Past Speakers and Course Objectives
SEPTEMBER 23 – 25, 2022
Michael Melkers, DDS & Lane Ochi, DDS, FACD, FICD
Things We Have Learned Along the Way – Looking Back & Learning Forward
Dr. Melkers is a 1994 graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry and currently serves as visiting faculty at Riga Stradns University Department of Prosthodontics and The Pankey Institute, where he also serves on the Board of Advisors. He is the former Director of Occlusion & Aesthetic Dentistry at the Pacific Northwest AEGD residency program and visiting faculty at The Spear Institute. Dr. Melkers is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and maintains a private clinical practice in Hanover, NH with a focus on comprehensive adult restorative care.
Dr. Ochi graduated with honors from the University of Southern California in 1981 and is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He is currently an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, and was the co-director of occlusion at USC School of Dentistry. Dr. Ochi is an Assistant Director in the Advanced Restorative Institute Dental Education Center and maintains a full-time private practice in Beverly Hills, CA with an emphasis on physiologic and aesthetic reconstructive dentistry.
Course Objectives
1. Appreciate purpose vs. process treatment planning as it applies to outcome-based treatment planning
2. Learn to recognize critical parafunctional red flags and why they matter
3. Appreciate the balance between function, parafunction, and aesthetics
4. Obtain a thorough understanding of the benefits of patient centered, doctor facilitated approach to case planning and acceptance
5. Learn when, why, and how phasing treatment can be done safely
SEPTEMBER 24 – 26, 2021
David Hornbrook, DDS
Cementation and Ceramics 2021
Dr. David Hornbrook graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry and has been in private practice in San Diego, CA for the pas 33 years. He is a pioneer in live-patient, esthetic dental treatment programs and was the founder and director of LVI, PAC-live, the HornbrookGroup, and Clinical Mastery. He has lectured internationally on all facets of dentistry including porcelain veneers, implants, dental materials, occlusion, and direct composites. He is an Accredited Fellow of the Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Fellow and Diplomate of the American Society of Dental Aesthetics, a Fellow of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and was honored with lifetime achievement awards by the Crown Council and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics. He has developed numerous materials and techniques that are used daily by restorative dentists and has consulted with numerous manufacturers on dental materials and is the Clinical Director of Education and Technology at Utah Valley Dental Lab in Provo, UT.
Course Objectives
1. Esthetic monolithic ceramics and when to use what
2. Deciphering the new dentinal adhesive agents and how we can combine ease-of-use with long-term predictability
3. When to adhesively “bond” and when we can use “luting” agents and what is available
4. PMMA long-term provisionals and how they are used to provisionalize implant sites and sequence full mouth rehabilitations
5. Bio-stimulating cements: how and when they can and should be used
6. Achieving highly aesthetic anterior implant results using the “H” abutment
MARCH 13, 2020
Miguel A. Ortiz, DMD
The Science Behind CAD/CAM Materials, Impression Techniques and Dental Photography
Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz began working in the dental industry as a dental technician in 2002 after graduating from one of the only two year ADA accredited programs in California. During the next eight years, he both worked and studied full time in Los Angeles, receiving a B.S. in Biochemistry with honors from California State University. He was recruited by Harvard School of Dental Medicine where he won the Leo Talkoy award for excellence in clinical dentistry and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr Ortiz went on to become a prosthodontist at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2017.
Course Objectives
1. To categorize and learn all CAD/CAM chairside dental materials in the market, leading to the scientific selection of the only four that should be used
2. To understand all options present for sulcular expansion during impression taking – to describe the Back to Back Double Cord Technique
3. To comprehend the role of color temperature and white balance in the realm of laboratory communication
SEPTEMBER 27 – 29, 2019
Damon Adams, DDS
Trends, Innovations, Controversies and Clinical Tips
Dr. Damon Adams is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and assistant clinical professor at the University of Toledo, College of Medicine, Division of Dentistry. He lectures internationally, focusing on updates in dental materials and emerging trends and innovations in dentistry.
Course Objectives
1. Review some of the latest trends, developments, and innovations in dentistry
2. Discuss important principles for polishing high-strength all-ceramics and how this relates to longevity and wear factors and ways to minimize all-ceramic fractures and failures
Robert Humphries, DDS, MS
Dr. Robert Humphries graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1985 and received a Master of Science in Prosthodontics in 1988. He has taught in graduate and pre-doctoral clinics, as well as at the pre-clinical level.
Course Objectives
1. Review diagnosis and treatment planning of patients through case presentations
2. Review techniques and materials used in the treatment of implants
James Braun, DDS, MS
Dr. James Braun received his DDS and his master’s degree specializing in prosthodontics at the University of Michigan. He has maintained a full-time prosthodontics practice for over 30 years.
Course Objectives
1. Review critical aspects of CAD/CAM preparations and impressions
2. Evaluate the latest trends of mono-lithic lab CAD/CAM crowns
3. Review shade selection steps and luting concerns
MARCH 8, 2019
Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D.
The Impact of Digital Technology on Prosthodontic Therapy
Dr. Lyndon Cooper is the Associate Dean for Research and Head of the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Illinois School of Dentistry, Chicago. He previously served as Stallings Distinguished Professor of Dentistry, Chairperson and Director of Graduate Prosthodontics and served as the 2010 President of the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation. Dr. Cooper has been honored with research awards from the ACP, the IADR and the GNYAP.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Understand how digital technology has changed material used in prosthodontics and its effect on care.
2. Appreciate the role of digital technology in comprehensive treatment planning.
3. Explain technology-based improvements in work flow to patients.
4. Be able to link aesthetic diagnosis to digital treatment planning.
5. Explore the use of emerging digital tools for improved dental implant therapy.
SEPTEMBER 21 -23, 2018
Michael C. Fling, D.D.S.
Utilizing the Global Restorative Footprint in Restorative Practice: Identifying Tipping Points to Motivate Change
Dr. Michael Fling began his career in dentistry in 1976 as a laboratory technician. He graduated from Oklahoma University College of Dentistry in 1984, & maintains a private practice with an emphasis on restorative dentistry. He has served as Course Director and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics and currently serves as Director of Advanced Restorative Dentistry at the O.U. College of Dentistry. He is the founder and President of “Fling Seminars” providing Advanced Dental Education to dentists and technicians. He also serves as an Associate Faculty and Course Coordinator at the L.D. Pankey Institute. As a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American College of Dentists, he has lectured internationally to dental and laboratory associations and to various study groups on fundamental principles of restorative dentistry and achieving technical excellence.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Learn specific steps of creating a “Restorative Footprint” before treatment is initiated.
2. Learn the 4 reasons VDO may be altered and the physiological and aesthetic interplay of altering incisal edge position and opening VDO.
3. Understand the “Global Restorative Sequence” and learn practical steps for completing simple and complex restorative treatment along with ways to phase treatment.
4. Know the 1 thing that can motivate you to make change and bridge the gap between “knowing and doing”.
5. Realize the changes in clinical techniques and the utilization of modern materials in today’s restorative practice.
MARCH 9TH, 2018
Dennis Tarnow, D.D.S.
Immediate vs. Delayed Socket Management: What We Know, What We Think We Know, and What We Don’t Know
Dr. Tarnow is a clinical professor of periodontology and Director of Implant Education at Columbia School of Dental Medicine. He is a former professor and chairman of the department of periodontology and implant dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Tarnow has a certificate in periodontics and prosthodontics and is a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He is a recipient of the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, Teacher of the Year Award from New York University and Distinguished Lecturer Award from the American College of Prosthodontics in 2015. Dr. Tarnow has a private practice in New York City.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Understand when to place an implant into a fresh extraction socket.
2. Understand how to properly position and temporize the immediate placed implant.
3. Know whether the gap distance between the implant and facial wall of bone is important or not.
4. Understand the dual zone socket grafting technique to eliminate the need for connecting tissue grafts in most immediately placed implants.
5. Be able to understand how to use interdisciplinary skills and knowledge to repair esthetic problem cases.
OCTOBER 13 – 15, 2017
Saj Jivraj, B.D.S., M.D.E.S.
Treatment Planning of the Edentulous Maxilla Utilizing Graftless Options
Dr. Saj Jivraj received his dental degree from the University of Manchester in England and his advanced Prosthodontic training at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He is the former section chairman of fixed prosthodontics and operative dentistry at the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry. Dr. Jivraj has published numerous articles on esthetic and implant dentistry in peer-reviewed journals and has presented on aspects of implant dentistry and advanced prosthodontic procedures. Dr. Jivraj currently holds a faculty position as clinical associate professor at the USC School of Dentistry and is an honorary clinical teacher at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. He maintains a private practice limited to prosthodontics and implant dentistry in Oxnard, CA.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning for edentulous patients requiring graftless solutions.
2. Applications of CAD/CAM technology in framework design.
3. Guidelines for material selection for the definitive restoration.
4. Biomechanics of tilted implants.
5. Management of complications and maintenance.
MARCH 10, 2017
Jim McKee, D.D.S.
A New Perspective on Occlusion and TMD
Jim McKee has been in private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois and sees a wide variety of patients ranging from simple to very complex cases requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Jim is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and a past-president of the American Equilibration Society. He has been a faculty member at the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute and lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years. Jim is a visiting faculty member at the Piper Education and Research Center in St. Petersburg, Florida and directs several study clubs.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Evaluate our occlusion and TMD training to determine what concepts are valid today and what concepts require a new perspective.
2. Understand the role occlusion plays in TMD and the role TMD plays in occlusion.
3. Learn when it is necessary to image the TM joints, learn how to image the TM joints and learn how TM joint imaging will change the treatment plan for the occlusal, orthodontic, restorative, orthognathic and sleep patient.
4. Understand a treatment planning decision tree based on TMD and occlusal risk factors.
5. Discuss practice management concepts that will lead to successful implementation of new occlusion and TMJ concepts.
MARCH 11, 2016
M. Nader Sharifi, D.D.S., M.S.
Controversies in Restorative Implant Dentistry
M. Nader Sharifi, D.D.S., M.S. holds a certificate in prosthodontics and a masters degree in biomaterials from Northwestern University. He received his dental education at the University of Illinois. Dr. Sharifi has presented more than 400 lectures covering numerous topics on restorative dentistry earning him recognition from esteemed study groups, societies and associations across the nation and internationally. He currently maintains a full-time private practice of adult general dentistry in Chicago. Dr. Sharifi is a former assistant professor at Northwestern University and currently uses his experience as a five day a week wet gloved dentist to ensure time saving and cost effective care are represented in his lectures. In 1996 he was named to the American Dental Associations Speakers Bureau and in 2007 Chicago Dental Society honored him with the Gordon Christensen Distinguished Lecturer Award.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Longevity of various treatment options for single crowns, short, long, and full arch bridges on natural teeth and implants.
2. Screw retained vs. cemented crowns in implant dentistry.
3. Implications of immediate placement and immediate load.
4. Custom abutments vs. stock abutments and abutment material selection.
5. Learn number and location of implants for overdentures and attachment selection.
6. Introduce the concept of converting the failed dentition to a fixed implant bridge.
SEPTEMBER 22 – 25, 2016
Robert Ritter, D.D.S.
The 3 D’s of Dentistry: Recommendation Marketing, Digital Dentistry & the Clinical Success in the Everyday Practice
Dr. Ritter received his Dental Degree from The Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine and currently practices in Palm Beach County, FL focusing on adhesive esthetic dentistry. He currently holds positions as adjunct professor at multiple dental schools, and is a member of the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and The Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, among many others. He is also a graduate of the Kois and Spear Education Centers. Dr. Ritter is an editorial board member of REALITY and a product consultant to numerous dental manufacturers. He continues to speak both nationally and internationally over 30 times per year.
Course Objectives and Description
1. An integrated approach that looks at diagnosis & treatment planning, as well as smile design, and single unit dentistry for the everyday dental practice.
2. Digital design & communication, digital planning & workflow, and digital marketing.
3. Material choices between lithium disilicate vs. zirconia as well as the latest adhesives and cements for long lasting results.
4. The use of digital chairside dental scanners in general practice.
5. How to simplify the latest in implant prosthetics with the help of digital communication.
SEPTEMBER 25 – 27, 2015
Ed McLaren, D.D.S., M.D.C.
Hot Topics in Esthetics, Dental Ceramics, Adhesion and Digital Dentistry
This presentation will cover many of the current “hot topics” in esthetics, dental ceramics, adhesion, and digital dentistry. The lecture will go into how I treatment analysis, design, and plan an esthetic case. It will also clarify the most appropriate clinical situations and restorative requirements of the various ceramic systems from conventional feldspathic glass systems, glass ceramic systems, to solid sintered mono-phase Zirconia based systems. Clinical and esthetic guidelines for using these ceramic systems will be covered. This presentation will focus on specific clinical indications and contraindications for the use of the various ceramic systems, specifically for no-prep, minimal prep, and normal prep veneers, inlay/onlay, “vonlay (combination of veneer and onlay), and crown clinical indications.
Course Objectives and Description
1. The materials and clinical indications for use of conservative (minimal or no-preparation) techniques for anterior bonded porcelain restorations.
2. Clinical indications for normal and more aggressive porcelain veneer situations where mostly dentin is exposed.
3. Clinical indications, materials, and techniques for Inlays, Onlays, and Vonlays.
4. New Glass ceramics and hybrid materials.
5. Clinical situations and materials when a crown is indicated.
6. Zirconia-based ceramics: problem solving porcelain chipping.
7. Digital impressions, chair-side CAD/CAM, and the DDT “digital dental team” concept
MARCH 6, 2015
George Priest, D.M.D.
Smile Line Revitalization with Crowns, Veneers and Implants
For more than 25 years, Dr. George Priest has maintained a private prosthodontic practice devoted to esthetic, advanced restorative and implant dentistry. In 2008, Dr. Priest relocated his prosthodontic practice from Atlanta GA to Hilton Head Island, SC (outside Savannah, GA). He lectures nationally and abroad on topics including implant dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry and esthetic excellence. He is a regular contributor to many acclaimed dental journals including The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, The American Journal of Esthetic Dentistry and The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, a member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and one of Dentistry Today’s Top Clinicians in Continuing Education for the past 10 years. Dr. Priest is a former professor in graduate prosthodontics at Emory University and an innovator and teacher of implant and esthetic dentistry for more than 20 years.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Assess characteristics for optimal smile design and esthetic outcomes
2. Use progressive preparation techniques and materials for crown and veneer restoration
3. Make accurate Impressions and esthetic provisional restorations
4. Create proportionate restorations by calculating ideal tooth dimensions
5. Communicate and remain involved with the laboratory for accurate color, contours and smile line enhancement
6. Develop soft tissue to maximize the esthetic potential of dental implants
SEPTEMBER 19 – 21, 2014
Robert Lowe, D.D.S.
Update 2014: Real World Dentistry for Restorative Practice
Robert Lowe graduated from Loyola University Dental School in 1982. He attended a GPR then began private practice in the Chicago area while teaching at the Loyola Dental School. In 2000 he relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a follow in many dental organizations. In 2004 Dr. Lowe received the Gordon Christensen Outstanding Lecturer Award. He has presented at the ADA Annual Meeting, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and American Society of Dental Aesthetics. Dr. Lowe is also a contributing author to text books, many publications and more recently he is active in techniques, materials and laser dentistry while maintaining a busy lecture schedule and private practice. He is consistently named to the top 100 Clinicians in Dentistry by Dentistry Today and more importantly is easily accessible for advice and answering questions.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Direct composite restorations.
2. Crown and Bridge management for perfect and predictable cementation protocols.
3. Aesthetic Dentistry – “no prep” porcelain veneers and indirect composite veneers.
4. Prosthetic tooth repositioning and orthodontic tooth preparation.
5. The perio-prosthetic connection to restorative dentistry.
6. Creative Treatment Planning – when it doesn’t go by the book.
MARCH 21, 2014
Jeffrey S. Rouse, D.D.S.
Sleep Prosthodontics: A Biologic Approach to Occlusion, Wear and TMD
Jeffrey S. Rouse, D.D.S. maintains a full-time private practice and is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He received his specialty certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2004. Dr. Rouse is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, the American College of Prosthodontists, and past president of the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. He has written numerous journal articles in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Moreover, he has contributed chapters on porcelain veneers and anterior ceramic crowns to a dental textbook. Dr. Rouse lectures nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics ranging from dental esthetics to airway-based occlusion.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Clarify the sleep-disease connection with an emphasis on interdisciplinary solutions based on the patient’s age, symptoms, cooperation, and desires.
2. Illuminate the unique role that dentists and dental hygienists play in resolving sleep and airway issues.
3. Create an algorithm for appliance selection and simplify the seating and titration process.
4. Understand the value of high-resolution pulse oximetry and cardio-pulmonary coupling in assisting dentists to envision airway transformation with an oral appliance.
OCTOBER 4 – 6, 2013
Dean Morton, B.D.S., M.S., FACP, FICD
Contemporary Implant & Aesthetic Destistry: Using Sound Principles & Proven Methods in Contemporary Practice
Dean Morton is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He completed his dental training at the University of Sydney, and his Certificate in Prosthodontics and Master of Science degree at the University of Iowa. He co-founded the UF Center for Implant Dentistry in 1999, serving as director through 2008. Dr. Morton is a Diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics, and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, the International College of Dentists, and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). He serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. Dr. Morton lectures extensively both nationally and internationally on implants and esthetic dentistry, and maintains a practice limited to implants, esthetic dentistry and prosthodontics at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Identify outcome and esthetic parameters and relate these to treatment risk through effective esthetic risk assessment.
2. Describe contemporary implant/abutment morphology and material options with emphasis on esthetic implant based restorations.
3. Understand contemporary options for fabricating implant-based restorations, including CAD/CAM and esthetic dental materials.
4. Describe indications and contraindications for accelerated treatment protocols.
5. Discuss multidisciplinary site assessment and implant selection for procedures in both non-esthetic and esthetic sites.
MARCH 15, 2013
Gerard Chiche, D.D.S.
Smile Design, Occlusal Strategy & Interdisciplinary Aesthetics
Dr. Chiche is the Thomas P. Hinman Endowed Chair in Restorative Dentistry, and the Director of the Center for Esthetic & Implant Dentistry at GHSU School of Dentistry in Augusta, GA. He has given numerous programs nationally and internationally and holds membership in the American College of Dentists, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He is a Past President of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and is also the author of the textbooks: Esthetics of Anterior Fixed Restorations, and Smile Design – A guide for Clinician, Ceramist and Patient both published by Quintessence Pub. Co. He serves as adjunct faculty at the Pankey Institute, and in 2009 he became the first recipient of the Endowed Chair sponsored by the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Society.
Course Objectives and Description
1. Learn how to plan and sequence esthetic treatment for best predictability in a step-by-step manner.
2. Master effective bonding and cementation techniques for all-ceramic crowns and veneers.
3. Select all-ceramics materials and restorations for maximum practicality.
4. Protection strategy for all-ceramic crowns and porcelain veneers for every-day esthetic treatment.
5. Restore patients with occlusal wear and parafunction according to their risk factorss.
SEPTEMBER 21 – 23, 2012
Aldo Leopardi, B.D.S., D.D.S., M.S.
Advanced Restorative Treatment Planning and Clinical Considerations in Dental Implant Therapy
1. Have an improved understanding of dental implant complications as reported in the literature & how we can apply what we learn toward improved aesthetic zone treatment planning & clinical procedures.
2. Understand the role and protocol for provisionalization with integrated & immediately placed implants.
3. Understand treatment planning & clinical techniques in overdenture implant therapy.
4. Discuss atrophic edentulous condition, treatment planning & site development.
5. Understand the restorative treatment objectives & clinical procedures for fixed restoration of the edentulous patient.
MARCH 2, 2012
John Burgess, D.D.S., M.S.
Impression, Ceramics, and Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth: Problems You Have and a Solution
SEPTEMBER 23 – 25, 2011
Jeffrey Okeson, D.D.S.
An Update on the Clinical Management of Temporomandibular Disorders