In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, dentists need more than just textbooks and traditional continuing education to stay ahead. They need real-world advice, peer support, and up-to-date industry insights. This is where Dental Town—more commonly known as Dentaltown—plays a crucial role. Over the years, Dental Town has become one of the most trusted and influential online platforms for dental professionals around the world.
This article provides a complete, in-depth overview of Dental Town, its features, benefits, and why it has become a go-to resource for dentists at every stage of their careers.
What Is Dental Town?
Dental Town (Dentaltown) is an online dental community and education platform founded in 1999 by Dr. Howard Farran, a well-known dentist, speaker, and entrepreneur. The platform was created to give dentists a place to openly discuss clinical cases, share experiences, and learn from one another outside of traditional academic settings.
Today, Dental Town hosts hundreds of thousands of dental professionals from across the globe, making it one of the largest dental communities online.
The Core Purpose of Dental Town
The main goal of Dental Town is simple:
to help dentists become better clinicians and more successful practice owners through peer-to-peer learning.
Unlike many commercial platforms, Dental Town focuses on honest discussions, practical advice, and real-life experiences rather than purely promotional content.
Key Features of Dental Town
1. Dental Forums
The heart of Dental Town is its discussion forums. These forums allow members to:
- Ask clinical questions
- Share X-rays, case photos, and treatment plans
- Discuss difficult or unusual cases
- Learn from mistakes and successes
- Get second opinions from experienced dentists
Forum topics cover nearly every area of dentistry, including:
- General dentistry
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Implants
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Practice management
- Dental technology and software
These discussions often provide insights you won’t find in textbooks.
2. Continuing Education (CE) Courses
Dental Town is widely respected for its online continuing education (CE) offerings. Many courses are:
- Affordable or free
- Accredited for CE credits
- Taught by leading experts in dentistry
Dentists can earn CE credits at their own pace while learning about both clinical techniques and business strategies.
3. Dental Publications
Dental Town publishes several well-known dental magazines, including:
- Dentaltown Magazine
- Hygienetown
- Orthotown
- Implanttown
These publications feature:
- Step-by-step clinical guides
- Expert opinions
- Industry trends
- Interviews with top dental professionals
They are available both online and in print.
4. Podcasts and Video Content
Dental Town also offers podcasts and video series designed for busy dental professionals. Popular content includes:
- Dentistry Uncensored
- Howard Speaks
- Clinical tutorials
- Practice management advice
These resources allow dentists to learn while commuting, exercising, or between patients.
5. Product Reviews and Dental Marketplace
Dental Town provides a platform for honest reviews of:
- Dental equipment
- Materials
- Software
- Practice services
Because the reviews come from real users, dentists can make more informed purchasing decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Who Should Use Dental Town?
Dental Town is beneficial for a wide range of dental professionals, including:
- General dentists
- Dental specialists
- Dental hygienists
- Dental assistants
- Dental students
- Practice owners
- Dental industry professionals
Whether you are a student learning the basics or an experienced dentist refining advanced techniques, Dental Town offers valuable insights.
Benefits of Using Dental Town
Real-World Learning
Unlike academic journals, Dental Town focuses on real clinical experiences. Dentists discuss what works—and what doesn’t—in everyday practice.
Strong Community Support
Dentistry can be isolating. Dental Town provides a supportive environment where professionals can connect, ask questions, and share challenges.
Improved Clinical Confidence
Learning from experienced peers helps dentists make better treatment decisions and gain confidence in complex cases.
Business and Practice Growth
Beyond clinical dentistry, Dental Town covers topics like:
- Practice ownership
- Marketing strategies
- Staff management
- Financial planning
This makes it especially valuable for dentists running or planning to run their own practices.
Is Dental Town Free?
Yes, basic membership on Dental Town is free. Members can:
- Join forums
- Read discussions
- Access selected articles and resources
Some advanced CE courses and premium content may require payment, but many high-quality resources are available at no cost.
Why Dental Town Stands Out
Dental Town stands apart from other dental platforms because of its:
- Honest, peer-driven discussions
- Minimal sales pressure
- Focus on practical dentistry
- Long-standing reputation in the dental community
It bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world dental practice.
Final Thoughts
Dental Town is more than just a website—it is a global dental learning community. From clinical problem-solving to business advice, it provides tools and insights that help dentists grow professionally and personally.
For anyone serious about advancing their dental career, staying current with industry trends, and learning from fellow professionals, Dental Town is an invaluable resource that continues to shape modern dentistry.
