Untangling the Confusion of Today's Restorative Dental Materials

Edward J. Swift, Jr., DMD, MS

This course is co-sponsored by Seattle-King County and Pierce County Dental Societies

Course Description:

The development of new materials has proceeded so rapidly that many clinicians are left confused by the wealth of new products that are available in many areas. This course will present the latest information available on current dentin/enamel adhesives, composite resins, and light-curing technology. It also will cover briefly other important areas of dental materials: cements and impressions. Proper use of these materials is important to the success of our routine indirect restorations and esthetic cases. Finally, the presentation will provide an update and overview of tooth whitening. Although bleaching has become commonplace over the last 15 years, new information and products are constantly available as patient demand continues to increase. Information provided will be based on scientific evidence, but the clinical use of all materials will be emphasized.

Course Objectives - As a result of attending this course, the participant should understand:

• How dentin bonding systems work
• The four current strategies for bonding to tooth structure, including the self-etch systems
• The use of resin primers and adhesives for desensitization
• The various types of composite resin restorative materials that are available
• The benefits of contemporary nanofill and microhybrid composite materials
• Current concepts of visible light-curing
• The various types of cements for indirect restorations, and when they should be used
• A variety of materials for achieving excellent crown and bridge impressions
• The various options for tooth whitening, including their effects, side effects, advantages, and disadvantages

Instructor:

EDWARD J. SWIFT received his DMD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and a master's degree in Operative Dentistry from the University of Iowa. Dr. Swift practiced general dentistry for several years, and has taught at the University of Mississippi and the University of Iowa. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Operative Dentistry at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Dr. Swift is actively involved in dental materials research, particularly in the area of dentin bonding and other aspects of adhesive and esthetic dentistry. He also maintains a part-time intramural practice devoted to restorative and esthetic dentistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the Academy of Dental Materials, and a member of the Dentsply Corporate Education Advisory Board.

Dr. Swift is the associate editor for the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. He has published over 185 journal articles, and has been recognized as a "Top Clinician in CE" by Dentistry Today.

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