Dr. Madeline Krafcisin, DMD – Clinical Differences Between Immediate and Delayed Implant Placement
Immediate and delayed implant placement are two primary strategies used in restoring missing teeth, each designed around the biology of socket healing and the clinical needs of the patient. Immediate placement is performed at the same appointment as the extraction, aiming to utilize existing socket architecture and shorten overall treatment time. In contrast, delayed placement is performed only after the extraction site has undergone soft-tissue closure or complete bone healing, offering a more controlled surgical field. Comparing these two approaches helps clinicians determine the most predictable timing for implant success.

Dr. Ashali Salvi, DDS – Early Implant Failure
Early implant failure is defined as clinical failure of an implant body before the placement of a final prosthesis. Currently, an estimated 5 million dental implants are placed in the United States annually. Dental implant prevalence is expected to increase 8.6% by 2033 due to continued innovation and an aging population. The prevalence of early implant failure is estimated to be 6%. Recent studies have found that the prevalence of implant failure is higher in the early phase than in the late phase regardless of the loading time. As the number of providers placing implants and the demand for dental implants continues to increase, there is a corresponding need for providers to place implants predictably and safely to minimize failure risk and maximize success. The goal of this presentation is to examine the etiology and risk factors associated with early implant failure, and the prevention and management of its complications.

Dr. Mark Domondon, DMD – Surgical Interventions for IAN Injury Recovery
Following iatrogenic injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, there are several treatment options available that are targeted towards functional sensory recovery (FSR). The severity, timeline and location of the injury are major factors which will determine the appropriate treatment. While less invasive treatment options are the first line of treatment, if the severity of nerve damage is too great, surgical options are necessary to facilitate recovery. Direct neurorrhaphy statistically has the best outcomes, however if the nature of the injury prevents the separated stumps from joining each other without tension, the use of a conduit in the form of a sleeve or a tube is necessary to bridge the gap. Studies show that if the nerve defect is greater than 3mm, an autogenous graft is indicated.

Dr. Keaton Henscheid, DMD – Applications of AI in Orthodontics as a General Dentist
In this presentation I will be highlighting the use of artificial intelllgence in orthodontic treatment as a general dentist. I will be discussing its benefits, limitations, and potential uses in the future.

Dr. Landon Patterson, DMD – From Socket to Success: Best Practices in Post-Extraction Site Management
Successful post-extraction outcomes depend on minimizing complications, promoting predictable healing, and preserving alveolar bone for future restorative options. A few basics steps toward ideal outcomes include curettage, irrigation, and ridge preservation. Proper curettage removes infected and necrotic tissue while preserving socket integrity, promoting clot stability and graft success when indicated. Effective irrigation reduces microbial load and the risk of postoperative complications, including alveolar osteitis. Ridge preservation is emphasized as a critical step in limiting post-extraction bone resorption, especially in sites with thin buccal bone or high esthetic demand. Adjunctive materials and methods such as platelet-rich fibrin, cold irrigation, and use of lasers for curettage may aid in the healing process. Together, these strategies provide a predictable workflow that supports optimal healing and maximizes future restorative treatment options.

Dr. Reuben Lucero, DDS – Sinus Lifts: Making Room for a Stronger Smile
This presentation aims to clearly outline the clinical indications for maxillary sinus augmentation and to assist clinicians in selecting the most apporpriate approach between indirect and direct sinus lift techniques. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based decision-making, with practical guidance on evaluating key anatomical considerations, residual bone parameters, and patient-specific factors that may influence technique selection and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Clayton Ford, DDS – Cracks in the System: Diagnosis and Management of Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth represent a growing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in everyday clinical practice. Often subtle in presentation, these defects may appear innocuous externally while concealing significant internal structural compromise. External cracks associated with biting pain, existing restorations, or root involvement are of particular concern, as the majority are accompanied by internal cracks that are not immediately visible. Diagnosis remains complex and multifactorial. Symptoms are inconsistent, clinical tests are imperfect, and imaging has inherent limitations. Notably, cold sensitivity—rather than pain on biting—may be the earliest and most common clinical indicator, frequently preceding more obvious signs of failure. Despite advances in magnification and imaging, accurately determining crack extent and orientation remains difficult, with direct visualization still considered the diagnostic gold standard. Clinical outcomes are highly dependent on timing, crack location, periodontal involvement, and pulp status. When identified early, cracked teeth can often be preserved with appropriate restorative strategies. When diagnosis is delayed, crack propagation, bacterial infiltration, and eventual tooth loss become increasingly likely.
This presentation explores the terminology, diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based management strategies for cracked teeth and vertical root fractures, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and decisive intervention in altering long-term prognosis.

Dr. Susanna Sharossi, DDS – Oral Splints for Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) affects 11-15 million US adults. This presentation will go into screening tools, common diagnoses, tools for patient education, and designs for occlusal splints. Occlusal splints can be a useful tool to manage symptoms for TMD patients, but it requires using the proper design for the correct patient.

Dr. Jayla Arnold, DMD – Artificial Intelligence Application in Dentistry
This presentation explores the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern dentistry, beginning with a brief overview of AI and how it has evolved to support healthcare. It highlights the wide range of AI applications across different dental specialities, including diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, and patient management. By showcasing how AI improves accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making, the presentation shows how AI is transforming dental care and shaping the future of the profession.

Dr. Fiona Chambers, DMD – The Silent Effects of E-Cigarettes on the Oral Cavity
E-cigarettes were introduced into the market almost 20 years ago as an alternative to traditional cigarette usage. The popularity of these devices has skyrocketed over the past 10 years, partially due to the increased number of users that are teenagers and young adults who did not formerly smoke cigarettes, creating a dangerous addiction. Evidence suggests that “vaping” has many negative consequences on systemic health, but the implications on oral health are less discussed in the media. There is a statistically significant correlation between use of e-cigarettes and increased number of carious lesions and periodontal disease. It is important for dental providers to be well-versed in how to discuss the implications of e-cigarette use on the oral cavity, and be adequately educated to discuss alternatives to our patients that could be less detrimental to both their systemic and oral health.

Dr. Jana ElKhatib, DDS – Bioactive Restorative Materials and Remineralization Outcomes
Evaluating current evidence on bioactive restorative materials and their ability to promote tooth remineralization. Summarizing how ion-releasing and pH modulating methods support mineral deposition and compare these outcomes to traditional restorative options.

Mr. Pearson Hafer, UT Health Science Center – Dental Student Comparison of Artificial Intelligence vs Clinician Radiographic Bone Loss Detection and Periodontal Diagnosis
The use of the anatomical landmark of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) in peri-apical radiographs and the distance from the radiographic CEJ to the radiographic bone crest in relation to the root length are used for the determination of the staging of periodontitis, according to the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. While the accuracy of the radiographic bone assessment, the interpretation of the radiographic findings, and the angulation of the central beam have been examined in the past, little is known for the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in assisting with radiographic interpretation in periodontal diagnosis. In the fast-growing field of AI applications in medicine and dentistry, there is evidence that AI tools may have practical and efficient diagnostic capabilities, leveraging machine learning and cognitive problem-solving functions that mimic human abilities. General dentists and periodontists may apply different criteria when assessing radiographic bone loss due to variations in training and the quality of periapical and bitewing radiographs. Because artificial intelligence (AI) tools have the potential to standardize and enhance radiographic assessments—and serve as valuable educational aids—we evaluated the agreement between an FDA-approved AI dental platform, two periodontists, and a dental student in measuring radiographic bone loss and determining periodontal diagnoses. For this study, 40 unidentified sets of periapical and bitewing radiographs from patients with and without periodontitis were analyzed. Radiographic bone loss was measured, and periodontal diagnoses were assigned by the human examiners and independently by the AI tool using the same images. Our findings demonstrated a strong level of agreement between the AI tool and both periodontists in quantifying radiographic bone loss. However, agreement was lower for periodontal diagnosis, primarily.

Dr. Melissa Hewett, DMD –  3D Printing Meets the Esthetic Zone
This presentation reviews a comprehensive digital workflow for designing and 3D printing an implant-supported temporary restoration for missing teeth in the esthetic zone. It discusses key clinical considerations for anterior implant placement, incorporating both analogue and digital scanning techniques, as well as fundamental principles of provisional restoration design. The session highlights the role of 3D-printed temporaries in enhancing esthetics, guiding soft-tissue contouring, and improving overall patient experience. Practical tips, common challenges, and clinical examples are presented to demonstrate how digital tools can streamline treatment and help achieve predictable, esthetic outcomes.
A clinical case is included in which a patient presented with a missing #6 and was currently wearing an interim removable partial denture. The patient expressed interest in implant therapy to replace the missing tooth. Fully guided implant placement was planned and completed, followed by the digital design and fabrication of a 3D-printed interim implant-supported crown.

Dr. Munair Lewis-Francis, DDS, and Lt Col Jessamy Thornton – Antibacterial and Re-Mineralizing Capabilities of Novel Resin Composites
The current generation of dental restorative resin composites, while widely used for their attractive esthetics, adequate mechanical properties, and minimally invasive nature, are typically bio-inert and suffer from significant limitations that compromise their long-term success. These material drawbacks include polymerization shrinkage, which induces stress and strain that can lead to interfacial debonding and microleakage. Conventional composite resins and bonding agents are also often non-antibacterial and can even tend to accumulate more biofilm than other restorative materials like amalgam and glass ionomer cement. Compounding these issues is the lack of capability to actively re-mineralize tooth structure, leading to a weak link at the tooth-restoration margin. These cumulative limitations result in a relatively high failure rate and short lifespan for composite restorations, with recurrent caries being the predominant reason for replacement. The replacement of failed dental restorations constitutes approximately 50% to 70% of performed operative dental procedures, necessitating the removal of additional healthy tooth structure and further weakening the tooth. To address this critical dilemma, the purpose of my research is to investigate a new generation of bioactive and therapeutic dental restorative materials that are being designed with antibacterial and re-mineralizing capabilities.

Dr. Emily Park, DDS and Lt Col Thornton – Assessment and Treatment of Invasive Cervical Resorption
Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a clinical term used to describe an uncommon yet aggressive form of external tooth resorption. The varying clinical presentations and unclear etiological factors make the accurate diagnosis and treatment of ICRs challenging. The purpose of this research is to provide evidence-based comprehensive evaluation of ICR: possible etiological factors, assessment, diagnosis, as well as treatment modalities – ranging from minimally invasive approaches to surgical management. This research intends to enhance clinicians’ ability to recognize, manage, and improve outcomes for patients with invasive cervical resorption.

Dr. James Sanford, DDS – Use of Commercial 3D Printers in Dental Workflows
The integration of non-dental specific 3D printers into dental workflows presents a promising avenue for research into cost-effectiveness potentially costing about 1/10th of dental-specific options. This compelling cost advantage drives the adoption of these alternatives, particularly for specific applications such as diagnostic dental casts. While the cost savings are substantial, the overall benefit hinges on maintaining adequate fidelity, as dedicated dental printers generally offer superior performance. Some research shows that specific non-dental SLA models, such as the Mars 2 Pro, can achieve accuracy demonstrating results not statistically significantly different from high-end dental printers in some studies. However, there is little guidance on what kind of commercial 3D printers are suitable for dental applications or the desirable features, resolution, or other minimal specifications providers could look for when purchasing these machines. This project attempts to provide an overview of the specifications and types of commercial 3D printers that have been used in dental workflows and the direct and potential cost-savings these machines can provide.

Dr. Neha Shah – Evaluating the Impact of Pediatric Dental Residency Program on Pediatric Patient Volume and Care at Choptank Community Health System – A federally Qualified Health Center on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pediatric dental residency program on patient volume and care at Choptank Community Health System (CCHS). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare patient volume and care over a 24-month period. Data was extracted from Relevant Data Analysis, the software used by CCHS, and categorized into pre-residency and post-residency records. The pre-residency period spanned from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and the post-residency period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Patient volume and care were evaluated using seven treatment codes. Results: A total of 4,197 pediatric patient charts met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 7 years. The volume of periodic oral examinations (D0120), comprehensive oral evaluations (D0150), and oral evaluations for children under three years of age (D0145) remained comparable between the pre- and post-residency periods. However, limited oral evaluations (D0140) decreased significantly. In contrast, there were significant increases in extractions of erupted teeth (D7140), use of nitrous oxide analgesia/anxiolysis (D9230), and placement of prefabricated stainless steel crowns (D2930). Differences between periods were analyzed using comparative statistical methods with significance set at p < 0.05. Conclusion: While overall pediatric patient volume remained stable following the introduction of pediatric dental residents at CCHS, the scope and intensity of treatment provided increased significantly. The reduction in emergency-based limited evaluations, coupled with increased definitive treatment, suggests improved access to comprehensive pediatric dental care and enhanced clinical capacity within the FQHC setting. Dr. Charles Stevens, DDS and Lt Col Jessamy Thornton – Cortisol’s Direct Effect on Periodontal Health
Conduct a literature review of how stress levels directly impact periodontal health. Include FDA-approved methods and advancements to reduce if not cure stress levels and periodontal disease. Pubmed was researched for words PTSD and periodontal disease resulting in 13 articles in last 20 years. These research papers had DASS (depression, Anxiety Stress Scale) and other evaluation methods that were used to analyze stress in patients. Periodontal markers like BOP, PD, plaque index were also used. The Summary of these articles showed statistically significant p<0.05 was evident in periodontal patients with PTSD as compared to non-stressed patients. Glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 shows increase in inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha, IL-6 as also seen in periodontal disease. Dr. Mahin Syed, DMD and Dr. Mirna Azer –  Techniques To Improve Fracture Resistance in Teeth Undergoing Endodontic Therapy
Many factors contribute to increasing fracture resistance in teeth undergoing endodontic therapy. From initial access to final cuspal coverage, every step is critical and both clinician knowledge and technique are essential. This presentation focuses on key considerations that have shown to influence fracture resistance. These considerations are as follows: preservation of tooth structure, the selection and placement parameters of post systems, irrigant exposure, sealer choice and obturation technique, adhesive core build-ups, and ultimately, appropriate cuspal coverage.

Dr. Ynhu Tran, DDS – Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Natural Biomaterial for Accelerated Post-Extraction Healing
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a natural, autologous biomaterial used to enhance healing after tooth extraction. Prepared from the patient’s own blood without additives, PRF forms a fibrin matrix rich in platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors. It acts as a biological scaffold that promotes angiogenesis, soft-tissue repair, and early bone regeneration. PRF also reduces inflammation, postoperative pain, and the risk of complications such as dry socket. Due to its simplicity, safety, and regenerative potential, PRF is an effective and cost-efficient option for accelerating post-extraction healing.

Dr. Hallie Ward, DDS and Lt Col Jessamy Thornton – Implant Placement in Growing Children and Adolescents
Implants have become a standard option in restoring edentulous areas. However, there are limitations in who can receive implants as a treatment option. One large patient population where implants are commonly avoided are children and adolescents. It is well understood that implants will act as an ankylosed tooth when placed which creates concern when a patient’s jaws are still growing. This creates challenges as replacing missing teeth in children and adolescents is a common problem due to frequent trauma or developmental conditions. Due to their young age, removable options are not ideal. Considering these factors, implants have been placed in children and adolescents. This research project seeks to investigate and clarify the negative impacts in placing implants in children and adolescents as well as to clarify how to determine when a patient is considered old enough to have implants placed.