PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: In the morning segment participants will learn about a variety of dental lasers, laser fundamentals, tissue interaction, safety, and current instruments. Clinical cases will demonstrate hard and soft tissue procedures with several instruments. Laser use in periodontal therapy and crown lengthening will be presented, as well as a review of basic principles of esthetics and laser application. There will be discussion of the benefits, advantages, and limitations of lasers.

The afternoon segment will present a chronological journey of our understandings in the field of occlusion and oromasticatory function.  This program will provide a comparison and contrast of  generally accepted occlusal philosophies.  More attention will be given to emphasizing the concurrences than in trying to endorse a particular technique.  Upon the basis that occlusal determinations are anatomic and physiologic rather than philosophic, evidence will be presented to assist the practitioner in making informed choices for patients based on structural considerations and scientific principle. Facial and dental esthetics will be discussed, explaining smile design and anterior tooth placement.  Useful techniques for tooth configuration in individual restorations, as well as anterior guidance, quadrant dentistry, single arch and full mouth reconstruction will be demonstrated.  Various techniques which enable practitioners to deliver a high quality, predictable services, more efficiently and comfortably for the patients will be demonstrated.

FACULTY: Charles R. Hoopingarner, DDS, has maintained a private practice in Houston, Texas, and was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomical Sciences for 11 years, presenting multiple courses to post grad departments in TMD and undergrads in their cosmetic elective.  Dr. Hoopingarner has been a Clinical Instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies since 1997, teaching Advanced Anterior Aesthetics, Comprehensive Anterior Reconstruction, Posterior Restorative, Clinical Laser Applications, as well as Beginning and Advanced Occlusion courses in a live patient educational format. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Comprehensive Aesthetics.  Dr. Hoopingarner has used dental lasers as an integral part of his patient care delivery system for the last ten years and holds the Standard and Advanced Proficiency Rating for both Diode and ErYAG lasers.  He is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and has lectured across the country, in Canada, and Central America on subjects such as Temporomandibular Disorders, Orofacial Pain, Occlusal Reconstruction, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Laser Dentistry.

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

• discuss basic principles of laser physics, safety requirements, and protection procedures when using various lasers,

• identify clinical procedures in which a laser can be effectively used, 

• discuss different types of lasers, and which laser is best for which procedure,

• describe the biology of the oromasticatory system,

• implement a differential diagnosis of orofacial pain and neuromuscular disharmony,

• identify the “real” determinants of occlusion, and why restoration of single teeth is the basis of a healthy oromasticatory system, 

• discuss how to position the anterior teeth for maximum aesthetics and function,

• discuss how to support the mandible in the proper path of closure by proper design of the posterior segments,

• develop a technique for taking the bite and maintaining it throughout the course of complex cases,

• discuss technique knowledge for multiple restorative procedures that insure occlusal maintenance.

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

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM               Registration, Sign-In, and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM             Basic Science and Physics of Lasers 
                                                Types of Lasers and which is best for what Procedure

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM           Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM           Clinical Cases of Improved Patient Care with Dental Lasers

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM             Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM               Basic Science and Physiology of the Masticatory System
                                                Historical Perspective of Centric Relation/Occlusion
                                                       (i.e., Taking a Bite Out of History.)

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM               Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM               Bite Registration
                                                Occlusion Form Single Tooth to Full Restoration

4:30 PM                                 Program Closing and Evaluation

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. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Continuing Education Credit: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits. 

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 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. Confirmation letters will not be sent.