Distinguished Clinician
PURE PERIODONTICS IN THE ERA OF IMPLANT THERAPY

Introduction

In 1992, Meikai University, Asahi University and UCLA School of Dentistry created an Academic and Cultural Partnership Agreement, which has been permanently endowed. A joint Continuing Dental Educational program was inaugurated in 1999. This is first and continues to be the only university sponsored Dental Continuing Education program in Japan. The objective and goal of this joint collaboration by Meikai University, Asahi University and UCLA Schools of Dentistry is to acknowledge and perpetuate the concept and importance of Lifetime Education for Dentists.

COURSE SYNOPSIS

Dentistry like all professions undergoes dramatic changes as research, new clinical concepts and techniques evolve. Change is a positive force as new knowledge influence and dictates how dentistry is practiced. The introduction of implant therapy in the late l980’s created a universal paradigm shift in the practice of dentistry. The changes in treatment planning was dramatically altered to include implants. Every discipline in dentistry was affected even though upon critical evaluation, implant dentistry is just merely another technique to replace lost dentition. The basic goal of our profession did not change nor did it need to change since dentistry’s ultimate mission remains the prevention of dental disease. Keeping this in mind should always dictate that new discoveries are to be embraced and incorporated in treatment planning.

However, as with all new discoveries, its fallibilities are also becoming apparent with the recognition of peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis. This has resulted in the need for further consideration and prioritizing its place in the overall treatment plan analysis and revisits the dilemma of teeth retention over the expediency of extraction and implant replacement. Predictability is again questionable and elusive. The solution is again the responsibility of the dentist to be well educated as quoted by Giannoble and Lang in 2016 Journal of Dental Research… “It is not unusual for many practitioners to recommend tooth extraction with modest tooth associated ailments such as caries, need for endodontic therapy, or periodontal involvement.” Thus, “Pure Periodontics in the Era of Implant Therapy” should motivate and inspire a dentist to re-think the concept of dental disease prevention and treatment.

This clinically oriented continuing education course will stimulate the dentist to be able to re-evaluate the original goal to retain the natural dentition based on sound periodontal knowledge and judgement. Incorporating the latest research and clinical innovations now and into the future will give confidence to become the “best inter-disciplinary dentist.”

COURSE OUTLINE

An innovative four-day continuing education program allowing for interaction between participants and faculty during Didactic Lectures, Discussion Sessions and Clinically Relevant Hands-On Experiences.
The format for the course will consist of short didactic lectures along with videos and meaningful discussions between participants and faculty. This teaching style will create an active exchange by both the participant and faculty.The hands-on sessions are designed to allow participants to gain clinically relevant exposure to the material presented in the lecture.
The unique presentations will utilize concepts and ideas to simplify and clarify the complexities of periodontal and peri-implant disease and to shed light on the importance of the symbiotic relationship as well as the differences between periodontal and implant therapy. This includes exciting, modifying and perpetuating factors for both periodontal and implant diseases.

Participants will be introduced to important concepts of educational, mechanical and maintenance therapy to aid the clinician and patient in managing and treating these diseases for a positive outcome. Clinical examination and diagnosis along with patient and clinician education (ex. educational therapy) will be demonstrated. Therapeutic procedures (ex. mechanical therapy) will be taught in both the lecture and hands-on sessions utilizing extracted teeth, pig jaws and clinical videos. Instruments for the course activities will be provided for participant use. Preventive measures for controlling disease (ex. maintenance therapy) will be emphasized as critical aspects of overall treatment success!