Esthetic Dentistry Program

This is a six month comprehensive program to teach all the aspects of esthetic dentistry. It can be also offered as a modular program spread over 12- 18 months.

The Postgraduate Program in Esthetic Dentistry has evolved through the need for more extensive continuing education and by the public’s demand for accessibility to appearance-related procedures.

Esthetic dental materials and techniques are in a constant state of evolution. Thus, training will not be limited to a single system. A comprehensive clinically oriented curriculum will expose participants to a variety of philosophies, materials and techniques in an exciting and fast paced educational environment. The scientific lectures and extensive hands-on sessions will provide you with both the theoretical and practical experience necessary to begin utilizing these new techniques immediately when you return to your office.

Although each individual will have a particular interest, it is essential that in this program participants become familiar with all aspects of esthetic dentistry. Certification upon successful completion of the program implies a broader base of knowledge.

Program Structure

The amount of information that needs to be assimilated necessitates a large number of class and clinic hours. To allow the clinicians to concentrate on current materials and techniques, there will be a limited number of assigned readings through the course that will augment the participants’ background knowledge.

The program is divided into lecture, discussion, hands-on, evaluation and video portions. These form a logical sequence in the absorption of new information: didactic learning; discussion and questioning of information; the application of the knowledge to manual skills; and finally a market survey of available products, intended to identify those materials most suited to each individual practitioner.

The lectures will be closely paired with the hands-on sections; the attendee will see a technique presented, often with different clinical viewpoints of how to achieve a desired result. There will be ample opportunity to question the lecturers and to begin establishing an individual approach to the type of dental problem under consideration.

Relevant hands-on clinics are planned following selected discussions, allowing a smooth transition from theory to practice and thereby reinforcing the new information by putting it to immediate use. These direct-application clinics will be followed by material comparison sections that will expose the participant to a variety of commercial products specifically intended for the technique under discussion.

In certain sections, it will be helpful for the participant to see the presenter(s) actually performing a procedure, step-by-step, in order to appreciate the technical sequence. In these instances, live video will permit the clinician to talk participants through the procedure, while simultaneously fielding their questions.

Detailed handouts will outline the objective and covered topics of every presentation and hands-on clinic. This will enable the participating dentists to assess their understanding of the program material on an ongoing basis.

Theory and Practice

The examination during the sixth session will consist of multiple choice questions, based on material presented or assigned during the program. The examinations will be assessed, and results will be presented in time for the graduation banquet and certificate presentation. Spouses are invited to attend the graduation banquet.

The program is designed to introduce the dentist to the scientific concepts of various treatment methods. Since there is often controversy surrounding the newest techniques, a range of differing views will be presented whenever possible. Discussion periods will follow, allowing the clinicians to address questions and concerns that may arise. While concepts are still fresh, the program will continue with hands-on sessions permitting the opportunity to experiment directly with a variety of materials under a laboratory setting.

Program Modules

Session 1

Smile design
Orthodontic and Periodontic Esthetics and limited crowding correction by sectional fixed appliance
Bleaching, Esthetic Update
Prosthetic esthetics–color and texture Esthetic posts and cements

Session 2

Composite restorations
Esthetic Alternatives to Amalgams
Direct composite Veneers
Inlays and onlays

Session 3

Color in porcelain/ veneers
Pressed ceramics
Color in composites
Ceramic restorations
Polishing techniques
Perioesthetics

Session 4

Direct resin inlays
Implant esthetics
Fiber reinforced restorations
Liners and bases
Esthetic systems

Session 5

Laser bleaching
Dental adhesion
Evaluating materials
Telephone management
Tissue management

Session 6

Exam review
Office design and ergonomics
Plastic surgery and esthetic dentistry