CE Hours: 0.75

Description: This presentation highlights the development and clinical integration of an AI-driven diagnostic and teleconsultation platform designed to optimize decision-making in endodontic care. The system enables pre- and post-treatment validation through deep learning algorithms trained on annotated radiographs to assess root canal indications, extraction needs, and case difficulty. Secure, real-time telecommunication tools allow general practitioners (GPs) and endodontists to engage in case discussions and streamlined treatment planning. The platform integrates an AI-based triage and scheduling module that prioritizes appointments based on diagnostic urgency. Clinical pilot studies demonstrate improved diagnostic concordance, more accurate case difficulty grading, and enhanced workflow efficiency. By combining AI-powered analysis with expert-driven validation and scheduling automation, the system promotes higher treatment confidence, reduced unnecessary referrals, and better patient outcomes. The platform is fully validated, regulatory-ready, and positioned for commercial launch, offering a scalable solution for modern endodontic practices.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the role of AI in pre- and post-treatment diagnostic validation for endodontic procedures.
• Evaluate the clinical benefits of secure teleconsultation for improving diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency.
• Discuss how AI-integrated scheduling based on case complexity can streamline patient triage and optimize resource utilization.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Up until recently the only drugs available to manage acute dental l pain were acetaminophen, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. NSAIDs cannot be taken by a variety of patients due to poor renal function, a history of GI ulcers, drug allergy or sensitivity and for the possibility of adverse drug interactions with anticoagulants and lithium. Opioids are wrought with acute side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Their potential to cause substance misuse, physical dependence and addiction are also well described.  On January 30, 2025 suzetrigine, a novel voltage gated sodium channel 1.8 (Nav 1.8) blocking agent was granted FDA approval for the management of moderate to severe pain.  By selectively blocking the Nav 1.8 it is hoped that side effects will be less numerous and severe compared to drugs that indiscriminately block other Nav subtypes such as anticonvulsants and local anesthetics.. Unlike opioids, suzetrigine also appears to be devoid of addiction potential. In two Phase 3 post-surgical pain trials on research patients who underwent bunionectomy or abdominoplasty, suzetrigine was significantly more effective than placebo, but its analgesic effects were only equivalent to acetaminophen 325 mg plus hydrocodone 5 mg (APAP 325 mg/HYDRO 5 mg) respectively. These results are somewhat disappointing with regards to postsurgical dental pain where 440 mg naproxen sodium or APAP 500 mg plus ibuprofen 400 mg (APAP 500 mg/IBU 400 mg) have been demonstrated to provide superior analgesic effects when compared to APAP 650 mg/HYDRO 10 mg or APAP 300 mg/HYDRO 5 mg respectively.  This presentation will discuss the genesis of dental postsurgical pain, the nomenclature and anatomical  locations  of various  Nav channel subtypes and suzetrigine's possible utility and limitations in treating orofacial pain.   Suzetrigine represents only the first step to optimize the selective blockade of Nav channels to treat various patient maladies.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss the mechanism of action of suzetrigine
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of employing suzetrigine in the treatment of acute dental pain
• Identify which patients should not receive analgesic regimens that contain ibuprofen or naproxen sodium

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Technologies continually evolve to satisfy the demands of emerging microsurgical techniques but are not limited to the classical endodontic surgical armamentarium. The most recent example is the implementation of the Piezosurgical technique for root end surgery. Heightened awareness of significant vascular elements via pre-surgical CBCT surveys mandate cautious sectioning processes. Restrictive soft tissue access hampers effective retraction for conventional surgical handpieces. Substantial cortical plate thicknesses combined with unusual anatomy can confound the most experienced surgeon. All these factors present the dichotomy of visualization/manipulation versus post-surgical regeneration. The featured clinical cases highlight the adaptability and versatility of this new technology in this challenging surgical arena.

Learning Objectives:  

• Contrast the visibility and precision of root end procedures performed using Piezo versus conventional handpiece
• Assess the adaptability, visibility and precision of this technology for "novel" surgical corrections.
• Evaluate the tissue selectivity of the Piezo and its advantages in certain clinical environments

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Systemic diseases and the medications used to treat them play an important role in the incidence and prevalence of endodontic disease and in the healing following endodontic treatment. This presentation will examine recent data on chronic systemic medications and outline important considerations for clinicians as they discuss the treatment plan and prognosis with patients and interact with other health providers regarding the optimal care of the patients.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the level of evidence in the literature on the association of systemic medications and endodontic diseases and their treatment outcomes.
• Describe systemic medications with potential effects on endodontic case incidence and presentation
• Describe systemic medications that may influence the outcome of endodontic treatment.

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: Dental professionals often examine the physical aspects of wellness, yet we rarely explore or discuss the mental aspects. It is time to remove the taboo and face the facts.  Anxiety, pain, depression, burnout. Dentistry can be difficult and take a toll. Studies show us that dental professionals experience a high incidence of mental illness. Additionally, many dental professionals don't clearly understand the mental health conditions that our patients present with, which red flags to watch for or what to do/how to intervene. Presented in Dr. Joshua Austin's trademark comedic style, this course explores strategies for working together to improve mental health so we can be our best. Learn how to recognize triggers and warning signs. Identify essential tools and resources. Discover how and when to refer to a mental health professional. Explore and understand mental health terms, common treatments and therapy options. Gain coping mechanisms and learn how to manage expectations - both our own and those of our patients.

Learning Objectives:  

• Define mental health terms and analyze mental health statistics
• Illuminate common DSM-5 diagnoses and characteristics
• Review neuropsychopharmacology and how these drugs affect the stomatognathic system.

CE Hours: 1.0

Description: Studies have shown that the non-specific elimination or significant reduction of bacterial load below a certain threshold is critical for the healing of apical periodontitis. However, an important question remains: do specific bacterial species or phylotypes that persist following endodontic treatment influence the clinical outcome, and can they be regarded as independent risk factors? Moreover, there is a need to more precisely define the bacterial threshold below which favorable periapical healing is likely to occur.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss the prognosis of endodontic treatment.
• Examine the impact of preoperative microbial burden and the efficacy of bacterial reduction on the clinical success of endodontic treatment.
• Discuss the differences in the microbial composition of primary versus persistent endodontic infections, and how these variations influence periapical healing and treatment outcomes.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Surgical repair remains the most predictable and long-term effective treatment for External Cervical Resorption (ECR), with evidence-based supporting it success over follow-up periods up to 10 years. This surgical approach enables the preservation of pulp vitality in early stages, enhancing both structural resistance and overall prognosis. The surgical repair permits cleaning correctly the affected area with different instruments and techniques. Establishing a standardized surgical protocol is critical to achieve consistent clinical outcomes. Careful selection of the restorative material is essential and must be chosen according to the lesion's location, size, and accessibility. This presentation outlines the clinical indications for surgical intervention in ECR and proposes a step-by-step treatment protocol based on a series of clinical cases with a minimum follow-up of one year. Additionally, it provides evidence-based recommendations for selecting the most appropriate filling materials to optimize outcomes.

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify which ECR cases require surgical treatment.
• Describe a step-by-step protocol for the surgical management of ECR.
• Compare different restorative materials for ECR considering critical factors such as defect location and extent.

CE Hours: 1.25

Description: Instrument separation remains one of the most complex complications in endodontic practice. This course explores both the science behind file fracture and the innovations designed to prevent it. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the mechanical and metallurgical factors that lead to separation. The microstructural behavior of NiTi alloys-phase transformations, proprietary heat treatments, and advanced surface processing-will be explained in practical, clinical terms. Equally important, participants will learn predictable strategies for managing separated instruments. Techniques such as CBCT-guided planning, ultrasonic troughing, microtube and loop systems, bypassing, and minimally invasive access will be presented with emphasis on dentin preservation and outcome success. Decision-making protocols will guide clinicians in evaluating case difficulty, preserving dentinal structure, and identifying when surgical intervention is warranted. Designed for endodontic specialists, this evidence-based lecture combines science with practical guidance to equip participants with the skills and confidence to manage instrument separation predictably with minimally invasive access approaches.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss in-depth the microstructure of Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys and how heat treatment enhances their flexibility and strength, reducing the risk of file fracture
• Gain expertise in advanced techniques and tools, including ultrasonics and retrieval kits, to access and remove separated files effectively using minimally invasive, tooth-preserving approaches.
• Develop strategies to minimize the risk of file breakage during root canal treatment, including proper instrument handling and the use of heat-treated NiTi files.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: Apical periodontitis (AP) in a natural tooth may jeopardize the health of adjacent dental implants, potentially leading to retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI). Both conditions arise from bacterial infections, underscoring the importance of effectively managing AP to prevent implant-related complications. This presentation explores treatment strategies for teeth with AP near implants, emphasizing infection control and RPI prevention through clinical case examples. A key approach involves performing endodontic microsurgery on the affected tooth while simultaneously placing the adjacent implant. This combined technique minimizes surgical interventions, reduces overall treatment time, and lessens patient trauma while effectively preventing RPI. In cases where RPI does develop, timely intervention - whether surgical or non-surgical root canal treatment, with or without implant apical surgery - can restore periapical health in both the natural tooth and the implant.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss the shared etiology and pathogenesis of apical periodontitis (AP) and retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI).
• Discuss the strategies to minimize the risk of RPI in implants adjacent to teeth affected by AP.
• Discuss treatment approaches for managing RPI in implants near AP-affected teeth.

CE Hours: 0.75

Description: The presentation will discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning of Endo-perio lesions. It will then discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between the endodontist and the periodontist in the attempt to save teeth. The role of guided bone regeneration during apical surgery - techniques and indications - will be reviewed as well as the manipulation of soft tissue in the management of resorptive lesions. This lecture will present the conversation and treatment planning of joined surgical procedures to ensure maximum patient benefit.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe indications for guided bone regeneration during apical surgery.
• Discuss case selection for periodontal intervention before/during/after endodontic treatment
• Analyze periodontal prognosis when combined with endodontic treatment