Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm

6 CE Credits
AGD Code 200

This comprehensive lecture and over-the-shoulder course will equip dentists with the knowledge and skills to confidently integrate both night guards and TMD orthotics into their practices using a digital workflow. Participants will learn how to select the appropriate orthotic for various clinical situations, capture precise digital records, and fabricate high-quality appliances using cutting-edge materials. Special emphasis will be placed on scanning in the correct condylar position at the appropriate vertical dimension, understanding appliance fabrication, and mastering the delivery and adjustment of a Pankey mandibular TMJ orthotic. In addition to clinical skills, attendees will explore a practical business model for efficiently incorporating these services into their daily practice.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Clinical Decision-Making:
> Differentiate between various types of night guards and TMD orthotics.
> Identify the appropriate appliance for different patient conditions, including bruxism, muscle disorders, and joint issues.
• Digital Workflow Mastery:
> Capture the necessary digital records, including scans, CBCT, and photographs.
> Perform accurate digital scans in the correct condylar position at the ideal vertical dimension.
> Understand how digital appliances are designed and fabricated, from software integration to final production.
• Material Selection and Fabrication:
> Compare materials used in different appliances and understand their indications and limitations.
> Recognize the benefits and challenges of various digital fabrication methods, including 3D printing and milled appliances.
• Delivery and Adjustment:
> Master the delivery and adjustment process of a Pankey mandibular TMJ orthotic.
> Learn proper occlusal refinement techniques to ensure patient comfort and function.
• Implementation and Business Strategy:
> Develop an efficient workflow for integrating night guards and TMD orthotics into daily practice.
> Create a streamlined system for patient education, case presentation, and financial discussions to maximize case acceptance.
> Understand the profitability of digital occlusal therapy and how to position it as a valuable service within a dental practice.

Dr. John C. Cranham is a distinguished dentist and educator specializing in occlusion, restorative dentistry, and digital workflows. A 1988 honors graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, he has advanced dentistry through clinical excellence and education. Since 1995, he has taught over 1,800 days of continuing education globally, enhancing dentists’ skills in comprehensive treatment. From 2007 to 2020, he was Clinical Director at The Dawson Academy, mentoring thousands in the principles of complete dentistry. In 2020, he co-founded Cranham Culp Digital Dental, integrating digital technology into restorative practices for better results. Recently appointed Coordinator of Digital Integration at The Pankey Institute, Dr. Cranham continues to blend proven occlusal principles with modern digital methods to improve patient outcomes.