Partner Offer
Free BLS Training for Our Referring Dental Offices
At the Dr. Bennett Implant Collaborative, our mission extends beyond continuing education. We are committed to raising the standard of care across the entire Northwest Indiana dental community, not only through study club meetings, but through hands-on, practical training that supports your whole team.
That's why we are proud to offer Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at no charge for all referring dental offices, at our training facility in Chesterton.
Whether your team needs initial certification or simply a renewal, training at our facility makes it easy, convenient, and accessible for your entire staff.
Meet Your Instructor: Beth Zeilstra
Instructor Beth Zeilstra is a certified healthcare safety instructor with extensive clinical experience. Through Glacial Sands OMS, she provides comprehensive training in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens. All courses are held in our training facility at Glacial Sands, 1008 Broadway, Chesterton, and are designed for healthcare teams.
Call 219-964-4321 to schedule.
Why We Offer Free BLS Training
Dental emergencies are uncommon, but when they occur, they require immediate and confident action. As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery center, we place a strong emphasis on patient safety and preparedness.
We know that many practices struggle with:
- Scheduling team-wide certification
- Finding reliable instructors
- Coordinating training with busy office hours
- Paying annual renewal fees
Our goal is to eliminate those barriers. By providing BLS training at no cost, we ensure that every practice in our referral network feels supported, prepared, and empowered to deliver the highest standard of care.
What the BLS Course Includes
Our comprehensive training follows the latest American Heart Association guidelines and covers the essential skills every dental professional should master, including:
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- Use of an AED
- Recognizing life-threatening emergencies
- Rescue breathing
- Team dynamics in emergency situations
- Hands-on practice with mannequins and equipment
Participants receive a BLS Provider certification card upon successful completion.
Who Can Participate?
This complimentary training is open to all members of your dental team, including:
- Dentists
- Hygienists
- Assistants
- Front desk team
- Office managers
- New hires who need certification before starting clinical duties
We encourage offices to train together for the most efficient, team-centered experience.
BLS Certification for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are often the clinicians who spot a medical emergency first, in the hygiene chair. If you are a dental hygienist in Northwest Indiana looking for BLS certification or BLS renewal, you are covered here: hygienists train with their whole office, for initial certification or renewal, following American Heart Association guidelines, and receive a BLS Provider certification card upon successful completion, at no charge for referring offices.
Hygienists are also welcome in the classroom side of the collaborative: see continuing education for dental hygienists through the NWI Study Club.
How BLS Training Works
We make the process seamless:
- Choose a date that works best for your office.
- Bring your team to our training facility at Glacial Sands, 1008 Broadway, Chesterton. The room, mannequins, and equipment are set up and ready.
- Your team trains together, hands-on, led by instructor Beth Zeilstra.
- Everyone receives certification at the end of the session.
Most sessions last 2-3 hours, depending on team size.
Prefer to train at your own office? On-site sessions at your location are available by arrangement. Just ask when you call.
Why Teams Love Our BLS Training
Referring practices consistently share that they appreciate:
- The convenience of a dedicated training facility, set up and ready for your team
- The cost savings
- The focus on real-world scenarios specific to dentistry
- The confidence their teams gain
- The ability to complete training together without disrupting workflow
For many offices, this has become a once-a-year team-building event.
A Commitment to Our Dental Community
Providing free BLS training is just one way the Dr. Bennett Implant Collaborative supports clinical excellence in Northwest Indiana. We believe that when we elevate our community's knowledge, skills, and preparedness, patients win, and that is at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to Schedule Training for Your Office?
If your team is due for certification or renewal, we'd be honored to support you.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 219-964-4321
Spaces fill quickly, so contact us early to reserve your preferred date.
We train dental teams from Chesterton, Valparaiso, Portage, Merrillville, Crown Point, Michigan City, and La Porte.
Schedule Training for Your Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BLS training really free?
Yes. Basic Life Support certification is offered at no charge for all referring dental offices in our partner network.
Who can take the BLS course?
All members of your dental team: dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, front desk team, office managers, and new hires who need certification before starting clinical duties.
I am a dental hygienist. Can I get BLS certified or renewed through this?
Yes. Hygienists train with the rest of the team, for initial certification or renewal, and receive a BLS Provider certification card upon successful completion.
How long does BLS training take?
Most sessions last 2-3 hours, depending on team size.
Does the course cover renewal, or only first-time certification?
Both. The training covers initial certification and renewal, and follows the latest American Heart Association guidelines.
How do we schedule BLS training for our office?
Call or text 219-964-4321 or email [email protected] to choose a date. Training is held at our training facility at Glacial Sands, 1008 Broadway, Chesterton; on-site sessions at your office are available by arrangement.