Venue:
Second District Dental Society Headquarters
111 Fort Greene Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 522-3939

Featured Clinician:
Dean C. Vafiadis, D.D.S.
Associate Professor of Prosthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry

Synopsis:
Since our dental school education, we have always been told that we "could not open the bite." Many clinicians avoided this treatment and others had great success. This program will help demystify this process with practical methods of how to restore occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) up to 10 mm. The long-term success of these patients with these techniques has been documented and recorded both radiographically and with photographs, with up to 18 years. Using sound prosthodontics principles, and digital analysis of the OVD, these restorations can become the standard of care in our private practices. Anterior determinants and posterior determinants can show us the way through this gray area of occlusion. Utilizing photography, AI integration, CAD/CAM technologies and printing, and smile simulations, we can get a clear picture of where we want to be with every case. 

Understanding different digital technologies and applying them to every day dentistry helps the clinician be more efficient, predictable and understand occlusion with every patient. We will demonstrate the process from consultation to final delivery. Different materials and preparations will be discussed. Digital analysis, CAD/CAM technology and digital printing will help to get the provisionals to their ideal proportions. The provisionals are a key component to the results of the final restoration. The laboratory communication is vital, with videos, photos and 3D facial scans all helping the technician get the ideal shape and proper proportion of every tooth in the smile line. This program will highlight 3D digital technology and digital smile designs that accent the final result for ideal smile and occlusion and aesthetics. 

Upon successful completion of this course, attendees will have a new perspective of treating complicated cases with new technologies and efficient treatment plans. New concepts of occlusion and treating the worn dentition will be discussed. Utilizing CAD/CAM analysis of occlusion, the clinician can better determine ideal OVD position. Implant materials and ceramics will be discussed. Participants will learn: 

1. Techniques to restore the “worn dentition.”
2. CAD/CAM analysis of occlusion.
3. Provisionalization to restoring OVD.
4. Materials and ceramics for ideal aesthetics and implants.

Breakfast and lunch included

MCEU - 6 HOURS

Tuition:
Buy more, SAVE more*! Sign up for any TWO SDDS courses in 2026 and get ONE course of equal or lesser value for free (excluding CPR and hands-on courses)! To redeem this offer, complete a course registration form and mail or fax to SDDS Headquarters. SDDS staff will register you for the courses of your choosing and apply the discount!

*This offer is for SDDS members only.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:
All requests for refunds or credits must be made in writing or by phone and received at least two weeks prior to the course date. A full refund, less a ten dollar ($10.00) administrative charge, or if requested and available, credit for a similarly priced course will be issued. Refunds or credits requested after this date will not be granted, including requests made based on absence due to illness, late arrival for courses and/or weather conditions. In the event that a course is cancelled by Second District, paid tuition will be fully refunded.

Second District Dental Society is a recognized sponsor by the N.Y.S. Education Department, ADA CERP and the AGD.

Unless otherwise stated, all featured speakers have disclosed that they do not have any relevant financial arrangements or affiliations with any corporate organizations that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning the continuing education activities stated herein.