Core Curriculum - Dentist

Core 5: Diagnosis & Airway

Core 5: Diagnosis & Airway is a virtual restorative dentistry course that will provide the students with the procedural knowledge to do contemporary restorative procedures at the highest level. This dental continuing education seminar will leave each student with a clear understanding of the four options of treatment: Reshaping, Repositioning, Restoring and Surgical alternatives.

Preliminary mouth preparation such as necessary periodontal procedures and occlusal equilibration will be covered in detail. Necessary soft tissue surgical procedures that will provide an ideal gingival backdrop will also be presented. Tooth preparation for crowns and veneers will be understood by each participant. Soft tissue management in conjunction with final impressioning techniques will be discussed in detail. Provisional restorations, bite registration techniques, laboratory communication and cementation/adhesive options will be a cornerstone of this presentation.

How This Course Works

This virtual course is accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones. You will be able to watch and review 14 hours of Diagnosis & Airway from anywhere in the world for 6 months. Upon registration, you’ll receive access to this course in our online learning portal.

Please allow 1-2 business days after purchase to receive instructions on how to access your portal.

Occlusion & Smile Design is the first step of our Core Curriculum.

Your path to a Dawson Scholar starts here. Learn about an expedited journey that saves you time and money with our Mini Residency Program

Prevent Failures, Optimize Function, Enhance Esthetics
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Prevent Failures with Predictable Techniques

Learn how to maximize the function and longevity of anterior restorations by preventing breakage and failure. Core 5 equips you with the knowledge to select the right materials, prepare teeth efficiently, and ensure lasting results.

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Tooth Preparation and Soft Tissue Management

Gain precision in veneer and crown preparation while perfecting soft tissue management for ideal esthetics. From gingival contouring to impression techniques, you'll develop the skills to create seamless, natural-looking restorations.

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Enhanced Function & Anterior Guidance

Understand how to design and implement customized anterior guidance for every case. Core 5 teaches you how to balance function, esthetics, and phonetics, ensuring predictable results and long-term patient satisfaction.

the fundamentals of functional occlusion
Here's what you'll learn virtually
DAY 1
  • Learn more about Airway and sleep disordered breathing and the treatments
  • Understand next level implementation secrets
  • Business coaching and strategy for staff training
  • Understand how to use a CBCT in a complete care practice
  • Gain additional insight in managing occlusal issues with splint therapy and equilibration
  • Understand advanced management with provisional restorations
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Ben Jacobson, DDS
Be prepared to look at more than just one tooth when it comes to solving a patient's Chief complaint. More often than not, one tooth problem is part of instability of the whole arch.
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Tori Irvine, DDS
Awesome! Taking this course will definitely improve your dentistry and ability to treat patients. 10/10!!
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Bryam Briceno Castellanos, DDS
This course actually changed my practice. As soon as I started, I began understanding every treatment option step by step, and I was able to apply them in my practice. The course is so well designed and explained by the great teachers here that, by the time I reached the hands-on classes, I had already encountered many cases. As a result, my questions and doubts were more refined during the in-person sessions. Thanks!
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Jennifer Qian, DDS
Amazing coverage and a comprehensive overview of multiple aspects of dentistry! I signed up for the course expecting only key principles on anterior restorations, but I ended up learning so much more—occlusion, equilibration, provisionals, partial principles, implant soft tissue management, and even crown lengthening management. The course features engaging short clips and case studies, and it’s all presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format that’s highly applicable to everyday practice.
Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Your Path to Complete Dentistry

Yes, the Core Curriculum is designed as a progressive learning experience. Each course builds on the previous one, so Core 4 is required before moving to Core 5.

Yes! Core 5 is entirely online, allowing you to complete the course from anywhere — no travel required.

No, Core 5 is fully virtual and doesn’t include hands-on exercises. However, the course is designed with an engaging lecture format to ensure active learning throughout.

Absolutely! We offer interest-free payment plans. Learn more here.

No, Core 5 is pre-recorded. However, we regularly update the content to reflect the latest advancements in dentistry and the Core Curriculum.

Core 5 is led by our Clinical Director, Dr. Leonard Hess.

Core 5: Diagnosis & Airway covers advanced restorative dentistry with a focus on preventing anterior restoration failure, maximizing function and longevity. You’ll learn when to choose materials like veneers, all-ceramic crowns, zirconia, or metal-ceramic crowns, and how to perform efficient and accurate tooth reduction. The course will also teach you how to equilibrate natural dentition, use splints when necessary, and refine your lab communication for more predictable results. Additionally, you’ll gain skills in contouring provisional restorations and creating customized anterior guidance for each restorative case.

The Dawson Academy is a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility offering advanced dental continuing education. Our Core Curriculum focuses on the principles of Complete Dentistry, empowering dental professionals to predictably diagnose and treat complex cases.

Complete Dentistry is a philosophy that focuses on treating patients comprehensively, addressing functional, aesthetic, and structural issues for long-lasting results. The Core Curriculum teaches you how to apply this approach systematically.

Dawson’s Core Curriculum is made up of seven foundational courses designed to help you master Complete Dentistry. You can choose individual courses across various locations or opt for our Mini-Residency Program, which bundles these courses into a fast-tracked pathway to graduation. We also offer specialized tracks for lab technicians. Whatever your path, everyone begins with Core 1: Occlusion & Smile Design.

The curriculum includes lectures, hands-on workshops, case discussions, and patient demonstrations. Each course builds on the last, creating a comprehensive learning experience. 

Dental professionals who have completed the Core Curriculum report the ability to:

  • Deliver predictable results.
  • Reduce stress from complicated cases.
  • Increase patient satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Build a more profitable and fulfilling practice.

Our faculty includes industry-leading dentists and experts who practice the principles of Complete Dentistry in their own successful practices. They bring real-world experience and a passion for sharing their knowledge to every course.

Dentists, specialists, and lab technicians who want to refine their clinical skills, improve patient care, and increase the profitability of their practice will benefit most from the Core Curriculum.

The time required depends on the individual’s preference and schedule. Courses can be taken one at a time at your own pace or completed in just over a year with our Mini-Residency Program,  a fast track to mastering Complete Dentistry.

Absolutely! Our Team 360 Elective ensures that your entire team understands their role in supporting Complete Dentistry. We also offer a specialized course for dental assistants to provide them with the tools to effectively support your practice’s goals. 

No specific prerequisites are required, but it is ideal for dental professionals seeking to expand their diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities.

Yes, electives are open to both graduates of the Core Curriculum and those who wish to take individual elective courses without completing the full program. Clinical electives cover topics from dentures to breathing disorders, while business courses, such as the Dental MBA in a Day, provide practical strategies to grow your practice. Explore electives here.

Yes! Our Complete Care Consulting program offers a personalized, hands-on approach to mastering practice management. You’ll work with a dedicated coach who will guide you and your entire team to business and clinical success.

Yes, graduates can always take additional electives, explore our online courses, or join a Study Club to continue learning, earning CE credits, and exchanging ideas with other alumni.

Graduates of our Core Curriculum can also purchase a Dawson Scholars Association Membership to join a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Invest in Your Future with Easy Course Financing

Take the next step towards mastering occlusion and smile design — without the stress of upfront costs.  Explore our financing and secure your spot in Core 1 today.

Cancellation Policy:

For registrations paid in full at time of registering, requests to cancel or transfer registration in a Dawson Academy course, lecture, or event will be accommodated until 90 DAYS PRIOR to start date. Upon request a refund will be provided minus a $200.00 non-refundable deposit, or a one-time course, lecture, or event transfer, which remains valid for 12 months. Less than 90 days prior to course, no refunds or transfers will be issued.
 
*Students who finance tuition through the Lending Club financing program are subject to special terms and conditions.

Please contact The Dawson Academy at 1.800.952.2178 for full details.

The Dawson Academy is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. The Dawson Academy designates this activity for 16 credit hours continuing education credits.

Scholar Study Club

For Dawson Scholars Graduates

The Dawson Academy is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

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