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Functional Occlusion – The Dawson Academy Way

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From TMJ to Smile Design
Posted: March 10, 2009
Functional Occlusion – The Dawson Academy Way
From TMJ to Smile Design
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
St. Petersburg, FL – March 10, 2009 – The Dawson Academy offers a lecture that teaches how understanding occlusion can save dental professionals time, increase their income and reduce their frustration.
 
This premier two-and-a-half-day lecture, Functional Occlusion – From TMJ to Smile Design, will be led by Peter E. Dawson, DDS.  Dr. Dawson will be joined by the Academy’s faculty members: John C. Cranham, DDS and DeWitt (Witt) Wilkerson, DMD.  The course will take place on the following dates:
  • Apr. 30-May 2, 2009
  • Oct. 8-10, 2009

 
This course will be held at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, FL.
 
This lecture is part of The Dawson Academy’s Core Curriculum; the fee is $1,495 per student, and after completing the lecture, each student will receive 19 continuing education credits.  The lecture is available to general dentists, specialists and laboratory technicians.
 
About the Lecture
This seminar is your gateway to a proven path of clinical and professional excellence.  As the foundational seminar in the “Concept of Complete DentistrySM Series,” this course teaches the timeless message that good dentistry, esthetic dentistry, complete dentistry must begin with a thorough understanding of occlusion and the functions of the masticatory system.  A comprehensive understanding of how the TM joint, muscles, proprioceptive input, lower anterior teeth, upper anterior teeth, lower posterior teeth and upper posterior teeth are designed to function in harmony with one another is the cornerstone of the Dawson philosophy.  Each student will learn to produce beautiful, functionally correct restorative dentistry in an efficient, predictable and profitable fashion.  The “4×4” approach to treatment planning will provide each student with the ability to efficiently and systematically treatment plan.  Students will also learn to recognize dysfunction in all parts of the system, and to recognize the cases that will require additional study prior to restoration.  They will learn how to design a beautiful smile; one that will be in harmony with function and speech.  They will also learn a standardized approach to gathering records: one that will be consistent with all future Dawson courses, and one that will lead to consistent diagnosis and optimum treatment planning.  Regardless of the latest trends in techniques or materials, these principles will remain the foundation of quality dentistry.  Students will gain an insight and understanding that will change not only how you practice, but your enjoyment of the practice, as well.

About the Core Curriculum
The Dawson Academy’s Core Curriculum teaches the fundamental principles and clinical skills that make dentistry completely predictable.  The essence of the curriculum is that the teeth are only one part of the masticatory system, and when the entire system functions in harmony, teeth are healthy and stable.  Understanding the masticatory system enables you to precisely determine the exact position and contour of anterior teeth – no guess work required.  When examined and diagnosed within the framework of the entire system, problems such as excessive tooth wear, sore teeth and masticatory muscles, and fractured restorations can all be solved.  Completion of the Core Curriculum will move you beyond being a “tooth doctor” and set you on the path of becoming a “physician of the masticatory system.”
 
About Peter E. Dawson, DDS
Dr. Dawson is considered to be one of the most influential clinicians and teachers in the history of dentistry. He is the author of the all time best selling dental text, “Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Occlusal Problems,” which is published in 13 languages.  His newest book “Functional Occlusion: From TMJ to Smile Design” has already set record sales as one of the fastest selling medical textbooks ever released by its publisher.  He is the founder of the “Concept of Complete DentistrySM Series” as well as the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental StudySM.  In addition to numerous awards and special recognitions, Dr. Dawson is the past president and life member of the American Equilibration Society, a past president of the Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.
 
About John C. Cranham, DDS
Dr. Cranham has an esthetic oriented practice in Chesapeake, VA.  An honors graduate of the Medical College of Virginia in 1988, Dr. Cranham maintains a strong relationship with his alma mater, as an Associate Clinical Professor.  Dr. Cranham is an internationally recognized speaker on the Esthetic Principles of Dentistry, Contemporary Occlusal Concepts, Treatment Planning, Restoration Selection, Digital Photography, Laboratory Communication, and Happiness and Fulfillment in Dentistry.  As a published author, Dr. Cranham has a strong commitment to developing sound educational programs that exceed the needs of today’s dental professional. Dr. Cranham is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and The American Equilibration Society.  A published author, Dr. Cranham is the Co-chair of Advanstar CE Advisory board, who publish Dental Products Report.
 
About DeWitt (Witt) Wilkerson, DMD
Dr. Wilkerson joined Dr. Dawson in private practice in 1982.  His practice emphasis has been temporomandibular disorders, solving occlusal problems and restorative dentistry.  A graduate of the University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Dr. Wilkerson has lectured extensively at major meetings across the United States, Canada and Central America.  He also has served as an associate faculty member at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL.  Dr. Wilkerson is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, American Equilibration Society (Board of Directors), Florida Prosthodontic Study Group and other local and national professional organizations.  He is a special lecturer in the University of Florida, College of Dentistry post-graduate dentistry residency.

About The Dawson Academy
The Dawson Academy is the result of merging the Dawson Center with Cranham Dental Seminars and Lee Culp’s Institute for Oral Art and Design.  The Academy is dedicated to teaching the principles and skills necessary for the successful practice of complete, quality, predictable dentistry with primary concentrations in occlusion, the temporomandibular joints and comprehensive restorative dentistry.  The Academy covers four areas of study: the Core Curriculum, Advanced Restorative Principles and Procedures, Dental Medicine, and Practice and Professional Growth.
 
For more information about the classes, dates, locations, prices and continuing education credits, please contact The Dawson Academy by calling 800-952-2178 or visiting http://www.TheDawsonAcademy.com.
 
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