE techniques used in medicine for to help address giving bad news/managing upset patients.
    • Engage in activities to develop and practice exceptional communication which leads to less stress, and happier teams and patients.
  • Please arrive within 30 minutes before the course start time to sign in.

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  • Complimentary coffee/tea and lunch are provided for course participants. Please indicate any dietary restrictions upon registration.

  • Cancellations made more than 10 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 10 calendar days of the course start date.

    Refunds will not be issued for registrants who do not attend, regardless of reason for absence.

    Registrations cannot be transferred to another individual.

    To cancel your registration, please follow the link and instructions provided in the registration confirmation email. If you are eligible for a refund, the refund will be processed automatically upon cancellation. Please allow 3-5 business days for the transaction to be completed.

    Continuing Dental Education (University of Toronto) reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient registrations, instructor cancellation, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. In the event of course cancellation, a full refund will be issued, and registrants will be notified promptly. We are not liable for any associated losses, damages, or expenses, including travel and accommodations.

  • After completing this course, a certificate of completion that indicates the number of Continuing Education (CE) points earned will be sent to you within 7-10 days by email.

Speaker

Dr. Freeman graduated with honors from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto. He completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York, and returned to further his education at the University of Toronto, earning his Diploma in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree specializing in orofacial pain.

Dr. Freeman is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He is also a Co-Director of the Hospital Dental Residency Program and Facial Pain Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital. He conducts research and provides care for patients with complex facial pain disorders, while also training hospital dental residents and specialty dental residents. Additionally, Dr. Freeman serves as a facial pain consultant in the Department of Neurosurgery at Toronto Western Hospital.

Internationally recognized, Dr. Freeman lectures on a variety of topics including clinical orthodontics, facial pain management, patient experience, mindful communication, and virtual surgical planning. He brings a holistic approach to patient care, drawing from his certification as a yoga instructor and additional training in breathing techniques, meditation, and trauma-informed movement.

Find Dr. Freeman on Instagram

Category 1 CORE courses available online
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year

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