March 16-17, 2023
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuition: $1495.
CE Credits: 16 Credits

Course Descriptions and Objectives:
Most dentists would agree that occlusion and TMD are two of the more confusing disciplines in our profession. Much of this confusion relates how we define occlusion. Occlusion is defined as how the teeth fit together. As a result, most of the occlusal discussion revolves around the front end of the system or how to get the teeth to fit together. Today, we know that occlusion is not just about how the teeth fit together but how the lower jaw and upper jaw fit together. If we define occlusion as how lower jaw and upper jaw fit together, then we are
required not only to examine the front end of the system (the teeth) but also the back end of the system (the TM joints).

Given that we are seeing increasing levels of frequency and severity of structural changes in the TM joints at earlier ages than previously assumed, it is vital to understand the anatomy in order to assess the potential for adaptation for structurally damaged TM joint. Evaluating the TM joints helps both the patient and the dentist understand if there additional risk factors regarding pain levels or bite changes. Understanding both the front end of the system (the teeth) and the backend of the system (the TM joints), we can offer our patients a new level of clinical predictability in as occlusal treatment, orthodontic therapy, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, airway dentistry and orthognathic surgery. The concepts discussed will be applicable to every patient in your practice. This program will address these concepts through a combination of lecture and case studies.

Learning objectives:

1. Gain confidence in diagnosing the condition of the TM joints and how this information directly impacts treatment planning

2. Learn when to image, how to image and what can be learned from imaging the TM joint

3. Discover why Class II occlusions in young females pose a special and significant risk for orthodontic treatment

4. Understand when to consider occlusal appliance therapy, when to consider equilibration, when to consider both and when to consider neither

5. Learn treatment planning protocols that can be used for any patient

6. Understand the managerial principles necessary to implement occlusal concepts in an everyday practice