PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Shift happens! We are using a large variety of adhesive restorative materials in our everyday dental practice. Resin adhesives allow us to bond to enamel and dentin, as well as, bond porcelain and metal. New cements allow us to place leak free and more retentive restorations. How can the latest resin and adhesive cements be used to give us the best clinical results? You will learn how to use and when to use each bonding system and adhesive cements and the keys to successful light curing. Posterior composite resins aren’t as easy as they look. Learn to achieve predictable anatomic contacts and eliminate postoperative sensitivity. Nothing lasts forever. Learn the ins and outs of predictable crown and bridge repair to salvage restorations. No one wants to smile when they are missing a tooth - whether it is due to trauma, loss of the tooth due to periodontal disease or a failing endodontic treatment or waiting for that implant to heal, a gapped smile doesn’t make it. Using fiber reinforcement ribbons, you can place a single visit, immediate fixed partial denture.  Also these same fiber ribbons provide for long lasting reinforced periodontal splints.

FACULTY: Howard E. Strassler, D.M.D., F.A.D.M., F.A.G.D., is Professor and Director of Operative Dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School in the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry. He has lectured nationally and internationally on techniques and selection of dental materials in clinical use and esthetic restorative dentistry. For the past ten years, Dr. Strassler has been recognized by Dentistry Today as one of the top 100 speakers for CE programs in the United States.  He is a Fellow in the Academy of Dental Materials, a Member of the American Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry and International Association of Dental Research. Dr. Strassler was the Academy of General Dentistry’s Year 2000 recipient of the Thaddeus V. Weclew Honorary Fellowship. This award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or who has enhanced the principles and ideals of the Academy of General Dentistry. He is the Associate Editor for Functional Esthetics and Restorative Practice, on the editorial review board for the Journal of Esthetic Restorative Dentistry, Inside Dentistry, Dentistry Today, and Compendium. He is a consultant to the VA, and a consultant and clinical evaluator to over 15 dental manufacturers. Dr. Strassler has published over 450 articles in the field of restorative dentistry and innovations in dental practice and has coauthored seven chapters in texts. He has presented over 400 programs including most the major programs throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Dr. Strassler has a general practice in Baltimore, Maryland that is limited to restorative dentistry and esthetics.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• describe and understand the clinical indications for the different bonding systems,

• describe the new self-adhesive cements and how to use them,

• describe different techniques for creating an anatomic proximal contact with Class 2 composite resins,

• describe techniques to minimize and eliminate post operative sensitivity with posterior composites,

• describe the key to clinically successful light curing,

• describe the indications and techniques for predictable crown and bridge repair,

• describe the indications and techniques for predictable fiber reinforcement.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants.

AGENDA:

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System is an ADA-CERP Recognized Provider.  The formal continuing education programs of this sponsor are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership credit.  The current term of acceptance extends from December 2005-December 2009.  This program has been approved for 6 contact hours.

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $190.00 for dentists, $125.00 for all other dental professionals.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $15.00.  Includes continental breakfast and course material. Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137. Registration is not complete until payment is received.  Space is limited so please register early.  Refunds, minus a $15 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will be a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Confirmation letters will not be sent.