March 14, 2011

Dr. David Clark

Modern Tooth Preparations; the end of the GV Black Era and
The Epidemic of Cracked Teeth

Presented in 3D!

Dr. Clark will lead the attendees on an incredible journey through the eye of the dental microscope that will challenge a century of dental design. Based on an enlightened understanding of the 6 C’s of dental failures, we will explore modern restorative preparations; and endodontic access and shaping.

The day will begin with a comprehensive update on cracked teeth. Cracked teeth are the 3rd leading cause of tooth loss today and yet it remains a mystery to the profession. The complex and sometimes counterintuitive appearance of these cracks will be demystified. The microphotography and video of enamel and dentinal cracks has been described as “Jaw Dropping”.

At the completion of this section the attendees will become experts in the science of cracked teeth and we will be able to immediately incorporate these diagnostic tools to eliminate confusion and misdiagnosis in their practice.

Currently the diagnosis and treatment of cracked and fractured teeth is symptom based and cracks are unfortunately an end stage diagnosis with pulpal & periodontal involvement. Today high-level magnification allows the luxury of diagnosing and treating cracked teeth long before symptoms. This new approach of routine identification of very early cracks could transform restorative practice and challenge traditional cavity designs.

Dr. Clark will present:

• His recently published approach to early recognition and treatment of dentin and enamel cracks
• Step by step predictable treatment
• Periodontal, endodontic, and restorative parameters; also when to extract
• The sleeping giant of structurally unsound teeth
• Prevention
• Ultra conservative preventive restorations
• Re-thinking endodontic access
• The new “Big” endodontic shapes- Is this progress or tooth mutilation?
• Live Broadcast Microscope Patient Examination

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of the course the participants will:

1. Understand the new model of crack initiation and propagation in posterior teeth based on newly published microscope centered research.
2. Have confidence identifying early tooth fracture based on high level magnification.
3. Learn how routine use of an operating microscope for patient examinations can revolutionize diagnostic capabilities
4. Learn why new cavity preparations and other preventive modalities are crucial to prevent eventual tooth fracture.
5. Understand which enamel cracks are native to the tooth in order to avoid over treatment.
6. Receive a blueprint for diagnosis and treatment of fractures and incomplete fractures, and an understanding of pulpal and periodontal implications; also, when to extract.

Teaching Methods:
Lecture, Discussion, Live Broadcast of Microscope Examination

Contemporary Composite Dentistry-The End of the GV Black Era

Minimally invasive dentistry is a very hot topic but where is the science? How can the entire dental team create the optimal patient experience and ethical dental practice? Posterior composites are still a struggle for many clinicians with some studies showing a 50% higher failure rate than for amalgam, and post-operative sensitivity is common. WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER! Dr. Clark will share the new findings and techniques for these procedures, developed in conjunction with high-level magnification. A wealth of tricks, tools and techniques will be shared in this fast paced and entertaining lecture.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Clark founded the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry, which is an international academy formed in 2002 to advance the art and science of microdentistry, micro-endodontics, micro-periodontics and dental microsurgery. He is a course director at the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute. He is on the editorial board for several journals. Dr. Clark has conducted retrospective studies on retention and wear of minimally invasive posterior composites (CRA) and cross sectional studies of coronal fracturing of previously restored teeth. Current studies include strength analysis and marginal leakage of the injection molding and snow plow techniques for class II composites. He holds Degrees from University of Washington School of Dentistry, DDS. Dr. Clark has authored more than 20 articles including the first comprehensive guide to enamel and dentinal cracks based on 16 power magnification in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Clark is currently coauthoring the chapter, Contemporary Molar Endodontic Access in the textbook Dental Clinics of North America. Dr. Clark is developing new techniques, materials, and burs to better access, shape and restore non-vital teeth, including the new CK endo exploration burs and the Endo-Restorative Casting. He has helped pioneer the concept of Biomimetic Micro-Endodontics, which is a significant departure from Schilderean shaping.

Dr. Clark has developed a matrix and interproximal management system, the Bioclear Matrix System that promises a real advancement for both bonded porcelain and direct composites.