University of British Columbia School of Dentistry

Dentistry has made remarkable progress throughout the years, continuously advancing with the introduction of new technologies, techniques, and materials, all aimed at enhancing the quality of patient care and treatment outcomes. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that no surgical procedure, regardless of the advancements, is entirely devoid of risks, and complications can still arise.

Among the potential complications associated with dental treatments, one can encounter issues like pain, infection, bleeding, nerve damage, sinus communication, and the treatment's failure to achieve the desired results. These complications may stem from various factors, including the patient's overall health, the complexity of the dental procedure, the practitioner's skill and experience, and the patient's adherence to post-treatment care instructions.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain the ability to proactively anticipate complications by thoroughly reviewing a patient's medical history, conducting a clinical examination, and assessing diagnostic records.
• Develop a structured approach to effectively manage complications, including the appropriate referral of patients to specialists when necessary.

Wednesday February 7, 2024

Free day

Thursday February 8, 2024

Lecture 3: Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Management of Patients with Congenital, Post-traumatic, or Pathological Maxillofacial Deformities
Dr. Ali Sadeghi

The management of patients dealing with congenital, post-traumatic, or pathologic maxillofacial deformities benefits greatly from a multidisciplinary approach. This collaborative effort involves a coordinated team of medical and dental professionals, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patient. The team typically comprises general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, and other specialists as required.

By working in synergy to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs and concerns, the multidisciplinary team guarantees the delivery of the most effective and holistic care. This approach places a strong emphasis on restoring function, enhancing appearance, and ultimately improving the patient's overall quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain familiarity with common maxillofacial deformities stemming from trauma, congenital conditions, and pathology.
• Develop a systematic approach to treating these patients, including assembling the right team, establishing treatment timelines, and managing patient expectations effectively.

Friday February 9, 2024

Lecture 4: “I came here to fix my teeth! What on earth happened?”
Dr. Tasso Irinakis

This lecture takes a unique perspective, viewing the dental experience through the eyes of the patient. Picture yourself as a patient in various scenarios, visiting your dentist or specialist with specific expectations in mind. There's the ideal situation where everything you anticipated actually unfolds as planned, and then there's the worst-case scenario where it feels like your world is crumbling.

In this presentation, we'll explore everyday situations in dental clinics, drawing comparisons between favorable and disastrous outcomes. We'll delve into the key factors that drive each result and discuss the available solutions. Our cases range from implants and orthodontics to jaw reconstruction, prosthetic management, gum disease, and more.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain insights into the criteria specialists use to “predict” clinical outcomes, enabling better patient education about expected treatment results.
• Identify potential pitfalls when formulating treatment plans for patients.
• Understand the distinction between doctor-rated “success” and patient-rated “success,” emphasizing the significance of experience in the process.