DeWitt Wilkerson, DMD

In 1978 it was occlusion, in 1988 it was TMJ, in 1998 it was cosmetics, in 2008 it was the economy, in 2018 it’s airway.

Disordered breathing and airway obstruction is the hot topic among top researchers, leading educators, and astute clinicians worldwide. In this program we will discuss the integration of airway concerns into the Dawson Philosophy of Complete Dentistry.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will learn to use a provided flowsheet for screening, testing and treating airway related problems.
2. Attendees will learn common signs and symptoms of disordered breathing.
3. Attendees will learn the role of Dentistry in sleep disordered breathing/sleep apnea.

Ben Miraglia, DDS

Mild, moderate and severe malocclusions will be shown from initial records through completed treatment with Invisalign. This course will demonstrate clear aligners as both a healthy and capable comprehensive orthodontic technique. Invisalign can play a significant role in establishing a healthy occlusion to serve as the foundation for comprehensive restorative dentistry. Invisalign therapy will also be shown as an effective option for TMD patients.   

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the orthodontic principles necessary to correct malocclusion
2. Understand the role of Invisalign in TMD therapy and open airway dentistry
3. Understand that Invisalign is a comprehensive orthodontic technique that can enhance our restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
4. Understand Invisalign’s role in oral health as well as overall health

The Dawson Study Club Challenge is a case competition to encourage our study members to share cases and recognize those among us who are practicing quality, complete care. The challenge takes place each year during Study Club Day & the Annual Alumni Retreat.

Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their case. Contestants should outline how they optimized the esthetics and created the 5 requirements of occlusal stability.

The 3 finalists will present their cases at the Dawson Retreat. Attendees will vote on the winner of the annual study club challenge.

David C. Hatcher, D.D.S., M.Sc., M.R.C.D.(c)

Evaluating, establishing and maintaining an orthopedically stable occlusion is a foundation piece for all disciplines of dentistry. The interaction of muscles, teeth, jaws and TMJs will be explored with the use of imaging. Key anatomic variables that negatively influence occlusion will be singled out and discussed in this presentation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop a working knowledge of the dynamic interactions between teeth, muscles and TMJs.
2. Be able to recognize key anatomic variables that negatively affect occlusion.
3. Be able to apply problem solving strategies to determine the etiology of progressive occlusal changes and development of mandibular asymmetries.

Moderator: Joan Forrest

Participants: Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Dr. Mike Verber, Dr. Kim Daxon, Dr. Doyle Freano

In this session, the panelists will answer your questions about how they really do Complete Dentistry.  Representing a variety of types of practice and length of time practicing, these dentists will discuss a range of topics from how to bring a patient into the practice, to dealing with insurance to leadership.  Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Board, MD and Larry M. Guzzardo

Nothing can be more frustrating than burnout, illness, and disability after giving so much to our professions. This presentation will teach you the science based and practical concepts of functional medicine and practice management as it relates to enhancing and protecting our vitality as professionals but also as human beings with a desire for the fulfillment of what we want most from life.

We have seen this happen; after working passionately to achieve what we want most we often neglect a minimum level of health and longevity required to enjoy the fruits of our labors. As professionals in the healthcare industry, we are at exceptional risk, but so is anyone who is overcommitted and overextended.

Do you ever feel you don’t receive the appreciation, financial rewards, joy, or peace that should accompany owning a dental practice? It’s possible to immediately improve the quality of your life and to fully enjoy the rewards you’ve already earned through the practice of dentistry. Join us as we start the journey to develop a professional lifestyle that will serve as the foundation for a healthy, balanced life…this solid foundation from your practice will create improved professional and personal outcomes that will actually change your life!

In this presentation you’ll learn to:

• Feed your passion while avoiding burnout. And if already burned out? How to rekindle the flame.
• Discover why diversity confers stability
• Recognize and weed out saboteurs that inhibit your ability to think.
• Demonstrate leadership that’s focused on the results you want.
• Manage your time so you can have a practice-and life-that you love.