A dentist's guide to function, esthetics and stability of the Maxillomandibular and Craniofacial Complex.

In most dental occlusal concepts, the primary difference is one of condylar versus muscular positions. This is consistent with the textbook images of sagittal condylar positions or the diamond shapes of the lateral excursive movements according to Posselt. However, these concepts do not take into account the three-dimensional structures of the craniofacial skeleton due to the relative difficulty of many dentists in visualizing how the muscles, TM Joints and the teeth all function in harmony. Risk indicators of occlusal disharmony include parafunction, trauma, posture, sleep architecture, psychological and neurologic inputs to the neuromuscular pathways. Finally, management of patient with Temporomandibular and Cranio-Cervical dysfunctions often require the use of intra-oral appliance therapy. Studies however have reported variable results.

Historical perspective suggests that different appliances and different mandibular positions be needed for different types of disorders and that the “one for all” appliance may not be an effective strategy to pursue.

The course will cover:

• Review of the evidence on occlusal concepts currently in vogue
• CR, CO and neuromuscular occlusion as it relates to the three-dimensional concepts of biologic function, when and how to choose
• Biologic principles of dental occlusion
• Role of parafunction and sleep disorders on the longevity of dental stability
• Risk indicators of TMD that “call out to you” from your patient's mouth before beginning any dental treatment
• How and why dental changes can affect the head and neck stability of an individual
• Merging esthetics and function for long-term stability and health
• How, when and why to use occlusal splints in the development of a stable occlusion regardless of whether the patient has TMD

Hands-on component will cover:

• A step-by-step guide to three-dimensional examination of the occlusion
• Hands-on record taking for transfer from the mouth to the articulator that accurately records the position you have chosen
• Splint fabrication

• Review of the evidence on occlusal concepts currently in vogue
• Understand CR, CO and neuromuscular occlusion as it relates to the three- dimensional concepts of biologic function, when and how to choose
• Review the biologic principles of dental occlusion
• Recognize risk indicators of TMD that “call out to you” from your patient's mouth before beginning any dental treatment
• Learn to merge esthetics and function for long-term stability and health
• Understand the new techniques in digital dentistry and how they can provide valuable additional information about patients' occlusion
• Participants will observe the instructor perform an occlusal evaluation, digital scan and bite registration; and learn to perform these procedures.

This course is designed for all dentists.

Credit Hours: Participation: Credit Hours - 14

AGD Code: 180

Dentist: $1890

TUSDM Faculty: $1700

TUSDM Alumni: $1700

VA Members: $1512

Remaining Seats: 23

Tufts University is committed to promoting safe campus environment. Currently there are no required screenings prior to attending a Continuing Education/Lifelong Learning and Distance Education course at Tufts University School Dental Medicine.

Individuals are asked to use masks on clinical floors and masking is an option in classroom settings.

For the health and safety of our participants and school community, all participants are required to adhere to the most current COVID-19 policies listed on the registration page. If these school policies change, all participants will be notified of the change and the registration page will be updated. If a participant does not adhere to the vaccination/booster requirements or mask policy, they are not eligible for a refund and cannot join the event.

If a participant is unable to join the day of due to symptoms or a positive COVID test, they will be eligible for credit towards future Continuing Education events with an expiration date of one year after the credit is issued. If you have any questions, please contact dentalce@tufts.edu.

Full tuition refund or credit will be given for cancellations received at least two weeks prior to the course start date. Refunds or tuition credit will not be given after that time or to no-shows.

The Office of Continuing Education reserves the right to close registration when an enrollment limit is reached and to cancel, modify, or alter content or faculty for any course if circumstances indicate the need for such a change. If the school finds it necessary to cancel a course, a full refund will be granted. All attempts to contact registrants will be made as soon as possible in the event of a course cancellation. The school will not be held responsible for any losses due to travel arrangements made by the registrant.

In the event of inclement weather (such as a snow emergency) or other extenuating circumstances, the Office of Continuing Education may be forced to cancel or postpone a course. If a course has been canceled, we will contact participants by the phone number and/or email address provided. You may call or email our office on the day of the course if you are uncertain of a course's status.