VAGD Summer MasterTrack

August 5, 2022 8:30 AM - August 6, 2022 5:00 PM (EDT)

Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Friday and Saturday: 12 Participation Credits Code 180 Occlusion

Bayview Dental Lab: Chesapeake, VA

Course Descriptions and Objectives: 

Most dentists would agree that occlusion and TMD are two of the more confusing disciplines in our profession. Much of this confusion relates how we define occlusion. Occlusion is defined as how the teeth fit together. As a result, most of the occlusal discussion revolves around the front end of the system or how to get the teeth to fit together. Today, we know that occlusion is not just about how the teeth fit together but how the lower jaw and upper jaw fit together. If we define occlusion as how lower jaw and upper jaw fit together, then we are
required not only to examine the front end of the system (the teeth) but also the back end of the system (the TM joints).  

Given that we are seeing increasing levels of frequency and severity of structural changes in the TM joints at earlier ages than previously
assumed, it is vital to understand the anatomy in order to assess the potential for adaptation for structurally damaged TM joint. Evaluating the TM joints helps both the patient and the dentist understand if there additional risk factors regarding pain levels or bite changes. Understanding both the front end of the system (the teeth) and the backend of the system (the TM joints), we can offer our patients a new level of clinical predictability in as occlusal treatment, orthodontic therapy, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, airway dentistry and orthognathic surgery. The concepts discussed will be applicable to every patient in your practice. This program will address these concepts through a combination of lecture and case studies. 

Learning objectives:

1. Gain confidence in diagnosing the condition of the TM joints and how this information directly impacts treatment planning  

2. Learn when to image, how to image and what can be learned from imaging the TM joint 

3. Discover why Class II occlusions in young females pose a special and significant risk for orthodontic treatment 

4. Understand when to consider occlusal appliance therapy, when to consider equilibration, when to consider both and when to consider neither 

5. Learn treatment planning protocols that can be used for any patient 

6. Understand the managerial principles necessary to implement occlusal concepts in an everyday practice   

Jim McKee, DDS

Dr. Jim McKee graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and entered private practice in Downers Grove, Illinois in 1984. Jim has a restoratively based practice with an emphasis on occlusion and temporomandibular disorders. In addition to private practice,
Jim is a Resident Faculty member at Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has lectured national and internationally for over 25 years. He has directed study clubs in the United States and Canada. Dr. McKee is a past-president of the American Equilibration Society and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.   

Event Details:

Bay View is a full service lab, now serving dentists through three generations for almost 75 years. Owners Buddy and Rick Shafer are both Board Certified Technicians and still work full time at the bench. They are joined by an experienced team of technicians and support staff with a shared passion for dental technology and service to dentistry.  

Registration opens at 8:00 am, course to begin promptly at 8:30 am.

Coffee, soft drinks and water will be available throughout the day, and a boxed lunch will be provided Friday only. 

COVID-19 Safety Measures:

We will be following the current mandates as directed by the state of Virginia to ensure the safety of all who are participating. Our expectations will be consistent with CDC guidelines which encourage frequent hand washing and face coverings for anyone who is not vaccinated. At this time, our event venue additionally requests that all individuals wear a face mask in indoor settings when you cannot socially distance. Attendees will find hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the event venue, extra masks available at any time, and weather permitting we will have tables and chairs set up outside for meals and sitting down with colleagues. We ask that anyone who is not feeling well leading up to the events please stay home out of consideration for all who are attending.  

Event Cancellation Policy:

Full refunds will only be given up to 30 days before the course. If a refund is requested within 30 days of the course, a credit will be applied to the registrants account for use toward a future VAGD program.   

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