Virtual Spear Summit 2020

No more sitting in the back of the conference room or squinting at the big screen.

Attendees at the third and final day of Spear Virtual Summit will get a clear look at how to manage anterior indirect restorations, among other key clinical challenges highlighted by presenters.

On Oct. 10, Day 3 of Summit will be capped by Dr. Gregg Kinzer, who will walk virtual viewers through an actual clinical case from initial treatment planning to tooth preparation, impressions and provisionals.

Given the digital interface, the presentation makes it easier for Summit attendees to visualize the tips and tricks Dr. Kinzer uses in his own practice to generate predictable esthetic restorations.

Visit the Summit page for agendas and full details on programming.

Summit access is provided to members of Spear Faculty Club, Spear Masters Program, and Spear Practice Solutions, in addition to leaders of Spear Study Clubs. Members can contact their Customer Success Manager to register.

Day 3 guest presenters

  • In her return to Summit, guest speaker Dr. Audrey Yoon will present “The Role of Orthodontic Intervention in OSA: Functional and Physiological Approach of Orofacial Structure Restoration.” Dr. Yoon's presentation will cover current orthodontic treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and how they have focused on changing the anatomy to increase the airway space. She addresses what dentists can better understand about the mechanism of how anatomical changes affect the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Dr. Stanley Liu will present “Sleep Surgery: Restoring Missed Milestones in Airway Development,” in which he explains how he approaches patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Liu will offer what he considers to be the most effective surgical plan to restore function that did not develop properly during growth. His presentation will cover a comprehensive surgical algorithm.

Day 3 Resident Faculty breakout sessions

  • In “The Direct Restoration of the Peg Lateral Incisor,” Dr. Jason Smithson will address this form of microdontia found in 0.3-8.4% of the general population. He explains how this tooth form presents an orthodontic and esthetic defect and patients often request restoration, focusing on issues like incisal edge position, emergence profile and contact points.
  • Dr. Bob Winter will highlight ways to engage your patients in “Augmented Reality for Enhanced Communication.” Using the fundamental principle of Facially Generated Treatment Planning (FGTP), he explains how to achieve successful long-term outcomes with more intentional use of line drawings/templates on photographic images through enhanced digital presentations that strengthen patient understanding of treatment planning.
  • “When is Equilibration Appropriate?” Dr. Gary DeWood answers the question posed in the title of his breakout by explaining how “owning” the patient's occlusion is not an easy responsibility to accept, and how equilibration means you have accepted it. Attendees will get an outline for a decision-making process that provides a framework for knowing when to comfortably “own it.”
  • Dr. Darin Dichter will present on “Implant-Retained Overdentures: Design Considerations for the Edentulous Maxilla.” As he explains, the number of patients who are edentulous in one or both arches is increasing – so it's crucial for clinicians to recognize this growing opportunity to treatment plan and treat this condition. While many clinicians and patients often prefer fixed reconstructions, this approach may not always be possible in the edentulous maxilla. As a result, dentists must be aware of additional options to manage what has become a more common clinical scenario.
  • In “CBCT: A Whole New World of Endodontics,” Dr. Lou Berman explains how diagnosis is the most important first step when considering endodontic treatment. Attendees will learn how periapical radiographs can only provide part of the radiographic assessment. Dr. Berman details how CBCT offers an entirely different look at the root structure and periapical tissues, providing clinicians with the ability to visualize root resorption, root anomalies, canal orientation and prognosis assessment.