Functional Occlusion-
From TMJ to Smile Design

Course Description

This seminar is your gateway to a proven path of clinical and professional excellence. As the foundational seminar in the “Concept of Complete DentistryTM Series,” you will learn the timeless message that good dentistry, esthetic dentistry, complete dentistry must begin with a thorough understanding of occlusion and the functions of the masticatory system. A comprehensive understanding of how the TM joint, muscles, proprioceptive input, lower anterior teeth, upper anterior teeth, lower posterior teeth and upper posterior teeth are designed to function in harmony with one another is the cornerstone of the Dawson philosophy.

Each student will learn to produce beautiful, functionally correct restorative dentistry in an efficient, predictable and profitable fashion. The “4 x 4” approach to treatment planning will provide each student with the ability to efficiently and systematically treatment plan. They will also learn to recognize dysfunction in all parts of the system, and to recognize the cases that will require additional study prior to restoration. They will learn how to design a beautiful smile; one that will be in harmony with function and speech. They will also learn a standardized approach to gathering records; one that will be consistent with all further Dawson courses, and one that will lead to consistent diagnosis and optimum treatment planning. Regardless of the latest trends in techniques or materials, these principles will remain the foundation of quality dentistry. You will gain an insight and understanding that will change not only how you practice, but your enjoyment of the practice, as well.

We urge you to do what over 40,000 of your fellow dental professionals have already done. Come join us and start your journey along this proven path to success.

What You Will Learn...

Identify the key components of a complete examination.
Evaluate health vs. disease and function vs. disfunction.
Identify the TM joints that are healthy enough to undergo restorative procedures,
and the ones that will need additional treatment.
Recognize how the joints, muscles and teeth are designed to work together in
anatomic and functional harmony.
Identify the diagnostic tools for occlusal stability, and when to use them.
Identify how to schedule and charge for the diagnostic process.
Identify, prior to esthetic treatment which patients pose a risk to
future instability.
Sequence the key 4 functional and 4 esthetic components of every beautiful,
functionally correct smile – the gateway to 4x4 treatment planning.
Recognize and list the key photographs utilized for co-diagnosis, esthetic
evaluation, and case documentation.
Determine how to use digital photography along with mounted diagnostic casts
to visualize optimum dentistry.
Transform your vision of a traditional general practice to one that is thriving with
elective esthetic, and advanced restorative cases.
And much more…