In 2015, after having taught an over the shoulder surgical, live patient program twice a year for 5 years, and after having many docs ask questions about how to “run” a holistic practice, I was inspired to do something more. So, with much Divine guidance and direction, I started writing a synopsis of everything I had learned over the past 15 years. The curriculum for the seven series of Holistic Dental Education was born! As most of us learn best by doing, EVERY Holistic Dental Education session involves a significant “hands-on” component.
During SESSION ONE, we explore how to diagnose, treatment plan, and communicate using testing and questioning that help us understand the patient. We must first understand before we seek to be understood. Participants take each other from start to finish in a new patient exam. Each doc experiences what the patient experiences.
SESSION TWO involves reviewing anatomy and physiology so we can understand the WHY of session one. Craniofacial pain and dysfunction diagnoses and treatments are covered in depth. How to take and read a CBCT image is taught and practiced. Participants learn and practice injection techniques to relieve pain and help patients HEAL. Participants design and fabricate orthotic and nighttime appliances for each other. A dozen other treatment modalities to relieve pain and dysfunction are taught and practiced.
One of the most common causes of chronic disease, pain and suffering is dead teeth. SESSION THREE explores the literature behind diagnosis and treatment of oral infection and ischemic bone disease (aka cavitation). Live patient surgery augments the experience, showing docs that complications are not unique to them! Zirconia implant use is also covered in depth, as multiple ceramic implant systems are explored and placed in live surgery. Participants can handle and experience different makes and models of ceramic implants. Case studies amplify what is discussed in lecture and seen in surgery.
SESSION FOUR is the most extensive HANDS-ON laser course that I have yet to see. From caries to biostim to snoring treatment, the Fotona laser can do it ALL! After a brief, but adequate, review of laser physics, every aspect of laser dentistry is explained and demonstrated in depth. “See one, do one, teach one” is the mantra of session four. Alumni are invited to return to present a case study, highlighting things they learned that have helped patients to heal.
SESSION FIVE covers everything OZONE. Ozone is likely the MOST beneficial treatment modality in dentistry! Anatomy and physiology are reviewed. Injection techniques are reviewed and practiced. Many simple therapies are taught and practiced that can be used “Monday morning.” Setup, care and maintenance of the Longevity DOU120 ozone unit are covered.
One of the most critical components of dentistry is the AIRWAY. SESSION SIX consists of reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the human airway, and how we, as dentists, can intervene at different times in patients’ lives to improve their access to the one drug they cannot live without: oxygen! Arch development, orthodontic treatment and oral sleep appliance therapies are covered in depth. Laser treatment for snoring (Nightlase) is taught, and participants practice on each other. One of the highlights of this course is making (and drinking!) fresh apple cider at my home on Friday night.
SESSION SEVEN involves everything digital: digital impressions, 3d printing, digital crown and bridge design, CAD/CAM (including systems that are FAR less expensive and more comprehensive than CEREC). Principles of restoration are taught through case studies and published articles. Participants digitally impress each other and test drive CAD/CAM systems in crown design.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
Participants receive 16 hrs of CE credit for each session – 112 hours for those attending all seven sessions.
At the end of session seven, those who have completed all seven sessions will “graduate” from the Holistic Dental Education Series, an accomplishment only a dozen dentists have completed to date.
FOOD
Breakfast is catered Friday and Saturday morning. Homegrown, tasty snacks and drinks are provided throughout the day. We enjoy dinner at my home Friday night, along with ‘round the world’ ping-pong, billiards, hot tub and pool time (during sessions 4 and 5) and socializing. S’mores around the firepit is also poplular during sessions 3,5 and 7.
DIGITAL COPIES
All sessions include the keynote presentation on a thumbdrive, with digital copies of articles referenced.