by Annie Bumgarner
The widespread interest in aesthetics within the dental profession continues to skyrocket. As well as being a way for dentists to help patients dramatically improve their appearance and confidence, this is an area that can be extremely profitable to the practitioner. Therefore, it is imperative that dentists remain aware and up-to-date in their knowledge and information on this topic.
A very effective way to ensure that you continue to be on the cutting edge of aesthetic and restorative treatment is to attend courses and events. One such event that is quickly gaining in popularity and international attendance is the World Aesthetic Congress, held every June in London, England. Hosted by Independent Seminars, a specialist dental events company, the World Aesthetic Congress attracts speakers and dentists from all over the world who want to learn more about cosmetic treatments and innovations.
A huge success
Around 500 dental professionals attended this year's World Aesthetic Congress, which was hailed a huge success by speakers and dentists alike. The 2004 conference seminar will be better and even bigger than the first — early and repeat bookings suggest an attendance increase of 20 percent for this year's event. Essentially, the World Aesthetic Congress promises to be the biggest and the best event in aesthetics.
The international delegation, say the organizers, is drawn not only to the first-class tuition from some of the world's most eminent specialists, but also by the practical, in-depth, and hands-on advice. As with previous WACs, delegates at the 2004 congress will have the opportunity to learn about the facts, issues,and the future of this increasingly important and popular specialty.
The 2004 congress will see more than 20 international experts gather. Each speaker promises to convey practical and applied information and expertise of their particular dental aesthetics specialty. In-depth lectures will be complemented with a wide variety of practical sessions. While the speaker list is not yet finalized, the following outlines just a few of the big names that will be in London for 2004.
Pearls for your practice
Dental Economics' very own Joe Blaes will be one of WAC 2004's most prominent speakers, bringing his wisdom and expertise to a wide audience.
Because of his interest in new and innovative materials and techniques, Dr Blaes began writing "Pearls For Your Practice" in Dental Economics. The column quickly became a trusted resource for new dental materials and techniques. In October 1996, he became the editor of Dental Economics and is responsible for the new editorial direction of the magazine. Dr. Blaes has created an innovative, insurance-free, fee-for-service general practice in St. Louis that emphasizes preventive, aesthetic, reconstructive, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Blaes will look at clinical procedures from start to finish, highlighting the best products, materials, and techniques that enable the dentist and clinical assistants to produce dentistry in the least amount of time at a low level of stress.
Unleash the power
William G. Dickerson lectures internationally on aesthetic dentistry and on marketing the cosmetic practice. He has published more than 100 articles in leading national dental journals on techniques and innovative uses for aesthetic restorations. Dr. Dickerson is past editor of the AACD Journal and is on the editorial board of Dentistry Today, Esthetic Dentistry Update, and Signature. He is an Accredited member and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and maintains a cosmetic oriented restorative practice in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Dickerson's lecture is titled, "Unleashing the Power of Dentistry" and promises to be a motivating seminar for dentists and team members who want to take their practice to the next level of excellence. This win/win talk will work on the methodology you need to create happiness and success for the entire team; it also will teach the latest aesthetic and functional techniques.
Take it to the highest level
Dr. Newton Fahl Jr. received his Certificate in Operative Dentistry and Master of Science degree from the University of Iowa in 1989. He is a founding accredited member of the Brazilian Society of Esthetic Dentistry and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED). Dr. Fahl is on the editorial board of REALITY, and Practical Procedures & Aesthetic Dentistry (PPAD).
Dr Fahl's in depth lecture entitled "Composite Artistry — Creating Anterior Masterpieces," will focus on Composite Artistry and how inspiring it can be to patients and restorative dentists alike. Although conservative composite restorations can frequently be performed on same-day appointments, ultimate aesthetic and functional results often require effective treatment planning that lead to predictable restorative strategies. Case selection and a thorough comprehension of nature's role modeling are essential to achieve a combination of longevity and beauty.
Clinical solutions
Arun Nayyar, DMD, MS, received his DMD degree from the school of dentistry at MCG and in 1971 earned his Master of Science degree and a Certificate in Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Iowa. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Crown and Bridge. He is recognized worldwide for his work in restoring nonvital posterior teeth as well as high technology in dentistry.
Dr. Nayyar's seminar is entitled, "Clinical Solutions for a Fixed-Restorative Practice," and will discuss treatment choices that produce outstanding crown and bridge restorations in a fee-for-service general practice. Proven methods for treating worn dentition or lost anterior guidance are illustrated with emphasis on clinical efficiency and selection and use of new dental materials and techniques. The understanding of aesthetics, anterior guidance, and occlusion, plus management of joint pain will be presented with simple treatment solutions. Discussion on post-and-core selection, porcelain veneers, choices in porcelains and resin materials, as well as impression and cementation decisions will be sequentially highlighted.
Understanding light
Past president and a founding member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD), David Klaff gained his degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa in 1967. He is an Active Member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and on the editorial board of R&AP (Restorative and Aesthetic Practice). He lectures extensively in the United Kingdom as well as Europe, the United States, and Asia on restorative and prosthodontic topics with a special interest in implantology, occlusion, and adhesive dentistry.
"Understanding the interplay of light between natural teeth and synthetic materials" will discuss the nature of color, both in natural teeth and synthetic materials. The influence of the microanatomy and physiology of the natural tooth on light reflection will be described in detail. Similarly, the effect of the physical and chemical nature of synthetic materials will be described. The emphasis of the presentation will be on a simplistic approach to accurate color matching and the achieving of an aesthetic restoration, particularly with composite resin. This lecture provides a road map to help clinicians produce a predictable and seamless aesthetic blending of the natural with synthetic without having to first obtain a degree in fine arts.
Hands-on workshops
Always an immensely popular part of the World Aesthetic Congress, the hands-on practical workshops will be back again in 2004, ensuring that delegates have the chance to put their newly acquired knowledge into action. Space in the workshops is limited, so be sure to book early to guarantee your place!
WAC 2004 will be held on 11 and 12 June 2004 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, London. Be a part of the biggest and best event in global aesthetics! The cost for this two-day event is $780. However, as the World Aesthetic Congress is an international event, Independent Seminars is offering a special price package for American delegates. For just $1,300, you can attend both days of WAC and receive three nights' four-star accommodation at the Jolly St Ermin's Hotel in the center of London! For more information, please call (800) 633-1681.
