A wealth of knowledge available through the ADA's On-Demand platform

The world’s finest minds and most prominent experts in everything to do with dentistry and oral health converged on Sydney’s International Convention Centre last September, with a view to sharing knowledge that would hold the profession in good stead as we move into 2024.

Events like these hold the key to a deeper understanding of the near future, especially in professions as complex and multilayered as dentistry. Professor William Scarfe (Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Kentucky USA) came armed with no less than four impressive presentations, on subject matter ranging from panoramic radiology and expanding the clinical use of CBCT, through to the hot topic of artificial and augmented intelligence in dento-radiology, and saw FDIWDC23 as perfectly timed to have tackled these important trends.
 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) in dentistry
 

“In 2023 we witnessed the explosion of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in dentistry,” says Prof. Scarfe. “In 2024 and moving forward, we will see its impact.

“As practitioners, it is important to distinguish between AI, the technology, and Augmented Intelligence (AuI), its clinical application,” he explains. “AuI will be transformative in all areas of clinical practice, assisting not only in diagnostic support but also in treatment planning, such as implant planning, smile design and restorative care.

“AuI also has the potential to improve delivery of care, especially in electronic health record data management – anywhere where organisation, integration, analysis and display of data is required to create efficiencies.”

An objective of Prof. Scarfe’s presentation was to “appreciate the current and potential considerations and implications of adoption of this technology into dental practice for all stakeholders (patients, clinicians, public health advocates, third-party payers)”, and he was able to share his own experiences incorporating the technology into his own teaching and research in the USA.

“At the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, we have not only investigated the use of AuI in radiologic diagnosis (Denti.AI) but also incorporated AI in the educational setting, teaching with the introduction of ‘fact-based’ learning modules in which AI creates questions based on content and tracks student comprehension (Cerego),” he says. “We are also investigating the possibility of integrating two additional AI programs (DentalAI and RadioMemory) into the curriculum to enhance clinical radiographic interpretation skills.”

Delegates at Congress were able to learn in detail the many cutting-edge applications of AI in such sub-categories of dental radiology as cephalometry, screening and monitoring of periodontal bone loss, panoramic and CBCT charting and accurate caries detection, with ADA members now also able to access his presentation and data through the On-Demand platform.
 

Applying vital pulp therapy (VPT)
 

Likewise, Professor Ove Peters (Discipline Lead in Endodontics and DClinDent Program Convenor at the University of Queensland) brought his endodontic expertise to FDIWDC23, particularly looking to update practitioners on the application of vital pulp therapy (VPT).

While VPT is a well-known approach to pulp-exposure cases in theory, Prof. Peters observes that many dentists do not always choose to use it as they question its overall reliability of success.

“Clinical research, based on modern biomaterials has clearly shown that VPT can have success rates that are similar compared to the often-selected alternative, root canal treatment,” says Prof. Peters.

“What is more, we used to think that VPT can only be effective in cases that are asymptomatic. Convincing recent data clearly suggests that this is not the case; to the contrary, in molars with painful pulpitis, a pulpotomy is very effective treatment.

“Considering cost and complexity of molar endodontics, with the appropriate clinical approach vital pulp therapy can be great option for patients that are interested in keeping their teeth.”

The presentation proved most helpful for clinicians looking to understand the evolution of pulp therapy, with Prof. Peters pointing out that this is very much an emerging field, at the epicentre of research and policy changes.

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What else can you find on the On-Demand platform?
 

There’s a lot to discover in the FDIWDC23 On-Demand platform, with more than 200 sessions, 220+ CPD hours and over 160 speakers available to you.

To get an idea of the breadth of topics and the calibre of the presenters available through the platform for just AU$1,100, here is a snapshot of some of the categories on offer.
 

DENTAL TRAUMA
 

DILEMMAS IN MANAGING TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES
by Prof. Paul Abbott (Australia), Prof. Liran Levin (Canada), Prof. Lars Andersson (Sweden), and Prof. Anne O’Connell (Ireland)

Synopsis
Dental traumatic injuries are very common, but many dentists are unsure about the best way to manage specific injuries. In this symposium, discussions will focus on the three major dilemmas associated with managing trauma – immediately and in the long term.

TOOTH AVULSION AND REPLANTATION
by Dr Lars Andersson

Synopsis
Tooth avulsion is one of the most serious types of traumatic dental injuries to permanent teeth, often resulting in serious complications. A paradigm shift is seen in recent years where we today focus more on methods preserving the alveolar bone rather than saving the tooth.
 

DENTO-RADIOLOGY
 

THE ABCs OF PANORAMIC RADIOLOGY
by Prof. Bill Scarfe

Synopsis
Panoramic radiography is the most common extra-oral imaging performed in dental practice. This presentation provides a systematic approach to interpretation of the panoramic image, correlate regional anatomy with image presentation and demonstrate local anomalies.

RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT WITH OROFACIAL PAIN
by Clinical Prof. Bernard Koong

Synopsis
Most dento-alveolar related orofacial pain can be diagnosed clinically, supported by intraoral and panoramic radiography but not in all instances. Multiple cases will be used to explore the optimal test for various clinical scenarios, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each technique.
 

PERIODONTICS
 

SMILE DESIGN: HOW TO ACHIEVE THE OPTIMAL GINGIVAL MARGIN
by Dr Maria Marta Fernandez

Synopsis
The regeneration of lost tissues after tooth extraction plays a key role in achieving and maintaining successful rehabilitations. It is important to know pros and cons of each surgical technique and how to manage them.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PERIODONTITIS
by Prof. Maurizio S. Tonetti

Synopsis
Maintaining periodontal health is key to avoiding periodontitis and preserving a healthy dentition for a lifetime. Managing such patients requires a different approach and a specific care pathway. The theoretical framework and actions will be specifically discussed in context.
 

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
 

PARTIAL DENTURES
by Dr Finlay Sutton

Synopsis
This presentation covers the Scandinavian hygienic technique used to make partial dentures function like ‘removable bridges’, and shows steps to achieve predictable results including cases having had failed dental implants.

PART 1: LESS IS MORE. MINIMALLY INVASIVE LESS-ONS
by Dr Clarence Tam

Synopsis
This presentation reviews strategies for completing aesthetic Class V restorations and isolation concepts in a distal free end extension case without an anchor tooth for rubber dam placement in an everyday clinical workflow.
 

GENERAL DENTISTRY
 

PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF TOOTH STRUCTURE
by Dr Hien Chi Ngo

Synopsis
The modern approach to clinical dentistry relies on dentists taking the dual role of physician and surgeon, so there is need for a systematic approach to the clinical management of a healthy oral environment.

LEADER OF A TEAM: IT’S THE ONLY WAY!
by Prof. Mark Wolff

Synopsis
Dental practice is becoming forever more complex while oral healthcare needs are increasing. The ‘dental team’ needs to expand in order to utilise occupational/physical therapists, registered dieticians, teachers, health advocates as well as healthcare providers to improve dental reach.
 

ORAL SURGERY
 

POSTERIOR MANDIBULAR ATROPHY: SURGICAL TREATMENT MODALITIES
by Dr Devorah Schwartz-Arad

Synopsis
This lecture focuses on surgical techniques, natural tissues, and biomaterials for vertical and/or horizontal bone augmentation to successfully restore edentulous ridges with implant-supported prostheses.

DENTAL IMPLANT-RELATED NERVE INJURIES
by Prof. Tara Renton

Synopsis
An update on post-surgical traumatic sensory nerve injuries which includes how to avoid local anaesthetics-related nerve injuries, risk factors and recommendations on how to avoid nerve injuries with regard to, preop planning, operative execution and post-operative care.
 

ENDODONTICS
 

VITAL PULP THERAPY (VPT)
by Dr Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi

Synopsis
In the endodontic involvements of young patients, conventional options in therapy may not contribute to the tooth life prognosis. In this presentation, endodontic options for young patients (so-called Vital Pulp Therapy) will be discussed with showing specific cases.

COLD HYDRAULIC CONDENSATION WITH PRE-MIXED BIOCERAMIC
by Prof. Filippo Cardinali

Synopsis
This lecture examines the chemical properties of the sealer and the technique of use in easy and complex cases, sharing with the audience outcomes and statistics arising from the treatment of more than 400 teeth with apical periodontitis.
 

SPECIAL NEEDS/ PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
 

ORAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF RECREATIONAL DRUG USE
by A/Prof. Sharon Liberali

Synopsis
The use and abuse of methamphetamine is associated with oral health deterioration. Having a better understanding of causal mechanisms enables dental practitioners to provide personalised interventions and management of dental disease in this patient cohort.

NITROUS OXIDE PHARMACOLOGY AND CLINICAL ACTIONS IN THE COVID ERA
by A/Prof. Dimitris Emmanouil

Synopsis
Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation is an important and integral part of dental practice. In this lecture, we present the latest research on its pharmacology, and recommendations to ensure its safe use in the context of COVID-19.

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