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

*Dr. Vafiadis receives grant/research support from Shining 3D Dental, Ritter Implants, DMG, Vatech and FMR Consulting.

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 everyday 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.

DEAN C. VAFIADIS, D.D.S. received his dental degree and prosthodontics specialty training at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). He is currently the director of the Full-Mouth Rehabilitation continuing education course at NYUCD, where he also serves as the associate professor of prosthodontics. He has lectured nationally and internationally for the NYUCD continuing education department and many professional dental companies. Dr. Vafiadis has published and lectured on various topics such as aesthetics, implant design, computer restorations, ceramic materials, occlusion and the business of dentistry. He is the founder of the New York Smile Institute in New York City, an educational center, full service laboratory and learning facility, as well as a private practice location for a multi-specialty practice for implant and aesthetic dentistry.

In 2008, Dr. Vafiadis began the FMR Rehabilitation course at NYUCD and it is the only occlusion course in the world that has live patient treatments and demonstrations. Over 560 dentists have completed this course. He has given over 6,700 hours of continuing education (CE) courses to 15,000 dentists in the past 30 years. Currently, he is lecturing for the NYUCD CE program for dental districts in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Vafiadis’ patient base includes many celebrities, sports figures, Fortune 500 company executives, producers, directors and writers in the film industry, executives in the fashion world and world-renowned chefs and restaurant owners. He maintains his private practice in the Burberry Building near Rockefeller Center. Between 2018 and 2019, he lectured on a “World Tour of Digital Realities of Dentistry,” lecturing in 38 cities in seven countries and three continents. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, he gave 87 hours of CE to dental students, residents and dentists around the world.

Dr. Vafiadis’ primary professional mission is to educate, publish and invent new technologies that will help change the dental profession and patients lives. He is a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and a member of several professional organizations including the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He has completed the New York City marathon eight times, the New York City triathlon three times and the Hamptons triathlon seven times. He is an avid bass player and tenor singer, who performed off Broadway in his college years.  

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.