CE0971: Nuts & Bolts Occlusion; Occlusion, Confusion…Diagnostic & Restorative Solutions - Lecture Course

Jeanine M. McDonald, DDS, FAGD and Michael J. Melkers, DDS, FAGD

The University of Washington thanks
Kettenbach Dental
for their generous educational grants in support of this program.

Course Description:

Why do some beautiful smiles last? Why do others fail so fast?? Is there anything that can be done? Will we be proactive or reactive in our approach? Is bite position important-why and when does it matter? What is all of the debate about “function vs parafunction”? Why are there so many different ‘bite splints’? Do I need an articulator? Which one and what difference does it make? Is it OK to not use one?

Occlusion, confusion…and so many choices and challenges. During this exciting and interactive program, Dr. Melkers will journey with you through the maze of occlusal philosophies, instrumentation choices, splint designs, parafunctional diagnosis and so much more. Together-we will explore the technical as well as the soft arts of interacting with patients to better understand their needs, desires and goals-and help them achieve them!

Course Objectives - As a result of attending this course, the participant should be able to:

• Be aware of the challenges that we face in tooth fracture and structural attrition
• Understand the rationale for occlusal philosophy, diagnostics and treatment modalities
• Explore and understand the debate between function and parafunctional issues in dentistry
• Discuss the rationale and methodology of various appliance designs with a focus on desired outcome rather than just the design
• Experience post delivery refinement that will increase the efficiency & effectiveness of orthotic therapy and decrease the need for numerous follow up adjustments
• Learn the rationalization for CR based occlusion, facebow records and programmed, semi-adjustable articulation..when it is needed and when it is not!
• Explore various jaw relation record methods for diagnostic and restorative care, including advantages and disadvantages of several different methods
• Explore and implement parafunctional analysis as a diagnostic & risk assessment tool…a subjective insight into the patient’s future

JEANINE M. MCDONALD and MICHAEL J. MELKERS are 1994 graduates of University of the Pacific and Marquette University Schools of Dentistry, respectively. Together, they practice general dentistry in Spokane, Washington with an emphasis on comprehensive and restorative care. They received their Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2003. Drs. McDonald and Melkers balances their time between private practice, teaching, research, and publishing.

Drs. McDonald and Melkers have presented and published around the world on occlusion issues, communication, and a variety or restorative topics.

Drs. McDonald and Melkers are the co-founders of the Nuts & Bolts Occlusion programs. Dr. Melkers is a mentor for The Spear Institute and The Pankey Institute. Drs. McDonald and Melkers enjoy sharing real world challenges as well as solutions in their interactive learning experiences.

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University of Washington is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.	The University of Washington is an ACDE member.
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.
University of Washington designates this activity for 7 continuing education credits.