Practical CE that sticks: Why only 4% implement and how you can succeed
This week, David Rice and Pam Maragliano are joined by the multi-talented Dr. Karla Soto, a third-generation dentist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and educational leadership. Recorded on a Friday when everyone is finally at home, the conversation takes a laid-back but inspiring look at dentistry careers, lifelong learning, and what it takes to stay passionate and innovative in the dental field.
Key topics covered:
1. Dr. Karla Soto’s journey & philosophy
- Transition from residency to joining her mother's startup practice in Boca Raton, Florida as a young mom
- Passion for comprehensive, patient-focused dentistry, and why she became “addicted” to continuing education
- Emphasis on saying “yes” to new opportunities and immersing fully into each experience
2. The power of continuing education (CE)
- Discussion on how the right CE can ignite passion, confidence, and new skills, especially when surrounded by like-minded peers
- Both Dr. Karla Soto and Dr. Pam Maragliano reflect on the formative impact of early mentors and immersive CE experiences.
- The challenge is that only about 4% of dentists actually implement advanced CE learnings in daily practice.
3. Making education practical (and bringing your team)
- Pam and Dr. Soto and stress the importance of practical, real-world workshops, and learning side-by-side with team members.
- Examples of how having your “ride or die” implementer (office manager or assistant) makes integration more successful.
4. Favorite tools & techniques
- Full digital workflow for consults, patient engagement, and clinical procedures
- Love for certain products: Ultradent Optrasculpt, OptiGate, Variolink cements, Ivoclar products, and Emax for ceramics
- Practical tips from mission trips—why certain tools become absolute MVPs when resources are limited, and how these experiences inform what’s essential in regular practice
5. Fostering team investment & growth
•Dr. Karla Soto's educational platform, Key Elements, focuses on bringing whole teams together, sharing the journey, and creating retention through shared development wins.
Notable Quotes
- “When your circle is at that level, it's almost contagious—you want to keep elevating together.” —Dr. Karla Soto
- “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable if you want to grow in this profession.” —Dr. Karla Soto
- “I love CE that inspires me to want to change how I practice.” —Pam Maragliano
Connect with Dr. Karla Soto
- Instagram: @Dr.KarlaSoto
- Educational Platform: keyelements.co
- Dr. Karla Soto is based in South Florida and always happy to connect with curious colleagues!
More episodes of Dentistry Unmasked:
About the Author
Pamela Maragliano, DMD
Chief Editor of Dental Economics
Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
David R. Rice, DDS
Chief Editor of DentistryIQ and Founder of igniteDDS
As seen on The Doctors, David R. Rice, DDS, chief editor of DentistryIQ and founder of igniteDDS, the nation’s largest new dentist and student community, travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. He leads a team-centered, restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. With 28 years of practice in the books, he’s trained at the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, Spear Education, and most prolifically at the school of hard knocks.
Updated February 7, 2024