Academy of Operative Dentistry Scientific Session 2025
Thursday, February 20th
8:00-9:00am
"Overcoming Clinical Challenges in a Restorative Dental Practice Using Technique to Master the Adhesive Interface"
Jeff Brucia, DDS
Private Practice, San Francisco, CA
Synopsis:
Balancing a busy day in private practice with the many different materials and techniques we are all exposed to can be confusing, frustrating and overwhelming. Accurate diagnosis, proper material selection and great clinical skills are critical for success. Minimally invasive procedures have proven to provide predictable and long-lasting results when the very best adhesive techniques are applied. This fast-paced lecture will use adhesive science to support the clinical presentations of several cases.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the techniques to achieve the best adhesive results.
2. Light curing- What do we need to know.
3. Clinical steps for predictable results with adhesive treatment.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Brucia is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry where he is currently an Assistant Professor of Dental Practice. He is practicing Esthetic and Restorative dentistry full time in San Francisco, California. Dr. Brucia is the chair of the FACE occlusion study club where he directs all clinical education. He is the 2011 recipient of the Gordon J. Christensen Recognition Lecturer award and the 2021 recipient of the Goldstein Burning Bush award for excellence in dental education. In 2010, Dr. Brucia was elected a fellow in the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and presently serves as Academy immediate Past President. He has also been selected by Dentistry Today as one of the top clinicians in dental continuing education.
9:00-10:00am
Tucker Lecture of Excellence
“Preparation Designs that Complement Current Material Options with Indirect Restorations”
Richard G. Stevenson III, DDS
Private Practice, San Dimas, CA
Synopsis: We have several different options to restore teeth today, however, there exists a tremendous lack of consistency in the fundamentals of preparation design, nomenclature, and rotary instrumentation. What one school identifies as a chamfer; another school might call a rounded shoulder. The textbooks and much of the literature have not been able to keep up with the current materials and the subsequent preparation alterations required. It is certainly time for our profession to embrace the proper terminology, burs, features, and dimensions indicated to create preparations that will support the long-term survival of our restorations. This presentation will attempt to clarify what we know, what we think we know and what we need to know about preparation designs in the current era.
Learning Objectives:
1) Understand what we can learn from engineers about three dimensional shapes, stresses, nomenclature, and preparation indications.
2) Be able to identify which bur will create which finish line and when to use each.
3) Learn the steps used to produce preparations that are intentionally designed for the material being used.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Richard Stevenson received his D.D.S. from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986, where he also earned a Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. He maintains a private practice focused on Restorative Dentistry in San Dimas and is an Emeritus Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the UCLA School of Dentistry where he served as Chair of the Division of Restorative Dentistry for 17 years. He serves on the Editorial Board of Operative Dentistry, and mentor dentists in clinically focused study clubs internationally and lectures extensively on Restorative Dentistry. He has a YouTube channel on dental techniques with over 150,000 subscribers. He is the recipient of the American Dental Association’s Distinguished “Golden Apple” Teaching Award, the Richard V. Tucker Award, the Award of Excellence from the Academy of Operative Dentistry and earned a Fellowship in Medical Education from the UCLA School of Medicine. He has published dozens of articles on restorative materials and techniques in peer reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters in restorative dentistry. He is the inventor of numerous dental instruments. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the Academy of Operative Dentistry, where he served as President. Dr. Stevenson is a Board-Certified Operative Dentist as awarded from the American Board of Operative Dentistry. He serves as the Director of Education at Stevenson Dental Education where he teaches hands-on clinical courses in general dentistry.
10:00 - 10:20
Break
10:20 - 11:20am
Buonocore Memorial Lecture
"Minimally invasive anterior and posterior single tooth replacement with bonded zirconia restorations – a new gold standard?"
Matthias Kern, Prof. Dr. Med Dent Habil, FADM
Professor and Chairman
Department of Prosthodontics
Propaedeutics and Dental Materials
School of Dentistry, Christian-Albrechts University at Kiel, Germany
Synopsis:
Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs, so-called Maryland bridges) with two metal retainer wings have been introduced 40 years ago for a minimal invasive replacement of missing teeth. However due to various reasons, metal-ceramic RBFDPs are not considered a comparable treatment modality to implants by most dentists.
Cantilevered anterior RBFDPs with a single ceramic retainer wing were introduced 25 years ago. They provide better esthetics and are less invasive than two-retainer RBFDPs. In the meantime long-term data with bonded zirconia restorations for this minimal invasive treatment option are available. Similar concepts are now also implemented for the replacement of posterior teeth that show promising medium-term outcomes comparable to single tooth implants.
This lecture summarizes when zirconia ceramic RBFDPs present a favorable, minimally invasive and less costly treatment alternative to single tooth implants.
Learning objectives:
1) To learn the indications and contraindications for single retainer zirconia ceramic RBFDPs.
2) To learn how to bond long-term successfully to zirconia ceramic.
3) To learn the clinical procedures to successfully use single retainer zirconia RBFDPs.
About the Speaker:
Graduation from Dental School in Freiburg, Germany in 1985. Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Freiburg 1985-1991. Dr. med. dent. thesis 1987. 1991-1993 Visiting Research Associate Professor, University of Maryland at Baltimore, USA (Grant of the German Society of Research). 1995 Dr. med. dent. habil. thesis, Vice Chairman of the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Freiburg. 1997 Professor and Chairman of the Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics and Dental Materials, Christian-Albrechts University at Kiel, Germany. In 2011 Dr. Kern received the Schweitzer Research Award of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics (GNYAP). Dr. Kern served as President of the German Society for Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials (DGPro) from June 2012 until September 2016. In 2020 Dr. Kern received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Research in Prosthodontics and Implants. Dr. Kern serves in the Editorial Board of more than ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and has published more than 500 scientific articles. In 2017 his book “RBFDPs – Resin Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses – minimally invasive – esthetic – reliable“ has been published by Quintessence.Graduation from Dental School in Freiburg, Germany in 1985. Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Freiburg 1985-1991. Dr. med. dent. thesis 1987. 1991-1993 Visiting Research Associate Professor, University of Maryland at Baltimore, USA (Grant of the German Society of Research). 1995 Dr. med. dent. habil. thesis, Vice Chairman of the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Freiburg. 1997 Professor and Chairman of the Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics and Dental Materials, Christian-Albrechts University at Kiel, Germany. In 2011 Dr. Kern received the Schweitzer Research Award of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics (GNYAP). Dr. Kern served as President of the German Society for Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials (DGPro) from June 2012 until September 2016. In 2020 Dr. Kern received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Research in Prosthodontics and Implants. Dr. Kern serves in the Editorial Board of more than ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and has published more than 500 scientific articles. In 2017 his book “RBFDPs – Resin Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses – minimally invasive – esthetic – reliable“ has been published by Quintessence.
11:20am - 12:20pm
“The AP Dimension of Speech: Demystifying Phonetic
Complications in Restorative Dentistry"
Roxanna Esguerra, DDS, MS
Private Practice, Duluth, MN
Synopsis:
The incidence of phonetic complications in restorative dentistry has been reported as high as 85%. Specifically, implant-supported prostheses and “cosmetic dentistry” rank among the highest offenders. Despite this, very little effort has been made to systematically observe and identify patient-specific risk factors for phonetic complications prior to initiating treatment. Further, the fundamental literature on phonetics in dentistry is largely based on edentulous patients and complete denture therapy, not fixed prosthodontics, and operative dentistry. This presentation will briefly review the phonemes in human speech, with an emphasis on sibilant sounds, as well as how to complete a pre-treatment phonetic assessment. Based on the patient’s treatment objectives and the restorative plan, we will discuss the use of reversible treatment strategies where possible to ensure phonetic-esthetic harmony prior to initiating irreversible treatment. Once the phonetic determinants have been established, this can be successfully transferred to the definitive restorations.
Learning Objectives:
1. Complete a pre-treatment phonetic assessment
2. Identify phonetic risk factors based on the pre-treatment assessment and planned restorative treatment
3. Differentiate between reversible and irreversible treatment and how to employ reversible treatment strategies to confirm phonetic parameters prior to initiating treatment
4. Transfer the phonetic determinants from the provisional to the definitive restoration
12:20 – 2:00 pm
LUNCH
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Cariology Lecture
“Assessing Pulp Health in Deep Caries and Efficacy of Vital Pulp Therapy.”
Dr. Ashraf Fouad, DDS, MS
Chair of the Department of Endodontics, and Director of the Advanced Endodontics Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Synopsis:
The clinical definition of deep caries, and the clinical signs and symptoms of its presentation have wide variability. This presentation will present contemporary information on the status of the dental pulp in deep carious lesions that are likely to expose the pulp upon excavation, whether or not they are symptomatic. The literature addressing outcomes of different approaches to treatment will be reviewed, with emphasis on the indication and rationale for vital pulp therapy.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the correlation between the clinical signs and symptoms of pulpitis and the pulp status histologically, and its ability to respond to vital pulp therapy
2. Understand the contemporary understanding of the terms “symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis”
3. Identify the prognosis of various approached of vital pulp therapy procedures, compared with other treatment approaches
About the Speaker:
Dr. Fouad obtained his DDS, certificate of Endodontics, and MS degrees at the University of Iowa. He served on the faculty and in various administrative roles at University of Connecticut, the University of Maryland, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Endodontics, and Director of the Advanced Endodontics Program, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Fouad has published over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited manuscripts, editorials, and textbook chapters. He edited and co-authored the textbooks: Endodontic Microbiology, and several editions of Endodontics: Principles and Practice. He is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Endodontics, and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Endodontics, Dental Traumatology and Frontiers of Dental Medicine – Endodontics. He received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group of the International Association of Dental Research in 2017, and the AAE President’s Award in 2022.
3:00 – 4:00 pm
“Increasing Occlusal Vertical Dimension: How to be Predictable“
Van Ramos, DDS, MS
Director of the Graduate Prosthodontics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Synopsis:
The goal of this presentation is to teach the clinician a standardized methodology to appropriately change the occlusal vertical dimension for a patient with worn dentition. To apply this methodology, the clinician must also consider a particular occlusal philosophy and set patient expectations based on the results of a standardized facial evaluation. These topics will also be discussed within the presentation.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe and apply an appropriate occlusal philosophy for wear patients.
2. Describe the single factor that controls the increase in OVD.
3. Describe the process used to replicate intraorally what was done on the articulator.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Ramos is a Clinical Teaching Professor and the Director of Graduate Prosthodontics at the University of Washington. He recently retired after 30 years of active duty service from the United States Army Dental Corps where he was the Prosthodontic Residency Program Director and the Prosthodontic Consultant to the Surgeon General of the Army. Dr. Ramos received his D.D.S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1985 and his certificate in the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1994. He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontists.
4:00 – 5:00 pm
“Chewing and Memory: How Correct Occlusion Can Prevent Cognitive Decline“
Matthias Troeltzsch, MD, DMD
Synopsis:
The incidence of neurologic diseases involving cognitive decline is rising - not only in elderly people. While cognitive disorders can be a sign of many neurologic diseases it is mostly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Many factors (habits, genetics, cardiovascular diseases) can predispose a patient for Alzheimer’s disease which cannot be cured to date. The only option to postpone the symptoms of cognitive decline are effective prevention strategies. These involve healthy conduct of life and memory training. In the recent years, the importance of the jaw musculature for the activation of cortex and brainstem areas has been revealed. Studies (especially the “Nun Study“) have shown a relationship between the ability to chew and increased intellectual capacities at older ages.
Learning Objectives:
1. The physiologic relationship between occlusion, jaw muscle activity and brain activation patterns
2. The topical scientific knowledge about the importance of dentistry in the prevention of cognitive decline
3. Options how to provide adequate care with the intention to prevent occlusion-related cognitive decline.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Matthias Tröltzsch is an active Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, researcher and author of multiple national and international publications, books and book chapters. His main research interests are in the fields of oral cancer, maxillofacial bone pathology, jaw bone augmentation and implantology and the interface between medicine and dentistry. He is author and co-author of more than 70 publications.
Friday, February 21st
8:15 – 9:30
“Pre-restorative Orthodontic Intrusion and Expansion – Is It Really Possible?”
The James B. Summit Lecture of Innovation
Sponsored by Septodont
Bill Robbins, DDS, MA
Private Practice, San Antonio, TX
Synopsis: In the not-too-distant past, the orthodontist’s tool box was fairly limited in the adult patient. It included aligning teeth, intruding anterior teeth and orthognathic surgery. Today orthodontists have many procedures and techniques, which have opened a new world of treatment planning for the pre-restorative orthodontic patient. The major advantage of pre-restorative orthodontic treatment is the ability of the restorative dentist to provide more conservative treatment, both in a fewer number of teeth requiring restorative treatment and less tooth removal in the preparation phase. These orthodontic treatment options include, surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment (SFOT), temporary anchorage devices (TADs), skeletal anchorage plates, micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), custom MARPE, and distraction osteogenesis with maxillary expansion (DOME). This presentation will provide an overview of these procedures.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the indications for SFOT
2. Describe the indications for TADs
3. Describe the indications for skeletal anchorage
4. Describe the indications for the MARPE appliance
5. Describe the surgical options for palatal expansion
About the Speaker: (Link to CV)
9:30 –10:30 am
“The Place of Orthodontics in the Whole Health Paradigm.”
Dr. Brian Hockel, DDS
Private Practice, Walnut Creek, CA
Synopsis:
Is orthodontics substantially any different from hairdressing? Is it any more than lining up teeth? Can it potentially really impact our overall health - for better or for worse? The answers to these questions would seem to be of paramount importance, yet they are generally not even asked. It’s mostly assumed that the issue has been settled. This presentation will aim to address these controversial issues and provide an overview of the ways that orthodontics can best avoid adverse health effects and aim to treat the whole person.
Learning Objectives:
1. To describe the general treatment goals and strategies of airway and health-centered orthodontics
2. To recognize and describe specific orthodontic mechanics that can be detrimental to the airway and overall health.
3. To facilitate positive and constructive collaboration between orthodontic practitioners and Primary Care Dentists
About the Speaker:
Dr. Hockel, a graduate of UCSF School of Dentistry, focuses his orthodontic treatments on those which are therapeutic toward and/or protective of the airway. A GP since 1989, he practiced functional (retractive) orthodontics and various types of expansion for several years. Dr. Hockel now limits his practice to airway-friendly orthodontics but goes beyond common expansion approaches to non-retractive orthodontics, forward mechanics and treatments, growth guidance with orthotropics, collaboration with supporting disciplines, and therapies to actively help patients with breathing-related sleep disorders. He has taught the Airway Orthodontics Mini-Residency, as well as the Academy of Airway and Gnathologic Orthopedics (AAGO) Sessions I, II, and V, on orthodontic diagnostics and records, Crozat orthopedics, and fixed appliances. He is a board member of the AAGO and the North American Association for Facial Orthotropics (NAAFO), and he teaches hands-on, orthodontics for the E.C.H.O. mentorship with William Hang, DDS, on Early Childhood Health-Centered Orthodontics. Dr. Hockel practices and lives in Walnut Creek, California, with his wife Beth and varying numbers of their eleven children.
10:30 – 11:00 am
BREAK
11:00 – 12:00 pm
“A Comparison of Universal Composite Resin and Ceramic Shade Match”
Monica Cayouette, DMD, MS, FACP
Division Chief and Associate Professor of Pre-Doctoral Prosthodontics in the Department of Reconstructive & Rehabilitation Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine
Synopsis: Currently there are many universal composite shades on the market. Each actual composite resin has differing chemistries, but the basic concept is particles included in each resin allow for the material to reflect the color of existing tooth structure. A study of several universal composite resins was completed looking at the shade match to ceramics. Data was gathered from dentists blindly evaluating the ability of these composite resins in shade matching. The results and applications of this study will be presented and considered.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define the definition of universal shade composite resins and indications for use.
2. Presentation and discussion of data from a comparative study of universal composite resins with respect to clinical applications.
3. Understand how different composite resins performed in this research project matching ceramics.
Stand-by Presenter
"Enhancing Restorative Dentistry with Collaborative Orthodontics”
Yana Nedvetsky, DDS
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, Orthodontics, University of Illinois, Chicago
Clinic Briefings
1:45 - 4:45 PM
Gustavo Mahn Arteaga, DDS MS
Faculty, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
2025 AOD Rising Star Faculty Award Recipient
gustavo.mahn_arteaga@tufts.edu
Analog & Digital: the eclectic approach for clinical excellence
Current trends in dentistry favor a purely digital approach and workflow, especially in restorative dentistry. This approach tends to leave behind proven and state-of-the-art solutions to our problems. This clinic briefing will go over a combined approach to use the best of both worlds for different clinical restorative scenarios.
Learning Objectives: 1) Showcase the most relevant advantages of digital approaches in specific applications. 2) Highlight the advantages of evidence-based analog approaches in cases where digital poses no clear benefit. 3) Underscore the importance of critical thinking when choosing biomaterials and techniques when performing high-quality restorative dentistry.
Isadora Garcia, DDS, MSc, PhD
Faculty, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
igarcia1@umaryland.edu
Antimicrobials in Restorative Materials: Old Materials in New Packaging?
Despite the improvement of dental materials over time, the longevity of restorations remains a concern. This presentation will discuss antimicrobial restorative materials in preventing restoration failure and introduce innovations in the field. Topics include data on direct restoration replacement, causes of restoration failure, degradation of the tooth-material interface, biofilm-material interaction, market and research-stage antimicrobial agents, and current challenges to overcome.
Learning Objectives: 1) Review data on direct restoration replacement and the primary causes of restoration failure based on key literature sources. 2) Differentiate the types of degradation of the tooth-material interface and understand the possible interactions between biofilms and materials. 3) Encouraged to develop a critical opinion on current market and research-stage antimicrobial agents.
Hammad Alghfeli, DDS
Resident, Cambridge, MA
Hammad.alghfeli@tufts.edu
Transforming Smiles: Mastering the Art of Crown Lengthening and Veneers for Anterior Teeth with Digital Workflow
Unlock the secrets to stunning smile transformations with our innovative approach combining crown lengthening and veneers, powered by digital workflows. This presentation features a captivating case study, revealing clinical insights, precise techniques, and exceptional aesthetic results. Elevate your practice with cutting-edge methods to achieve natural beauty and enhance patient satisfaction.
Learning Objectives: 1) Master the Integration of Digital Workflows: Learn how to leverage digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology to enhance precision and efficiency in crown lengthening and veneer procedures. 2) Achieve Superior Aesthetic Outcomes: Discover advanced techniques for optimizing gingival contour and veneer placement to create natural, beautiful smiles that delight patients. 3) Overcome Clinical Challenges: Gain practical strategies for addressing common obstacles in combining crown lengthening and veneers, ensuring predictable and successful results.
Ariene Leme-Kraus, DDS; MSc; PhD
Faculty, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
ariene-lemekraus@uiowa.edu
What do we know about the start and progression of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs)?
Noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are a common dental condition. Differentiating the lesions by their clinical characteristics and the presence or not of cervical dentin hypersensitivity is important when reviewing the multifactorial causes leading to the development and progression of lesions. We will discuss the stages of development of the lesion, their clinical characteristics, and cervical dentin hypersensitivity.
Learning Objectives: 1) To improve the understanding of the development of NCCLs. 2) To recognize the lesion and its clinical characteristics. 3) To understand the lesion severity and progression rates.
Yusra Eltahir, BDS
Resident, Los Angeles, CA
yusraeltahir@gmail.com
The Dictating Role of Altered Passive Eruption on Esthetic Zone Aesthetics
Altered passive eruption (APE) significantly influences esthetic zone aesthetics by impacting gum-to-tooth ratios and smile harmony. This overview explains how APE dictates the visual balance of the smile, covers how diagnosing APE affects esthetic outcomes and provides insights into achieving the best results for a harmonious smile.
Learning Objectives: 1) To identify and diagnose Altered passive eruption (APE). 2) to understand the aesthetic impact of APE. 3) To develop treatment strategies for managing APE.
Mudit Yadav, DDS
Private Practice, San Dima, CA
mkydds@gmail.com
Digital Gold: Here we are... Where are We?
The adoption of a complete digital workflow in dental practices is on the rise. This is a trend that is likely to eliminate all analog lab processes. How then, can we translate the wisdom of delivering precision-fit gold castings in this landscape? How, can we leverage emerging technologies to make sure that gold dentistry, is not a dying art
Learning Objectives: 1) Create CAD-CAM optimized indirect gold preparations and obtain impeccable digital impressions using leading intra-oral scanners. 2)Incorporate Design and Milling centers into your practice for a profitable and seamless workflow. 3) Speak the Digital Language while communicating with your lab for digitally fabricated gold restorations.
Zaid Badr, DDS, MSc
Faculty, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
zaidbadr@hotmail.com
Democratizing AI in Dentistry by Using No-Code Computer Vision
This study evaluates a no-code AI platform for segmenting dental restorations on panoramic radiographs. It demonstrates high accuracy and specificity, highlighting the potential for democratizing AI access in dentistry. This advancement can revolutionize dental diagnostics by enabling practitioners without coding skills to develop and utilize AI models effectively.
Learning Objectives: 1) Understand how no-code AI platforms can democratize the development and implementation of AI models for segmenting dental restorations on panoramic radiographs, eliminating the need for advanced programming skills. 2) Develop and test the validity of AI models using no-code platforms, assessing their performance through metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, F1-score, and ROC-AUC in segmenting dental restorations on panoramic radiographs. 3) Explore the advantages of no-code AI platforms in facilitating dental diagnostics and the potential challenges and limitations, including the need for further validation on larger and more diverse datasets.
Maria Cook, DDS
Private Practice, Citrus Heights, CA
mariacook2021@gmail.com
Air abrasion in restorative dentistry
Although air abrasion was introduced nearly 80 years ago, its full use was not discovered until the introduction of modern adhesive systems. This led dentists to transition from retention based on preparation to retention based on mechanical tags into the dentine. Air abrasion has been proven to increase these mechanical tags and hence increase bonding strength.
Learning Objectives: 1) Identify the mechanical and chemical principles of adhesion. 2) Understand how air abrasion increases bonding strength and the bonding surface of preparations. 3) Discuss clinical applications of air abrasion.