Speaker Bios and Abstracts
Markus Blatz
Biography- Dr. Markus B. Blatz is Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Chairman of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, and Assistant Dean for Digital Innovation and Professional Development at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he also founded the Penn Dental Medicine CAD/CAM Ceramic Center. Dr. Blatz graduated from Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany, and was awarded additional Doctorate Degrees, a Postgraduate Certificate in Prosthodontics, and a Professorship from the same University. Dr. Blatz is co-founder and past President of the International Academy for Adhesive Dentistry (IAAD) and a founding member of the European Academy of Digital Dentistry (EADD). He is a board-certified Diplomat in the German Society for Prosthodontics and Biomaterials (DGPro) and a member and fellow of multiple other professional organizations, including the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the International College of Prosthodontists, the American College of Prosthodontists (honorary member), Academy of Osseointegration, and O.K.U. Honor Dental Society.
Dr. Blatz is Editor-in-Chief of Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Associate Editor of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and Associate Editor of Quintessence International, Section Editor of the International Journal of Prosthodontics, and serves on the editorial boards of numerous other recognized scientific dental journals. He is coauthor of the international bestseller “evolution – contemporary protocols for anterior single-tooth implants”. Dr. Blatz is the recipient of multiple teaching and research awards and has published and lectured
extensively on dental esthetics, restorative materials, and implant dentistry. He was named one of the “World’s Top 100 Doctors in Dentistry” and “Most Educational Instragram Account” by his peers.
Modern CAD/CAM Ceramics in Esthetic Dentistry
All the HOT TOPICS from A like “Adhesive bonding” to Z like “Zirconia”
The recent evolution in CAD/CAM, ceramic, and adhesive bonding technologies offers a whole new range of esthetic, less invasive, and long-lasting treatment options. However, there are still many questions: How can I apply minimally invasive resin-bonded ceramic restorations such as laminate veneers and onlays successfully in my daily practice? How can I select the best ceramic materials and protocols to achieve optimal esthetics? How can I successfully integrate digital dentistry and chairside CAD/CAM systems into my clinical workflow? What are the best cements and bonding protocols for veneers, inlay/onlays, crowns, and bridges? How to bond zirconia to make resin-bonded bridges and partial coverage restorations that last? What are the best ceramic materials for implants from single units to fullmouth reconstructions and why? And what about all these new techniques I hear about, like digital smile
design, new onlay preparation designs, immediate dentin sealing, and deep margin elevation? And last
but not least: is there any scientific evidence on all these topics?
This presentation will answer such questions based on sound science and provide a lavishly illustrated clinical update on esthetic treatment options with ceramics from conservative laminate veneers and posterior onlays to resin-bonded bridges and implant-supported restorations. “Hot topics” such as digital smile design, minimally invasive preparation guidelines, new adhesive protocols, deep margin elevation, and evidence-based dentistry will be discussed: from A like “Adhesive bonding” to “Z like “Zirconia”.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate modern ceramic materials and their indications
- Learn about CAD/CAM technology and its diverse applications in esthetic dentistry
- Understand strategies for success with ceramic restorations for teeth and implants based on the
current scientific evidence - Comprehend clinical guidelines for long-lasting resin-bonded esthetic restorations from laminate veneers and onlays to resin-bonded bridges and implant-supported restorations.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following companies: Ivoclar, 3M, Dentsply Sirona, Shofu, Nobel Biocare, Kuraray Noritake, Pearl
Daniel and Ramona Buser
Biography- Dr. Ramona Buser is a specialist in Prosthodontics, working as a senior lecturer at the University of Bern. She graduated in 2008 at the University of Bern and received her doctor’s degree 2013. After her postgraduate training in Prosthodontics with Prof. Urs Belser, Prof. Frauke Müller and Prof. Irena Sailer at the University of Geneva (2011-2015), Ramona Buser returned as a senior lecturer to the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology at the University of Bern, Switzerland.
With her team she is active in pre-clinical and clinical research in the fields of reconstructive dentistry, implant prosthodontics, and gerodontology and has spent one year doing research in material sciences at the Department of Prosthodontics at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich (2019-2020). She is an ITI Fellow since 2019.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following company: Straumann
Biography-Dr. Daniel Buser is one of the most experienced international implant surgeons with 35 years of surgical experience, and he is one of the pioneers of Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR). He has performed the first GBR surgery at the University of Bern in October 1988.
He has been Professor of Oral Surgery at the University of Bern/Switzerland (2000-19). He also served as President of various academic associations including the EAO (1996/97), and the ITI (2009- 13).
He received several scientific awards, among others the André Schroeder Research Prize by the ITI (1995), the Daniel M. Laskin Award (1996) by the AAOMS, the Honorary Membership Award by the AAP (1997), the Brånemark Osseointegration Award by the AO (2013), and the ITI Honorary Fellowship (2017).
With his team, he has been active in pre-clinical and clinical research in the field implant surfaces, bone augmentation with GBR, bone grafts and bone substitutes, and anatomical studies using CBCT. He has authored and co-authored more than 400 publications and book chapters in the field of implant dentistry. He is also Editor and main author of the GBR Book by Quintessence, which was published as 3rd edition in 2022.
Today, he works part time in a private Centre for Implantology in Bern to surgically treat implant patients. His main activity is Continuing Education. With his friend Toni Sculean, he has established 2020 the Buser & Sculean Academy for Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. The mission is global knowledge sharing with the young generation of implant specialists around the globe using a high-quality streaming technology. Thus, he continues to widely lecture at national and international conferences.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following companies: Straumann, Geistlich, ITI, Osteologic
Current Trends and Treatment Concepts Influencing Long-Term Success in Implant Patients – Surgical and Prosthetic Aspects
In this presentation, we will be talking about 3 major trends observed over the past 10 years, which have a significant influence on our daily practice of implant therapy in fully and partially edentulous patients.
The first trend is a major problem in implant dentistry since we are experiencing a pandemic of peri-implantitis. Recent systematic reviews report a prevalence of peri- implantitis between 13 and 28%, and this after a relatively short observation period of 5 years or less. Various risk factors have been identified and the most important one seems to be a micro-rough implant surface in the shoulder area. When exposed to the peri- implant sulcus, this surface promotes the development of peri-implant mucositis, later peri-implantitis. When this time dependent risk factor is combined with other risk factors, such as history of periodontitis, smoking, poor oral hygiene etc., the prevalence of peri- implantitis rises very fast. In consequence, the utilization of Hybrid Design Implants with a machined implant surface in the crestal area is an important measure to reduce the risk of peri-implantitis.
The second trend is a positive one based on technological innovation. Digital implant dentistry has a major impact on our daily routine in all three aspects of implant therapy, in implant surgery, implant prosthodontics, and the work of dental technicians. These developments, which are still ongoing, offer various advantages such as increasing efficiency, making implant therapy more predictable, and more accessible to patients by reducing costs.
The third trend is a significant trend in most industrialized countries, the aging patient population. Life expectancy is rising and our patient pool is getting older and older. Due to this, the average age of implant patients at the University of Bern is around 65 nowadays. Elderly patients often require special care due to physiological changes, poly- morbidity, leading to increasing dependency. Therefore, surgical and prosthetic treatment concepts have to be adapted for this group of patients. Hence, Gerodontology is continuously becoming a much more important discipline in the field of dentistry.
The different aspects of these trends will be presented in detail and discussed in a dialogue between the implant surgeon and the implant prosthodontist.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn why the use of hybrid design implants help reduce the risk for periimplantitis
- See the influence of digital implant dentistry on daily practice
- Understand the special aspects of treating elderly patients
Stephen Chu
Biography- Stephen J. Chu is a Former Adjunct Clinical Professor at New York University College of Dentistry in the departments of periodontology, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics. He maintains a private practice in fixed prosthodontics, esthetic, and implant dentistry in New York City.
Dr. Chu has contributed over 100 publications including 7 textbooks in the dental literature and has given lectures nationally and internationally on the subjects of esthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Chu serves as the Associate Editor of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.
Managing Midfacial Recession Defects on Maxillary Anterior Dental Implants: Etiologies & Treatment Solutions
Esthetic failures associated with dental implants in the esthetic zone can be one of the greatest challenges facing the dental team. Frequently patients present with mid-facial recession defects yet the implant is integrated and healthy. In addition patients are unwilling to have implant removed since they are emotionally and financially vested in saving the implant. A significant part of treatment therapy revolves around correction of these esthetic defects due to either poor treatment planning, implant placement, and restorative contours. Surgical and restorative treatment planning options and techniques to address these esthetic deficiencies will be presented in a sequential manner.
Learning Objectives:
- Know the potential of hard and soft tissue correction around aesthetically challenged anterior implants
- Know when adjunctive orthodontic therapy should be employed
- Know when a prosthetic restorative solution is the best treatment plan option
Konstantinos Chochlidakis
Biography- Dr. Konstantinos Chochlidakis received his dental degree from University of Athens, Greece in 2008 and completed his prosthodontic residency at Eastman Institute for Oral (EIOH) in 2013. He then joined Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, as a full-time Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Clinical Fixed Prosthodontics. Dr. Chochlidakis is currently an Associate Professor and the Program Director of the Prosthodontic Postgraduate Training Program at EIOH. Dr Chochlidakis received his Master of Clinical and Translational Science certificate in May 2019. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, Associate Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the International Team for Implantology and holds several memberships in other dental organizations. Dr Chochlidakis has also been appointed as the Director of the Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry starting January 2023. He is focused on clinical research conducting clinical trials on full-arch implant prostheses, digital dental technology, and dental ceramic materials. He has lectured nationally and internationally on several topics related to clinical prosthodontics and implant dentistry.
Digital Workflows in Terminal Dentition Cases and Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitations
Different approaches exist for treating terminal dentition patients with dental implants such as extraction of all failing teeth with either removable provisionalization or immediate implant placement and loading. Alternative modalities include the staged approach which includes selective extractions and keeping strategic teeth for fixed teeth provisionalization and eventually transitioning the terminal dentition to complete-arch implant rehabilitation. In this presentation we will describe the “step by step” conventional and digital workflows for the full-arch implant rehabilitation of terminal dentition cases
Learning Objectives:
- Understand where we draw the line in terminal dentition cases (extract vs maintain)
- Understand the digital workflows in terminal dentition cases
- Understand the advantages of digital technology in full-arch implant rehabilitations
Julian Conejo
Biography- Dr. Conejo is the Clinical CAD/CAM Director at the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia PA, USA. He conducts research and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals on CAD/CAM technology, prosthodontics and implant dentistry. Dr. Conejo has been the recipient of several awards in his field, to include the ICP Research Fellowship in Dental Restorative Materials in 2016, the PROSEC Research Award in 2022 and has lectured in over 35 countries.
The Digital Revolution: Predictable Clinical Implementation to Achieve High Esthetic Results
This lecture focuses on highly esthetic tooth and Implant-supported restorations through the implementation of digital technologies.
A detailed update on the latest materials, workflows and techniques with will be presented.
Learning Objectives:
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The main objective of this lecture is to show how treatment time optimization and better clinical outcomes are possible with the implementation of digital tools from the diagnostic phase through facially driven mock-ups to the definitive restorations.
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Update participants in new methods to elaborate long-term provisional and definitive restorations and their respective polishing protocols for optimal esthetics and soft tissue response.
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Review step-by-step clinical protocols for tooth preparations and bonding optimization of full-ceramic CAD/CAM restorations with evidence-based concepts.
Iñaki Gamborena
Biography-
. Graduated in Dentistry at the University Odontológica Dominicana, UOD 1989
. Certificate in Occlusion and Temporo-Mandibular Disorders at the Mexican Association of Occlusal Reconstruction in México City, 1989-90
. Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at the Autonoma of Nuevo León University in Monterey, México, 1990-92
. Certificate in Prosthodontics & Master of Science in Dentistry. University of Washington-Seattle (USA), 1993-96 was awarded with the Bolender Contest Award for clinical and academic excellence
. Certificate in Oral & Craneofacial Implant Fellowship Program. University of Texas, Houston (USA), 1996-97
. Affiliate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Washington Dental School, Seattle (Washington) since 2001
. Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) since 2007
. Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta (Georgia) since 2009
. Active Member of the European Academy of Esthetics Dentistry, since 2002.
. Member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, since 2011.
. Founder member of “the Ponti Group”, Chicago 2012
. Author of the book “EVOLUTION: Contemporary Protocols for Anterior Single Tooth Implants” I. Gamborena/ M. B. Blatz by Quintessence Publishing Co Inc, 2014.
. Inventor of the “slim temporary abutment concept:maximizing space for soft tissue growth” Nobelbiocare, Nov 2014
. Maintains private practice in San Sebastian, Spain, dedicated to Aesthetics, Restorative Dentistry and Implants
Evolution on Immediate Implant Placement into Fresh Extraction Socket: Current Clinical and Technical Protocols and Future Trends
Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction socket has gained popularity in recent years as it offers the advantage of reduced treatment time, preservation of the alveolar bone and improved esthetic outcomes. This presentation highlights the new trends and future on immediate implant placement, including the use of digital technologies such as guided implant placement and virtual planning, the utilization of biologically oriented preparation techniques such as minimally invasive flapless surgery, and the application of novel biomaterial membranes, bone substitutes and implant surface technology to enhance implant stability and osseointegration also on infected sites. Additionally, the importance of patient selection, proper case selection, and management of soft tissue contours are emphasized. These new trends have the potential to improve the predictability and success of immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
It's essential to note that while these future trends show promise, their adoption will take time so dental community will need to stay current with advancements to offer the most up-to-date treatment modalities to their patients.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify difficult implants to treat versus easy ones: what, why and how
- Understand the importance of CTG around implants for long term results
- Techniques and tools to ensure predictable surgical & prosthetic results
2024 Gold Medallion Awardee-
John Kois
Biography- Dr. Kois received his D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine and Certificate in Periodontal Prosthodontics with a M.S.D. degree from the University of Washington, School of Dentistry. He maintains a private practice limited to Prosthodontics in Tacoma and Seattle and is an Affiliate Professor in the Graduate Restorative Program at the University of Washington. In addition, Dr. Kois works with restorative dentists at the Kois Center, a didactic and clinical teaching program, and continues to lecture nationally and internationally. Dr. Kois is the past President of both the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and is a member of numerous other professional organizations. He also serves as a reviewer for many journals and is the coEditor in Chief for The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. Dr. Kois is the recipient of the 2002 Saul Schluger Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment.
Additionally, he is the recipient of the 2014 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award, which is presented annually to a dedicated educator who embodies the spirit of comprehensive dental care.
Analog to Digital Occlusion: Are We Ready?
Historically the dental profession's treatment philosophy regarding occlusion has been based on gnathological principles, utilizing posterior determinants and mutual protection concepts. These principles focused on morphology and mechanically based jaw movements rather than the biology of the masticatory system. In addition, treatment with current analog systems made it very difficult to capture our patients' natural jaw movements. This program will describe three key concepts necessary to capture these dynamic movements: the transfer of the maxillary occlusal plane based on natural head position, the accuracy and limitations in obtaining jaw relation records, and managing mandibular movements. The traditional analog options will then be compared with digital workflows used when managing this complex biology. Our future must be based on what happens in the mouth, not on the articulator.
Learning Objectives:
- Transferring the Maxillary Occlusal Plan Based on Natural Head Position
- Improving the Accuracy of Jaw Relation Records
- Delivering Restorations Compatible to Mandibular Movements
LINK to >>Dr. Kois' APS 2024 Meeting Welcome
Sreenivas Koka
Biography- Dr. Sreenivas Koka received DDS and MS (prosthodontics) degrees from The University of Michigan. He joined the University of Nebraska faculty in 1992, became a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1995, and received his PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Nebraska in 1999. While at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Koka received the Outstanding Teacher Award on numerous occasions and was the inaugural Merritt C. Pedersen Professor of Dentistry. He joined the Staff of Mayo Clinic in 2004 and is former Consultant, former Professor of Dentistry and former Chairman of the Department of Dental Specialties in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Koka received an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management in 2013 and moved to Zurich, Switzerland to be Executive Director of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation. Dr. Koka moved back to the US to focus on patient care and student education and open Koka Dental Clinic, a private practice focused on implant and removable prosthodontics in San Diego. In April 2021, Dr. Koka was appointed as Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.
Dr. Koka is former interim Chair of Restorative Dentistry at UCLA School of Dentistry and former Clinical Professor in Advanced Prosthodontics at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He is a Fellow and Past-President of the Academy of Prosthodontics, past-President of the International College of Prosthodontists, former Chair of MIT’s Sloan School of Management Alumni Board and current co-Chair of the MIT Sloan School's Alumni Matters task force. Dr. Koka has published over 110 journal articles and book chapters and lectures extensively nationally and internationally. Dr. Koka has been a reviewer for NIH grants and been a principal investigator on grants funded by NIH and industry sources. In addition, Dr. Koka is the co-founder of the Future Leaders in Prosthodontics (FLIP) and Shaping the Future of Implant Dentistry (SHIFT) workshop series.
How Leadership Can Enable Us to Address Dentistry's Biggest Problems
Peter Senge said, "Today's problems come from yesterday's solutions". Put another way, "Today's solutions are tomorrow's problems." Too often, our short-sighted decisions addressing today's problems lead us into trouble in the future. Worse still, most of tomorrow's problems can be avoided. This presentation will ask us to contemplate the most compelling opportunities and challenges ahead of dentistry - at the profession level, at the societal level, and at the purpose level. Following on, the kind of leadership needed to seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges will be discussed. It certainly is not the kind of leadership that has led us to where we are today.
LINK to>> Dr. Koka's APS 2024 Meeting Welcome
Eric D. Kukucka
Biography- Eric Kukucka was the first denturist in North America (with the Liechtenstein-based multinational dental company Ivoclar Vivadent) to beta-test digital dentures. Eric has published and lectured widely on digital dentures and other important topics in oral healthcare. He has contributed articles to respected publications like the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (JPD), chapters to academic textbooks, and case studies to magazines, industry reviews, and other periodicals from around the world. Eric has delivered more than 50 keynote lectures including at the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), the American Prosthodontic Society (APS), and the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany.
Eric was a key collaborator in the development of monolithic milled digital denture technology and multiple paradigm-shifting intra-oral scanner strategies for digitizing dentures. He co-developed the “Reference Denture” scan strategy with 3Shape, the Denmark-based dental technology company where, in 2021, he became first denturist appointment to the Global Corporate Advisory Board. Eric also currently serves on the Clinical Advisory Board at SprintRay, a 3D printing company working in dentistry.
As Vice President of Clinical Removable Prosthetics & Design Technologies at Aspen Dental, Eric is responsible for the delivery and clinical efficacy of conventional and digital removable prosthetics. Working alongside Aspen Dental’s Leadership, Operations, Strategy, and Marketing teams as a subject matter expert on the end-to-end denture process, to help formulate successful execution. Eric is also focused on the clinical training of all current and new doctors in the entire organization to improve their ability to provide removable prosthodontic therapy in Aspen Dental’s 1,000 + locations.
The Pathway to Digital Dentures
More than 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth, and nearly 41 million Americans wore dentures in 2020, according to U.S. Census data. While missing a single tooth might seem insignificant, having functional use of your teeth has huge impacts for health and quality of life—from being able to eat without pain to possessing self-confidence in your smile. At the same time, in the era of Netflix and Uber where consumers expect to be able to get what they want quickly and seamlessly, the traditional technology used to create dentures increasingly seems time-consuming and ineffectual; customers receive lower-quality solutions and their access to treatment is limited by the sheer number of appointments and adjustments required. Digital dentistry is a major growth area in oral health care that has the power to transform the way we think about dentistry—including how dentures are made and delivered to patients. This lecture will cover various topics including an overview of the current state of edentulism and case presentations that will overview the complexity of the edentulous patient as well as the terminal dentition patients. Various digital denture workflows will be discussed along with manufacturing methodologies. A review of the supporting literature of conventional and digital removable prosthodontics. Removable Unnoticed is a movement towards fabricating the highest quality removable prosthetics that are truly unnoticeable by the patient. This philosophy will be further explained during this presentation.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following companies: Sprintray, Dentsply Sirona, Ivoclar, Aspen Dental Management Inc., 3 Shape, ADMI
LINK to>> Eric Kukucka's APS 2024 Meeting Welcome
Ernesto Lee
Biography- Dr. Ernesto Lee is a clinician and innovator with 20+ years of academic and private practice experience. He was formerly a Clinical Professor and Director of the Postdoctoral Periodontal Prosthesis Program, Clinical Director of the Postdoctoral Periodontics Program and Director of the Postdoctoral Implant Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Lee is the developer of the S.M.A.R.T. Method, a novel Minimally Invasive Bone Augmentation Procedure that optimizes outcomes while decreasing complications. He has authored several publications, including the 3rd edition of Dr. Ronald Goldstein’s Esthetic in Dentistry textbook; and has dictated over 250 lectures worldwide.
His practice is located in the Philadelphia Main Line suburbs and is limited to Fixed Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Minimally Invasive Bone Grafting and Biologic-Based Regeneration: The Dawn of a New Era in Implant Esthetics
Esthetic outcomes in Implant Dentistry are predicated upon the presence of harmonious peri-implant tissues. GBR techniques have been associated with high complication rates often resulting in soft and hard tissue defects, leading to unesthetic sequelae. This presentation will introduce the use of a novel minimally invasive surgical approach and biologics based regeneration (BBR) to predictably optimize peri-implant esthetics.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the esthetic compromises associated with GBR surgery.
- Demonstrate the use of minimally invasive surgery and BBR to achieve and maintain peri-implant esthetics.
- Present a new protocol for immediate implants in the esthetic zone.
- Present a new protocol for treatment of compromised implants.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following company: S.M.A.R.T. Biomedical LLC
LINK to>> Dr. Lee's APS 2024 Meeting Welcome
Marta Revilla León
Biography- Dr. Revilla-León is Faculty and the Director of Research and Digital Dentistry at the Kois Center in Seattle and Affiliate Faculty in the Graduate in Prosthodontic Programs at the University of Washington in Seattle and Tufts University in Boston. Dr. Revilla-León obtained her PhD in Prosthodontics and Digital Dentistry at The Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde (ACTA) University in Amsterdam. She obtained her MSD in Prosthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle and MS in Esthetic Dentistry at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Analog to Digital Occlusion: Are We Ready?
Historically the dental profession's treatment philosophy regarding occlusion has been based on gnathological principles, utilizing posterior determinants and mutual protection concepts. These principles focused on morphology and mechanically based jaw movements rather than the biology of the masticatory system. In addition, treatment with current analog systems made it very difficult to capture our patients' natural jaw movements. This program will describe three key concepts necessary to capture these dynamic movements: the transfer of the maxillary occlusal plane based on natural head position, the accuracy and limitations in obtaining jaw relation records, and managing mandibular movements. The traditional analog options will then be compared with digital workflows used when managing this complex biology. Our future must be based on what happens in the mouth, not on the articulator.
Learning Objectives:
- Transferring the Maxillary Occlusal Plan Based on Natural Head Position
- Improving the Accuracy of Jaw Relation Records
- Delivering Restorations Compatible to Mandibular Movements
Wei-Shao Lin
Biography- Dr. Wei-Shao Lin is a tenured Professor, Chair, at the Department of Prosthodontics; Co-Director of the ITI Scholarship Center, at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He received a DDS in 2003 from Chung-Shan Medical University, Taiwan; a Certificate in Prosthodontics and a Certificate in Surgical Implant Fellowship at the University of Rochester in 2010. Dr. Lin also received PhD in Educational Leadership and Organization Development at the University of Louisville in 2020, and an MBA at the University of Southern Indiana in 2022. Dr. Lin’s research interests include clinical dental implant research, ceramic restorations, and digital dentistry, and has published more than 90 research and clinical articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Lin is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) and the American College of Prosthodontists. Dr. Lin serves on several editorial boards and is a reviewer for several dental journals. He is an associate editor for the Journal of Prosthodontics. He maintains an intramural dental implant and prosthodontics practice at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
Advancements and Pitfalls of Digital Technology in Prosthodontics
In the constantly evolving landscape of dental care, emerging digital technologies are profoundly reshaping prosthodontics. From diagnostic data collection, file processing, and artificial intelligence applications to virtual treatment planning and CAD-CAM milled or 3D-printed dental prostheses, the breadth of commercially available innovations is expansive. However, as dental practitioners and technicians navigate this digital frontier, a robust understanding of the current technological milieu is imperative. Fundamental treatment principles must not be overshadowed by the allure of rapidity, financial gains, or operational efficiency. This presentation aims to evaluate the latest technological advancements in the realm of prosthodontics, drawing upon both empirical scientific evidence and the presenter's clinical experience. This presentation will highlight the advantages of these innovations, including improved communication between clinicians, dental technicians, and patients, elevated patient experience, and more predictable treatment outcomes. Concurrently, prevalent challenges, such as complications stemming from technology utilization and inconsistencies in clinical applications, will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain digital literacy and updated knowledge on technologies utilized in Prosthodontics, encompassing intraoral scanning, virtual treatment planning, artificial intelligence applications, 3D-printing, novel restorative materials, and computer-guided surgery.
- Evaluate the practical implications of integrating digital advancements in Prosthodontics on patient care, team communication, and overall treatment efficacy.
- Navigate common pitfalls in the clinical applications of digital technologies to obtain predictable clinical outcomes.
*Instructor has disclosed Affiliation/Financial Interest with the following company: Straumann, ITI, Indiana University School of Dentistry
2024 Kenneth Rudd Awardee-
Nondas Vlachopoulos
Biography: Nondas Vlachopoulos was born in Toronto, Canada. He graduated from the school of dental technology in 1985. He then acquired a BSc Hons from the School of Dental Technology of the Technological Educational Institution of Athens (1989). In 1990, he established his own dental laboratory "AestheticLab" in Athens. Since 2001, he has been Opinion Leader for Noritake Dental, and MPF Brush Co. in Greece. He is an editorial reviewer at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry (jCD) and international member of European Academy of Digital Dentistry (EADD). He specializes in aesthetic all-ceramic and implant restorations. His laboratory collaborates with the Department of Prosthodontics of the Eastman Institute of Oral Health of the University of Rochester, USA. Since September 2015, he is cooperating to the practical education of the Postgraduate program leading to a Master of Science Degree in dental Biomaterials/Materials of Dental Technology. The program is operated by The Department of Dental Technology of the Technological Institution of Athens in conjunction with the Dental School of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. Nondas Vlachopoulos is leading many educational hands-on courses in Greece and worldwide (USA, South America, Europe, Asia and Middle East). He is invited to lecture on dental aesthetics at international meetings and congresses. He has published articles in Greek and international Dental Technology journals.
Minimal Invasive Ceramic Restorations
The need for optimum results in the areas of aesthetics, function and biocompatibility, necessitates more and more the use of minimal invasive all-ceramic restorations, implants, and their combination. This presentation describes step by step the daily laboratory process, and the way that art and technology in combination with artistic ability, manage to fulfill with great success excellent accuracy for the requirements of each individual case. Methods and handling for analysis and design will be described in order to understand and be able to select the proper conservative solution for the optimal result.
Learning Objectives:
- Framework design and its importance to the increase of the Pressable restoration aesthetics.
- Internal stain techniques and fluorescent increase on Zirconia restorations.
- Step by step layering on Feldspathic Veneers with the “One Bake Technique”.