Patients came to the dental office for reasons related to appearance, function and discomfort. All three areas must be in harmony for overall patient satisfaction. Although occlusion has traditionally been thought of as an essential element for long-term clinical success and patient satisfaction, most practitioners do not employ basic occlusal principles in daily practice.

This evidence-based hands-on study club will detail occlusion as related to basic restorative dentistry, oral rehabilitation, implant therapy, fixed and removable prosthodontics, parafunction, dental orthotics, and TMD. The Study Club will consist of 6 Sessions where members will treat their own patient(s). By the end of Year 1 basic occlusal therapy will become a routine part of the membership’s treatment genre, providing patients an incredible service that is cost effective, efficacious, and exciting to do.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evidence-based not evidence-biased dentistry: what it is and is not
  • Occlusion: when, what, how
  • Occlusion for everyday dentistry
  • Occlusion for major restorative dentistry
  • Occlusion and implant therapy
  • Occlusion for fixed and removable prosthodontics
  • Occlusion and TMD: is there a link?
  • CR: where, when, who’s?
  • Myocentric as a treatment position
  • Vertical dimension assessment
  • Occlusion and practical dental anatomy
  • Occlusion and facially generated treatment planning
  • Smile design and occlusal stabilization
  • Envelope of function evaluation and maintenance
  • Articulator use: when, what, how
  • Orthotics: predictable usage
  • Occlusal equilibration: protocols and end points
  • Restorative and prosthodontic material selection