The removal of teeth and the surgical manipulation of the dentoalveolar complex remains the keystone to a successful dental practice. These tasks are singularly responsible for the most difficult and challenging situations as well producing the most significant morbidity. Anxiety levels from both patient and practitioner can be exhausting and troublesome. Successful surgical outcomes are based on many variables and is not strictly related to surgical skill (technique). These other variables include proper case selection, accurate diagnosis, knowledge of wound healing, educating patients about risks and sequalae, monitoring post-operative developments, and managing complications.

The spectrum that involves contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice is now well established and recognized: facial trauma, facial deformity correction, cancer surgery, reconstructive facial surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, arthroscopy and reconstruction and surgery, head and neck infections and the management of other pathologies. The greatest challenge at times even for specialists remains that of basic oral surgery practice: extracting teeth, draining abscesses, removing roots, performing biopsies as well as harvesting tissues (bone and connective) and grafting these for small to major defects, and complicated implant placement.

Some cases that present to the general dentist’s office do require a more involved level of care. Particular situations where the procedure may be appear difficult or the patient has higher levels of anxiety and anesthesia is required, or the patient may have medical comorbidities will all require specialized care. Oftentimes practitioners do not have the proper setting or instruments to perform some of the simplest tasks.

This course is designed for general dentists to re-familiarize themselves with basic surgical skills and to introduce them to advanced oral surgery techniques. Basic principles are reviewed and then expanded upon to involve step-by-step processes to manage cases that you should feel comfortable performing in your office. This course is comprised of lectures and hands-on sessions. The high ratio of instructors to participants in this course will allow for increased individual attention and guidance.

Learning Objectives: 

1. How to do simple and complicated extractions, drain an abscess, do a biopsy, and review bone grafting and implant placement
2. Understand basic medical compromises that will negatively affect treatment
3. Know fundamentals of anesthesia for surgery
4. How to acquiring proper and appropriate data or diagnostic images
5. Develop a proper treatment plan
6. Manage impacted teeth
7. Understand the numerous flap, suture, and biomaterial options
8. Managing infections: drainage and current antibiotic choices
9. Pathology: diagnosis and biopsy
10. Edentulous spaces: bone grafting and implant placement
11. Informed consent: normal post-operative sequalae and complications

Hands-On

Each participant will have a dedicated hands-on station equipped with individual sets of material, instruments, specimens tissue and high fidelity models.  A selection of hands-on exercises have been designed to improve technical skills and introduce new techniques.  Participants will receive an extensive oral surgery manual to further strengthen their learning and skills post course.

Following case presentations there will be demonstration of surgical techniques and then these will be transferred to models. The goal is to familiarize practitioners with the proper flow and sequencing of surgery and using the essential instruments (power and surgical) that can help ease the difficulties encountered in common situations.

Advanced suturing on tissue models will be demonstrated. Then biopsy technique with soft tissue manipulation for flap creation, and drain placement. Finally, bone removal, tooth sectioning, bone grafting, and membrane application will be practiced.

Advanced surgical techniques will be demonstrated and practiced on the third day and will cover: impacted teeth, exposure of teeth and implant placement. These will be performed on models. These exercises are meant to develop technical skills only and are not intended to generate a high degree of proficiencies in these domains.

SCHEDULE

• Participants may begin to arrive at 8:00 a.m. to sign-in.

REGISTRATION

Registration for this course can be done online by clicking on the button at the top of this page.

Fees

Dentist – total course fee:

• $3,395 (if registered by Oct. 13, 2023)
• $3,595 (if registered after Oct. 13, 2023)

This course fee covers the cost of materials used in hands-on sessions. Lunch is provided for course participants on Friday and Saturday.

Cancellations

A 100% refund will be granted for registrations cancelled at least two weeks prior to course start date. A 50% refund will be granted for registrations cancelled at least one week prior to course start date. Refunds will not be granted after one week prior to course start date.

Cancellations can be done by following the link and instructions provided in the registration confirmation email.

Registrations are not transferable.

The University of Toronto reserves the right to cancel events. Registrants will be notified at the earliest possible date in the event of a cancellation. Registration fees for events cancelled by the University will be refunded in full; however, the University will not be liable for any loss, damages or other expenses that such cancellations may cause.