‘Education is power’ – Gina Vega explains why education is so important to her and her passion for passing on knowledge to the profession.
Please tell us a little bit about your journey into dentistry
When I was eight years old, I decided I wanted to be a dentist. I loved the smell of the dental practice where I had my check-ups. Now I know that that smell is clove oil – I love it!
Ten years later I started my degree, and my dream came true. I qualified as a dental surgeon at Universidad Tecnológica de Mexico, in Mexico City, in 1998. I went to practice dentistry in the private sector for three years before I moved to the UK in 2001.
As I qualified outside the EU I was not able to practice dentistry in the UK straight away. I had to revalidate my studies through the very demanding IQE (International Qualifying Exam).
I re-qualified in 2004, worked a few years in mixed practices in South Croydon and Tunbridge Wells and in 2008, I moved to a fully private practice in Chelsfield.
In 2010 I was very fortunately able to buy a dental practice, Bishopsgate Dental Care, in the City of London.
Since taking over the practice my team and I have achieved a number of awards and high commendations for the work we do. We are all strong believers in hard work and dedication.
I certified as an Invisalign provider in 2011 but it was not until 2016 that I started growing my cases and building up confidence and experience. Now, around 70% of my practice is dedicated to Invisalign.
Why are you so passionate about education?
I believe that education is power, getting to learn in depth a discipline empowers us to be the best version of ourselves. I attend a lot of courses around Europe and the UK – I love both the learning and socialising part of them.
Growing our network and sharing knowledge with like minded people is also part of educating ourselves. We never stop learning.
Tell us about the course – who is it for? What does it involve?
The masterclass is a day course held at Bishopsgate Dental Care, and it is about learning tips and tricks to perfect every part of the patient and dentist Invisalign journey, from consultation to retention.
How many times have we heard the expression is not about the journey but the destination? While I agree with it, I also believe that for us dentists, enjoying every part of the journey will have big advantages.
If we know how to communicate well with our patients from the first consultation, where we are selling them the destination, and we do a thorough assessment and then the next step of our journey, the treatment planning will be easier and enjoyable and so on.
The only condition to attend the Diamond Masterclass is that the delegates are certified to do Invisalign.
We are looking to help out those dentists that have some or little experience, or those that refer out their treatment planning and are ready to learn how to plan and how to modify their Clinchecks.
We have 12 places available and we’re offering the opportunity for some delegates to bring a nurse or treatment coordinator with them so they get to improve their skills too. They will learn how to work in a coordinated way with their dentist, improving workflows and efficiency at the practice.
By attending the masterclass, the delegates will get a one-to-one follow up call with me three to four weeks after to answer any questions that may arise after putting in place what they learn with us.
What can people expect to take away from it?
First of all, proven strategies to deliver the best Invisalign consultation to improve their case conversion. A clear understanding of biomechanics for treatment planning as well as how to use optimised and conventional attachments.
They will also learn a thorough understanding on 3D controls and protocols to achieve the best cosmetic finishes and retention.
The nurses/TCO will take away follow-up strategies to help increase case conversion, as well as how to scan and take photos with both a DSLR camera and the Invisalign app.
We will share all our experience and knowledge with loads of energy. We want our delegates to feel empowered and ready to take on the world!
For more information visit www.alignertraining.com.
