Midwestern Faculty and Alumni Learning Group Series 2022-2023 (Virtual) 

On behalf of the CDMA Continuing Education program, we are pleased to announce the next Learning Group 2022-2023 Series. Each presentation will be 1.5 credit hours. There are six (6) virtual presentations in the Series. The fee is $250 for nine (9) CE hours. MWU CDMA full-time faculty may use Development Funds. 

Presentations begin at 6:00 pm and end at 7:30 pm using WebEx. This is Arizona time, either MT or PT, depending on the time of year since Arizona does not change to Daylight Savings Time. 

Full-time Faculty using Faculty Development Funds: To register online click here.
Full-time, Part-time, Alumni and Adjunct wishing to use credit card payment method: click here.
Full-time, Part-time, Alumni and Adjunct wishing to print a paper registration form for fax or Email submission, click here.

You can also notify Martha Clements at mcleme@midwestern.edu 

September 29: Differential Diagnosis of Oral Disorders: Ken Tilashalski, D.M.D., Professor and Associate Dean Academic Affairs, School of Dentistry - University of Alabama

Real world cases will frame a discussion on the differential diagnosis process. In this presentation, the “mysteries” of pathology will become clear, allowing you to communicate more effectively with your patient regarding their oral diseases. You will learn key points to help make your life easier and practical information that can be immediately applied. A myriad of topics and cutting-edge information will be discussed, and include: What is that thing and how do I treat it? What caused this and how do I prevent it? And if it hurts, what will make it feel better? I. Cases Highlighting the Differential Diagnosis Process II. Review of Cases & Their Management A. White lesions B. Pigmented lesions C. Lumps & bumps D. Ulcers & blisters D. Bony lesions.

December 8: Hot Topics in Dental Pharmacology: Arthur Jeske, D.M.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean for Strategic Planning and Continuing Dental Education and Professor, Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health, University of Texas - School of Dentistry at Houston

Dr. Jeske will provide an update on current issues focusing on biologic agents (monoclonal antibodies), pain management and antibiotic therapy.

January 19: Managing the Most Common Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office: Joseph Best, D.D.S., Ph.D., Course Director, Medical Emergencies and Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Dentistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Today’s dental healthcare professionals are being asked to manage more medically compromised patients. These patients present higher risk for in-office medical emergencies. In this course we will use a case-based approach to review the management of the most common medical emergencies the dental team may face. We will not cover the one-in-a-million medical complication, but instead we will focus on giving practical information needed in a medical emergency. The presentation will also include instruction on the proper use of the drugs and equipment used to manage medical emergencies.

February 9: Trigeminal Nerve Injuries in Dentistry: Vincent B Ziccardi, D.D.S., M.D., FACS, Chief of Service Professor, Chair and Residency Program Director Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Sensory disturbances to the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve can be a debilitating disruption to patients leading to problems with speech, mastication, food and liquid incompetence and difficulty with activities of daily living. These injuries may arise from a number of causes in dentistry. Some of the etiological factors resulting in trigeminal nerve injury are unpreventable, however, more precise surgical techniques and better imaging modalities may help reduce the incidence of these injuries. Injuries to the trigeminal nerve branches are a known and accepted risk in dentistry. It is important for practitioners to explain these risks to patients as part of the informed consent process and to recognize and document the presence of nerve injuries. Patients should be treated in a timely fashion or referred to practitioners skilled in microsurgical techniques for optimal sensory improvement.

March 23: Dental Management of Oncology Patients Overview: Laila Akhlaghi, D.D.S., Columbia College of Dental Medicine, in the Section of Hospital Dentistry and Division of Oral Surgery

This course provides a practical clinical guide as to which group of oncology patients need dental clearance prior to their medical treatment and covers some of the most common sources of dental pain for patients undergoing oncological treatment. Designed for general dental practitioners and primary dental care providers, this session focuses on dental management in a detailed systemic approach.

April 20: Parafunction or Protective Function: Jamison Spencer, D.M.D., M.S., Director of Dental Sleep Medicine, Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah

For decades we have blamed grinding and clenching of the teeth on 1. Stress and 2. Malocclusion. While certainly emotional stress and occlusal factors can play a role in the etiology of bruxism, it is becoming clear that for many patients, obstructive airway issues are a major driving factor.

In this presentation Dr. Spencer takes the audience on an evidence-based journey and makes a strong case that the so called "parafunction" that wreaks havoc on our patient's teeth and on our best restorations may actually be "protective" in nature. This understanding may help with the diagnosis and actual treatment of the true underlying etiology of the bruxism.

Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine Arizona is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.