DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Jack Gobetti has presented hundreds of continuing dental education courses during his career [DentalUM, Fall 2006, pages 27-28].

But teaching on a cruise ship in the eastern Caribbean was, as he described it, "a unique and different experience. I loved it!"

From March 24-31, Gobetti taught five courses in oral medicine, ranging from cardiovascular disease updates to evaluation and control of pain.

"It was an excellent educational environment that made for a great learning experience," he said. "Everyone was relaxed, people were not rushing to get to class from their office, cell phones weren't ringing, and beepers weren't going off, so the setting allowed everyone to focus more than they probably could have otherwise."

Gobetti taught in the morning between 7:30 and 11:30 and from two o'clock until six o'clock in the afternoon.

That scheduling, he said, allowed for more one-on-one interaction after class was over.

"I saw people after teaching a course and, in every instance, we had opportunities for further discussion about many of the topics I presented," he said. "I think the opportunity for give-and-take in a more relaxed environment enhanced their educational experience."

Preparation for each class was time consuming, Gobetti said. "I spent anywhere between 35 and 40 hours updating information, organizing it, and reviewing thousands of slides for the presentations."

Debbie Montague, continuing dental education administrative manager who was on the cruise, played a significant role in the success of the initiative.

In addition to spending more than a year coordinating all the "behind the scenes" activities including class registration and accommodations, she was busy several hours before classes began, following-up on earlier arrangements.

There were a few pleasant surprises along the way.

Montague said a dental hygiene graduate from Ohio State, who works for a dentist in Michigan, learned about the CE courses and asked to attend. She was admitted and attended all of the lectures. Several dentists also brought members of their staff.

Work is already underway on next year's program.

"Cruise with CE in 2008," scheduled for February 21-25, will include courses taught by Dr. L. George Upton dealing with medical emergencies in the dental office and TMJ and its relationship to TMD.

To register for next spring's cruise, contact the School of Dentistry's Office of Continuing Dental Education by phone at (734) 763-5070 or by e-mail: cde.umich@umich.edu.