This course teaches the use of new modalities to accomplish restorative dentistry with air abrasion that conserves the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Understand the basic concepts of minimally invasive dentistry.
2. Describe the most current understanding in caries diagnosis.
3. Discuss the use of the intraoral camera and air abrasion in caries diagnosis.
4. Re-evaluate the concepts of incipient caries.
5. Describe the use of microabrasion to perform minimally invasive cavity preparations.
6. Assess the use of sealants in the preventive process.

Overwhelming studies have shown the inaccuracy of many or our most cherished beliefs. Newly available information and technology can allow us to come closer than ever to the goal of minimally invasive dentistry. By replacing the explorer and the x-ray with the intraoral camera and air abrasion, many classes of decay can be diagnosed and treated much earlier. This course will teach the use of these new modalities to accomplish restorative dentistry in a fashion that conserves the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure. The ancillary benefits to the tooth structure and the positive patient experience are also described.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction
   
   
2. Diagnosis
   
   
   1. Diagnostic Beliefs
      
      
   2. Radiographic Diagnosis, Digital vs. Film
      
      
   3. A New Diagnostic "Standard of Care"
      
      
3. Evaluation of Pits and Fissures
   
   
   1. Handpiece or Air Abrasion
      
      
   2. "Watch" and "Incipient Decay" Concepts
      
      
   3. The Scope of the Problem
      
      
4. Clinical Techniques for Air Abrasion Dentistry
   
   
   1. Changing Treatment Concepts
      
      
   2. Clinical Techniques
      
      
   3. Sealants
      
      
5. Summary
   

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