Cracked Teeth Decision Making
Presented by Dr. Adam Hodges
Description:
Every day clinicians are faced with decisions regarding teeth showing signs of cracking and fracture whether previously restored or not. This presents a diagnostic dilemma regarding when to treat and rationale for treatment. Late treatment often results in the need for endodontic therapy, extraction, or sometimes both. This lecture will review the literature regarding this subject and help develop a decision-making process for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating these teeth. Patient conversation is critical in these cases so we will dive into the soft skills necessary to properly communicate with patients. Case examples will be shown to illustrate everyday examples of how to apply decision making to help patients preserve teeth.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss causative factors that can lead to cracked teeth
- Illustrate how to identify and diagnose cracked teeth
- Explain how to decide which treatment is appropriate in treating these teeth.
- Help develop conversational soft skills to confidently communicate with patients.
- Share clinical examples of cases treated utilizing these skills
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. Adam Hodges
Clinical Ambassador - DENTAL ADVISOR
Owner - Hodges and Hodges Comprehensive Dental Medicine
Dr. Adam Hodges is a 2000 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. He completed a general practice residency at Palmetto Richland Memorial hospital focused on surgical and cosmetic dentistry. He has maintained Hodges and Hodges Comprehensive Dental Medicine with his brother and formerly his father in Asheville, NC for 20 years. He is a graduate of the Pankey Institute, Spear Center, and LSU cosmetic continuum. He was one of the initial users of the 3M Filtek Matrix and has extensive experience using this technology.
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.
