Alan H. Gluskin, D.D.S. Preservation of the natural dentition has always been the most desired outcome in the practice of dentistry and a key factor in systemic and oral health. Endodontists and our allied restorative colleagues believe the restoration of oral health and function has, at its foundation, the reversal of disease and retention of natural teeth, with the goal of functioning for a lifetime. Is function for a lifetime realistic when a tooth has received endodontic therapy? What do we know about the biology of dentin behavior after our procedures and how should we think about those factors that limit structural longevity of the dentin? Is "minimally invasive endodontics" just a buzzword or does it offer real potential? Can advancing technology help us assess structure? Our critics are often poised to describe our endodontic procedures as "weakening." Yet the evidence within our own discipline argues the contrary. This presentation will discuss the influences and stresses of endodontic therapy and reflect upon the principles of dentin preservation in stabilizing load transfer to roots without compromising disinfection.

Sahng Gyoon Kim, D.D.S., M.S. The regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex requires high-level disinfection of the root canal system prior to the application of tissue engineering principles. Indeed, previous work showed that the presence of microorganisms in the root canal system altered the patient’s innate regenerative capacity, resulting in ectopic tissue formation or a failure in regeneration. Current disinfection methods rely heavily on conventional antimicrobial irrigants and intracanal medicaments, including antibiotics and calcium hydroxide. However, there is palpable uncertainty about the efficacy of traditional microbial control for pulp regeneration. New disinfection tools, such as antibacterial nanoparticles and photoactivated disinfection, have been developed and investigated to overcome the limitations of traditional methods. This lecture will provide the current knowledge of antimicrobial treatment for pulp regeneration and its limitations as well as new antimicrobial therapies for enhanced disinfection. Additionally, the potential use of new disinfection methods in clinical regenerative endodontic treatment will be discussed for practitioners.

SP-21: Speaker: Mario F. Leon, D.D.S. A newly designed rotary file is available (XP Endo) for which the manufacturer states that, based on the shape memory principles of NiTi alloy and its capacity to expand, the new tridimensional instrumentation system is able to treat root canals with highly complex morphologies. The instrument has more contact area with the benefit of keeping the original shape of the root canal. SP-33: Speaker: Andrei Berdichewsky, D.D.S. Finding all canals on the root canal system is a key factor for the outcome of the endodontic treatment. In this presentation, different techniques and clinical tips to help clinicians to find difficult and calcified canals while preserving dentin structure will be discussed in detail.

SP-33: Speaker: Eric J. Herbranson, D.D.S., M.S.(C). This course is designed to be an update to my 2012 presentation on dentin conservation in endodontics which was the first to introduce to the associations members the modern principals and rational behind dentin conservation with its benefits to tooth strength and improved tooth survival. We will build on that lecture and highlight what we have learned the last five years. SP-34: Duo Zhang, D.D.S. Maximal reduction of microbial load in the infected root canals is a key goal in endodontics. The presentation summarizes past achievements and developments in antibacterial methods and describes recent advances in strategies to completely eliminate microbial presence in the root canals.

SP-16: Speaker: Bettina R. Basrani, D.D.S., Ph.D. Root canal irrigation plays an important role in the debridement and disinfection of the root canal system. The goal of irrigation is to remove pulp tissue and/or microorganisms from the root canal system. SP-17: Speaker: Ashraf F. Fouad, D.D.S., M.S. Comprehensive analysis of endodontic bacteria would allow the practitioners to identify the virulent organisms present, determine the source of infection and tailor the therapeutic approaches to the specific pathogens. Novel advances in sequencing technologies allow this comprehensive approaches to endodontic microbiology, and allow the determination of how it is affected by treatment and how it may affect or be affected by microbiomes in other sites. SP-9: Speaker: Brett Gilbert, D.D.S. Throughout our endodontic history we have been striving for better techniques and devices to completely cleanse root canal systems. This presentation will examine the evidence basis behind the innovative devices and a realistic approach to implementing new irrigation technology into your practice.

CEX-11: Speaker: Justin R. Kolnick, B.D.S. Laser therapy in dentistry is usually associated with removal of hard or soft tissues, or disinfection of the root canal system. LLLT is a laser or LED light therapy that improves tissue repair (skin wounds, muscle, tendon, bone, nerves), reduces inflammation and reduces pain wherever the beam is applied. CEX-12: Speaker: Dwayne D. Arola, Ph.D. This presentation will address the mechanical behavior of dentin, with special emphasis on the strength and fracture resistance. Details regarding spatial variations in the mechanical behavior within the root and crown will be described, as well as the changes that occur as a result of physiological aging.

CEX-4: Speaker: James L. Gutmann, D.D.S. A brief look at our historical roots will verify that these anatomical variations have been well known for over 100 years. This presentation will explore all aspects of this contemporary, perceived discovery. CEX-5: Speaker: Eric J. Herbranson, D.D.S., M.S. This course will review the rationale for dentin preservation in conventional endodontic therapy. It will argue that conserving dentin results in stronger teeth, improved fracture resistance and more tooth retention.

Speaker: George A. Bruder, D.M.D. This course is designed for endodontists who want to incorporate the latest science-based treatment and enhance their knowledge of dentin conservation and restoring endodontically treated teeth. Root canal treatment is a key way to save teeth that otherwise might have to be extracted. However, the impact of traditional RCT techniques can weaken teeth, leaving them susceptible to subsequent fracture. This course explores the implications of recent research into endodontic access and instrumentation. The attendee will learn how to conform to the natural morphology and disinfect the canal while retaining more dentin. These techniques allow the body a chance to heal itself, while at the same time lowering the risk of post-endodontic stress-related tooth fractures.

Speaker: Anthony J. Smith, Ph.D., Traditionally, the main function of dentin has been considered a structural one, in which the mineralized collagenous matrix supports its covering of enamel and facilitates the absorption of masticatory forces to the dentition. However, evidence is now highlighting the much greater complexity of dentin's composition and structure, and the presence of many bioactive molecules sequestered within the matrix, which may be released during injury to the tooth, can drive many of the cellular responses in pulp.

Speaker: Dwayne D. Arola, Ph.D, This presentation will address the mechanical behavior of dentin, with special emphasis on the hardness, strength and fracture resistance. Details regarding spatial variations in the mechanical behavior will be described, as well as changes that arise as a result of physiological aging.