Revitalizing Smiles: Optimizing Endodontic Outcomes Through Restorative Strategies
Presented by Dr. Matthew Miller
Description:
This course provides comprehensive guidance onrestoring endodontically treated teeth, focusing on essential techniques,materials, and best practices. Participants will gain the knowledge and skillsrequired to achieve successful and long-lasting restorations, ensuring optimalfunction and aesthetics. Additionally, this course highlights how properlyexecuted restorations play a critical role in enhancing the long-term successand overall prognosis of endodontic therapy.
Learning Objectives:
- Review of the principles and techniques for successfully restoring endodontically treated teeth.
- Identify the selection and application of restorative materials suitable for variousclinical scenarios, considering factors such as tooth location, occlusalforces, and patient preferences.
- Explorethe latest advancements in adhesive dentistry and digital technologies toenhance the predictability and precision of endodontically treated tooth restorations.
- Recognize the principles of post-endodontic restoration, including different postsystems, core materials, and bonding techniques.
- Establish how to assess tooth structure and develop a sound treatment plan to addresspotential structural deficiencies and create a stable foundation for the final restoration.
Zirconia vs. Glass Ceramics: Materials, Clinical Behavior, and Cementation Protocols
Presented by Dr. Troy Schmedding
Description:
This focused course reviews the physical and optical properties of zirconia and glass ceramics, compares their clinical indications and failure modes, and provides evidence-based cementation protocols for each material. Participants will learn how material selection affects preparation design, bonding strategies, and long-term outcomes, with practical guidance for predictable adhesion and restoration longevity.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe and compare the structure, mechanical properties, and optical characteristics of zirconia and common glass ceramics (e.g., lithium disilicate), and explain how these properties influence clinical indications.
- Identify differences in failure modes and preparation/occlusal design considerations for zirconia versus glass ceramics and select appropriate restorative indications based on clinical scenario.
- Demonstrate evidence-based cementation protocols for zirconia and glass ceramics— including surface treatments, primer/adhesive choices, and cement selection—to optimize bond strength and reduce complications.
Direct Restorative Dentistry: From Isolation to Finishing—A Comprehensive Approach
Presented by Dr. Ashton Prince
Description:
This comprehensive lecture explores the contemporary practice of direct dental restorations, focusing on evidence-based protocols and material selection strategies. Participants will examine the complete restorative workflow—from isolation through final finishing—while gaining insight into comparative material properties and emerging technologies. The course emphasizes clinical decision-making frameworks for selecting appropriate materials based on patient-specific factors. Attendees will learn standardized protocols for isolation techniques, surface preparation, adhesive systems, composite products and placement, and finishing procedures. Additionally, the lecture will survey current innovations and future directions in direct restorative materials, equipping practitioners with knowledge to integrate new technologies into their clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply evidence-based isolation protocols to ensure optimal moisture control and contamination prevention during direct restorative procedures.
- Execute proper tooth surface preparation techniques, including cleaning protocols that maximize bond strength while preserving tooth structure.
- Evaluate and select appropriate bonding systems based on clinical scenarios, understanding the differences between etching techniques and their applications with adhesive approaches.
- Compare composite restorative materials by analyzing their physical properties, handling characteristics, polymerization shrinkage, wear resistance, and optical properties to make informed material selections.
- Implement systematic finishing and polishing protocols using appropriate instruments and materials to achieve optimal esthetics, contour, and surface smoothness.
- Identify emerging technologies and materials in direct restorative dentistry.
- Develop clinical decision-making strategies for material selection based on location, size, patient risk factors, and functional demands.
From Science to Chairside: Understanding Restorative Material Behavior
Presented by Dr. Sabiha Bunek
Description:
This science-driven segment examines the foundational principles that govern restorative dentistry, emphasizing the biological, chemical, and physical mechanisms underlying material performance and tooth–restoration interactions. The course integrates current research findings with clinical relevance, enabling practitioners to critically evaluate materials, interpret scientific literature, and apply evidence-based reasoning to restorative decision-making. By strengthening understanding of the science behind restorative systems, this segment empowers clinicians to optimize outcomes, minimize failure, and adapt confidently to evolving materials and technologies.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the key scientific factors that influence how restorative materials bond, set, and perform clinically over time.
- Identify common material-related causes of restorative failure and relate them to underlying material properties and clinical conditions.
- Use basic material science principles to make informed, evidence-based choices in restorative materials and techniques for everyday clinical practice.
Dr. Sabiha Bunek
President & CEO – DENTAL ADVISOR
Owner – Bunek Dental Studio
Dr. Sabiha Bunek is President and CEO of DENTAL ADVISOR, where she leads a team delivering evidence-based insights on the clinical and laboratory performance of dental products and equipment. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, she also maintains a private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She serves as President of the Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry and on Harvard’s Board of Fellows, is an award-winning educator, a highly sought-after international speaker, and a widely published researcher.
Dr. Ashton Prince
Chief Editor – DENTAL ADVISOR
Owner – Mesa View Dental
Dr. Ashton Prince, Chief Editor for DENTAL ADVISOR, graduated from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine and practices in Southern Utah. Beyond clinical work, he serves as a Key Opinion Leader for a number of dental companies, is the supervising dentist for Utah Tech University's Hygiene program Pain Management Department, and lectures nationally on practice management, technology, and restorative materials. Dr. Prince is committed to conservative dentistry, patient education, and comprehensive interdisciplinary care.
Dr. Matthew Miller
Clinical Ambassador – DENTAL ADVISOR
Clinical Associate Professor – Adams School of Dentistry. UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Matthew R. Miller is a recognized lecturer and Key Opinion Leader in dentistry with extensive experience in endodontics and restorative materials. A UNC–Chapel Hill alumnus and NYU College of Dentistry graduate with High Distinction, he has authored numerous publications and white papers. Dr. Miller is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.
Dr. Troy Schmedding
Clinical Ambassador - DENTAL ADVISOR
Owner - Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek
Dr. Troy Schmedding is a graduate of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. He maintains a private practice in Walnut Creek, CA focusing on esthetic and functional dentistry. An Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he lectures both nationally and internationally on aesthetics and restorative materials. He has published numerous articles on restorative materials and protocols. Dr Schmedding also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for dental manufacturers helping develop and bring new products to market.
