Nathaniel Lawson DMD PhD is the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and the program director of the Biomaterials residency program. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. His research interests are the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials and clinical evaluation of new dental materials. He has published over 200 peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and research abstracts. He was the 2016 recipient of the Stanford New Investigator Award and the 2017 Innovative Research Fellowship both from the American Dental Association. He served on the American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs and is on the editorial board of The Journal of Adhesive Dentistry and Compendium. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of dental materials. He also works as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.

Posterior composite restorations remain the bread-and- butter procedure of many general dentists. Although this procedure may seem trivial, there are many clinical factors which lead to a long-lasting restoration, including diagnosis, isolation, caries removal, cavity preparation, use of liner, matrix and wedge placement, bonding technique, composite placement, and finishing and polishing. This course aims to review the techniques for each of these steps based on current evidence.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Discuss the treatment guidelines for interproximal caries and caries removal endpoints.

• Discover materials and techniques to promote a long lasting adhesive bond and create a well-adapted restoration.

• Analyze matrix utilization and contouring instruments to achieve a tight and well-contoured contract

Available only to Tier I & II members

Dr. Myra Brennan’s career, marked by a zeal for education and advancement, saw her shaping minds as a former Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Course Director at Boston University, alongside contributing as Post-Graduate Faculty at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her expertise and dedication to the advancement of dental science have found a voice in the pages of globally recognized publications, such as the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry, the Quintessence of Dental Technology, and Decisions in Dentistry contributing valuable knowledge and insight to the dental community. Beyond academia and publication, Dr. Brennan remains at the forefront of dental education, continuously sharing her wisdom and expertise on aesthetics, occlusion, and comprehensive oral rehabilitation with dental study clubs. Her outstanding contribution to prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry has not gone unnoticed, earning her the honor of being named Boston Magazine's Top Dentist in Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry seven times. Currently, Dr. Brennan brings her wealth of experience and compassionate care to her private practice clinics in Hingham and in Cape Cod, specializing in prosthodontics. Beyond her professional life, Dr. Brennan finds joy and grounding in the seaside town of Cohasset, where she enjoys life with her husband and their four delightful Pomeranian pups. Her personal life and community involvement with Scituate Animal Shelter reflect the same warmth, empathy, and commitment to excellence that she brings to her practice, making her not only a leader in her field but also a cherished member of her community. Whether teaching the next generation of dentists, consulting on complex cases, or giving someone the confidence to smile broadly, Dr. Brennan’s career is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.details coming soon

This workshop dives into the world of Digital Smile Design (DSD) and Smile Simulations, opening up a pathway for professionals to see how technology merges with aesthetic dentistry to create breathtakingly natural smiles.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction to Digital Smile Design (DSD)

• Understanding the fundamentals of DSD and its role in modern dentistry

• Exploring digital technologies for smile analysis and treatment planning: SmileFy, DSD Planning Center, and Evident Digital Lab

2. Smile Simulation Techniques

• Evaluate virtual simulations and learn different clinical techniques to preview and fine-tune smile designs.

• Incorporating patient preferences and feedback in the digital smile planning process.

3. Communication and Patient Consultation

• Developing effective communication strategies for conveying digital smile designs to patients

• Conducting Smile Test Drives to help patients visualize and participate in their treatment journey

4. Case Studies and Best Practices

• Analyzing real-world cases to understand successful DSD implementations

• Identifying challenges and exploring solutions for optimal results

5. LIVE DEMO: Digital Smile Simulation 1st and 2nd appointment

By the end of this workshop, participants will learn to incorporate advanced digital tools to elevate your dental practice by integrating these innovative approaches, enhancing patient satisfaction, and delivering exceptional aesthetic outcomes.

Alexander Wuensche is the President of Zahntechnique Dental Laboratory. Alexander completed a 4-year multidisciplinary program at the Otto Umfried school of dental technology in Nuertingen, Germany, and attained accreditation as a CDT in Friedrichshafen, Germany. After graduation, he traveled to Ravensburg, Germany, and began working with high-end laboratories who focused on implant and all-ceramic restorations. Today, Alexander fabricates a wide variety of case types and also specializes in cosmetic and complex implant restorations. He has been published in dental journals such as Compendium, Inside Dental Technology, The Journal of Dental Technology, and Lab Management Today. Alexander speaks internationally regarding innovations in dental technology.

Social Media can be an amazing motivator to accomplish sometimes the impossible in our industry. This program is showing the tips and tricks how cases can be seen as the amazing showcase in social media. But the reality is often different. After treatment planning and finishing the case, it just doesn’t look the way it was supposed to be. This difficulty is smashing down to dentists and their team more often than we all think. How do we fix this? How do we face failures and how do we correct them as efficient and perfect as possible? Alexander Wuensche is showing his way to achieve predictable results, functionally and aesthetically. He is showing examples of failed cases and how he fixed the issues.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand how to make a case “Shine”

• Learn how to deal with errors

• Learn how to avoid failures

• Understand the importance of planning to achieve predictability

Prosthetic failure can lead to stress, loss of time and money, and loss of patient's trust. When designing any fixed or removable prosthesis, possible future complications need to be examined, risk reduced as much as possible, and patient informed of the complications. It is also important to understand how to manage these fixed and removable prosthetic complications one arise. In this short lecture, we will discuss what to consider when treatment planning, how to foresee possible complications, and how to manage them if it was to occur in your office. This lecture will focus on trying to increase your ability to achieve more predictable treatment outcomes.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• To understand the importance of reducing the patient’s risk for future prosthetic complications

• To predict possible prosthetic complications and obtain informed consent

• To manage simple fixed and removable complications

• To identify when to refer patients to a specialist

Phase I Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment plays an important role in the growth and development of the dental arches in children ages 6-11. Interceptive Treatment can correct many different dental and occlusal issues, often preventing larger diagnoses like impacted canines, permanent teeth extractions and orthognathic surgical procedures. There are many different modalities for treating the transitional dentition. In this lecture, we will explore when Invisalign can be considered as a treatment of choice for a growing patient and the indications for Invisalign First as a treatment option.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Familiarize with the indications for Phase I Early, Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

• Recognize the unique benefits of Invisalign First

• Understand the difference between Early Space Maintenance and Early Space Development

• Recognize the limitations of Invisalign First

• Identify unique clinical indications for Invisalign First

• Lean how to achieve Compliance Success with Invisalign First

Attachments and Implant Dentistry have been a challenging topic for many dentists. This course will give dentists a proper understanding of procedures and steps needed to collaborate and create a successful outcome for patients with attachment restorations. Our main objective will be Novalac system by Straumann with a smaller section covering other attachment systems as well.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Novaloc Attachment System by Straumann- Clinical & laboratory protocols

• Understanding attachment systems and their similarities and differences

• Creating a clear communication between dental office and laboratory on specific system parts needed

• Other attachment systems: ZEST, Locator, RTx, Locator fixed

The goal of the course is to discuss, "What really is a bite splint". The theory and use behind the proper bite splint. We will discuss how to take records for a bite splint, how to have it fabricated, and how to deliver the bite splint to the patient. We will then do a live delivery of a bite splint chairside to Dr Adam Saltz so that everyone can see how it is done. You will never think about a splint again the way you do now.

Digitalized workflows have revolutionized implant dentistry. With the assistance of Straumann, learn how to take and utilize intraoral digital impressions in your practice. These scans can improve surgical and restorative workflows and communication with the lab from treatment planning to delivery of the implant prosthesis. Dental assistants are invited to participate in this hands - on workshop.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Take and interpret intraoral scans for their accuracy and clarity

• Utilize a complete, Straumann digitized implant workflow

• Communicate with the lab and surgeon to enhance the final implant prosthesis

The prevalence of peri-implant disease is increasing as more implants are being placed today. Early diagnosis of peri-implant disease is critical as the disease process progresses rapidly. This course is aimed at providing the knowledge to properly diagnose peri-implant disease and to understand when it is best to refer the patient to a periodontist.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Be able to diagnose peri-implant mucositis

• Be able to diagnose peri-implantitis

• Be able to identify risk factors for peri-implantitis

As the use of dental implants has become the gold standard for the treatment of edentulism, this program will present a systematic decision-making approach to the treatment options of the edentulous arch. In addition, different material choices will be discussed. Current literature will be analyzed to highlight the pros and cons, predictability, and limitations of restorative materials used for the edentulous arch.

Digital dentistry has been evolving rapidly over the past few years. However, removable denture techniques have been slower in the adoption of the digital workflow. In this program, efficient and simple techniques will be presented to facilitate the incorporation of digital denture workflow in private practice. Different applications and indications will be presented which are also the foundation for implant-retained and implant-supported prostheses. 

Have you found yourself asking "Is this all there is to life?" Or have you had a sneaky suspicion that you are meant for something greater? The poison is in chasing someone else's version of success.

Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy shares strategies for building a business and a life that allow you to bring your higher self to greater contribution and the realization of your dreams. Redefine what success looks like for you without abandoning years of experience and investment. Rediscover that your happiness is the key to success and how to utilize your skills and expertise to amplify your happiness.

Discover the steps to customize and reimagine your business plan. Learn the Three Permissions of Self-Empowerment through which Tarryn launched her scratch-start practice to enormous success in three years. What is the secret? You.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Identify your core values and the power they hold to define YOUR version of success

• Explore practices which empower you to follow your passions and boost your happiness

• Recognize the power of curiosity and how to tap into the neurochemical cocktail that catapults success

• Develop the skills to customize a values-based business plan for living and working in integrity

• Double down on your greatest resource: YOU