A Summer and Lifetime of Education

I have always considered education to be invaluable in the dental profession. The more I learn, the more information I crave. Understanding the ways in which it's possible to integrate new knowledge into my own work and recognizing the effects of the training on the improvement of my work is singularly rewarding. Throughout my educational journey, I have been fortunate to have been exposed to a variety of exceptional programs that have each played meaningful roles in my professional growth.

Education in any profession can take many different paths. As I continue in my own learning, it has become clear that the track of an individual's education greatly colors and impacts one's professional life. There is no "right" or "wrong" path, but our education inevitably plays a significant role in our technical abilities and artistic growth. All dentists and technicians need to find our own unique paths, letting each step inspire and drive us forward.

In the pursuit of a balanced and well-rounded education, I have attended and taken part in diverse programs in various cities and have been exposed to differing approaches. One of those first programs was the Master Dental Technician program at New York University (NYU). Shortly after that, I headed south to the Dawson Center and The Pankey Institute. In contrast to the more academic program at NYU, these learning centers placed greater focus on clinical training, adding to my knowledge of occlusion, which I use daily in my own laboratory. I also went west for education opportunities at such places as the Las Vegas Institute, as well as some private courses on different philosophies and approaches. My educational journey did not end there. In 2005, I went to the Kois Center, where I was greatly impacted by the highly passionate staff and the caliber of excellence at this center. I have undergone extensive training to become a mentor and consider myself lucky to be able to inspire new students, just as I was inspired.

With each new course and new perspective I encounter, I realize that education is not finite; instead, it is an ongoing process in which exposure to other professionals and new perspectives inspires us to be our best. From the variety of programs and educational experiences that I have been privileged to participate in, my belief in the significance of education has only been fortified.

Throughout my time at various learning centers, I have been fortunate to be in the company of like-minded individuals motivated to continue their studies and sharing my optimistic vision of a bright future for the dental profession. While one's educational path is unique to each individual, the journey should not be solitary. The positivity of the individuals I've encountered has always inspired me further. Being surrounded by those who share in an appreciation and respect for the dental industry is both motivating and exciting. Learning together is key to the future of dental technology and dental technicians.

Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT
Editor-in-Chief
ppizzi@aegiscomm.com