ACDE Webinar Series
The Association for Continuing Dental Education (ACDE), along with 37 of its member schools, is jointly providing a series of live webinars. This series features university-based key opinion leaders presenting numerous topics on multiple dates and times. Presentations are available to meet every dental professional’s schedule and interests.
Course Description
If you’ve noticed newer team members needing more direction, struggling with feedback, or hesitating to take initiative—you’re not alone. Many dental teams are seeing the same patterns, and it can impact everything from patient flow to team morale.
This presentation breaks down what’s driving those shifts with insight from social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt. In Dr. Haidt’s 2024 book, The Anxious Generation, he notes that this generation grew up on smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting leading to a new norm, different than someone from my generation, and maybe yours.
I’ll focus on ideas that may work in your busy practice. We’ll talk through simple ways to build confidence, improve communication, and help team members step into their roles more independently—without adding extra stress to your day. You’ll gain practical tools that can be applied right away in the operatory.
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Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe how social and digital influences shape the behavior and performance of Gen Z team members in a clinical setting.
- Provider outcome: Increased awareness of generational differences affecting workplace performance.
- Patient outcome: Improved team coordination supporting more efficient and consistent patient care.
- Recognize behavioral and cognitive trends influencing engagement and performance in clinical and team settings.
- Provider outcome: Enhanced ability to anticipate and manage workflow challenges.
- Patient outcome: Reduced disruptions in care and improved patient experience.
- Identify evidence-based strategies that cultivate confidence, autonomy, and emotional resilience.
- Provider outcome: Stronger team performance and reduced reliance on supervision.
- Patient outcome: More efficient care delivery and improved continuity of care.
- Discuss mentorship and teaching models that enhance professionalism and competence in both academic and private practice settings.
- Provider outcome: Improved leadership and staff development skills.
- Patient outcome: Higher quality, more consistent patient care supported by a well-trained team.
- Describe how social and digital influences shape the behavior and performance of Gen Z team members in a clinical setting.
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This webinar will be held on Zoom.
Instructions will be sent to you by email closer to the course start date on how to access the Zoom meeting.
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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.
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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.
Presenter
Dr. Wachtel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1996 and completed a two-year General Practice Residency at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire.
After 21 years in clinical practice, she joined the faculty at Midwestern University Arizona in 2017, where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Dental Medicine. In addition to her academic role, she helps manage her husband’s multi-location orthodontic practice in Scottsdale, Arizona.
As a mother of four Gen Z children, Dr. Wachtel brings a unique personal and professional perspective to the evolving dynamics of the modern dental team. She is a frequent presenter on intergenerational communication and is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning and excellence in dental care.