The UMSOD Office of Continuing Education offers nearly 400 hours of continuing dental education courses each year. We are dedicated to lifelong learning and strive to provide continuing education programs that will have an immediate impact on your ability to provide excellent patient care and grow your practice.

Check this site often, as more courses are added frequently.

Have a question? Email umsodce@umaryland.edu or call 410-706-2282. We hope to see you at an upcoming course.

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• Management Of the Airway and Emergencies of The Sedated Patient in Your Dental Office
  

  Are you and your team prepared if a medical emergency occurred during your patient’s dental procedure?

  This course will be given in the providing dentist’s office with their staff. We will come to you and bring manikins, monitors, and practice medications to simulate sedation emergencies. During this course we will use a combination of your emergency resources and equipment along with the equipment we will bring.

  This is a participatory course that will include a short didactic component, but largely focus on the management of common as well as rare events in the dental office. The participants will all have an opportunity to practice airway skills, oxygen administration, and administration of emergency drugs to the manikins during simulated emergencies.

  This training will count toward a class 1, 2, or 3 sedation and general anesthesia permit renewal, and the requirement for a course in airway and emergencies. We follow an outline of the requirements to obtain a sedation/anesthesia permit in most states.

  Our team is prepared to review either adult or pediatric emergencies. 

  Maximum registration is eight (8) participants per office. 

• Oral Ulcers Unveiled: Decoding the Hidden Clues in Diagnosis
  This course delves into the complexities of oral ulcerations and erosions, providing a thorough understanding of their various etiologies, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options. By the end of this lecture, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to accurately diagnose and effectively treat oral ulcerations and erosions, enhancing their clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• Bioactive Restorative Materials: Unraveling the Confusion, Exploring the Promise, and Understanding the Benefits for Clinical PracticeThis 90-minute continuing education course will explore into the evolving field of bioactive restorative materials, addressing the confusion surrounding their application, the scientific advancements driving their promise, and the potential benefits they offer to restorative dentistry. Through a combination of evidence-based insights and clinical examples, participants will gain a clear understanding of what these materials can contribute to clinical practice, how they compare to traditional materials, and whether they meet the needs of patients and dentists. Expect to leave with practical knowledge on integrating bioactive materials into everyday clinical workflows.
  
• Key Strategies for Succesful Immediate Implant Therapy in the Esthetic Zone
  This course explores essential concepts in dental implant therapy with a focus on achieving long-term success through a biological and restorative approach with immediate implants in the esthetic zone. Participants will learn how to plan immediate cases by visualizing key aspects of the soft and hard tissues, enhancing precision in implant placement and restorative treatment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of implant positioning on peri-implant tissue health and how to manage both hard and soft tissues to ensure durable, functional, and esthetic outcomes. 
• Medical Cannabis and the Dental Patient
  Despite advances in legal and social acceptance, much remains unknown about the impact of cannabis consumption on general and oral health. As oral health is integral to overall health dental providers must become knowledgeable, not only about the effects of cannabis on the oral cavity but also about how patients use cannabis to manage medical conditions including chronic pain and/or anxiety. This lecture will provide an update on the medical indications and oral implications of cannabis use to better facilitate person-centered care for this growing population.
• The Oral and Systemic Health Implications of Vaping
  This course is designed to educate healthcare practitioners on the rapidly growing vaping phenomenon and its impact on both oral and systemic health. Participants will explore the chemical composition of vaping products, their harmful effects on the body, and the specific risks they pose to oral health. In addition, the course will cover the diagnostic challenges faced when treating patients with vaping-related illnesses, particularly EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury) during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of this course, clinicians will gain practical strategies for managing and guiding patients who use vaping products, with an emphasis on prevention and cessation.

• Regenerative Periodontal Therapies
  The course will explore selected techniques of regenerative surgery, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the indications and contraindications for regenerating lost periodontal tissues. The course will also cover essential topics such as bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and the role of biologic mediators in enhancing regenerative outcomes.
• Oral Health Care for the HIV Patient
  HIV infection is a worldwide epidemic cutting through barriers of race, gender and age. Approximately 1.2million patients currently are affected by this infection in the United States alone. This course will focus on the etiology, transmission, oral manifestations and management of a HIV infected patient. Medical and dental considerations when performing procedures on a HIV infected dental patient will be discussed. Application of the principles of infection control in protection of the dental health care professional and the patient will be emphasized. Post-exposure prophylaxis of occupational injury while treating a HIV patient and currently available treatment will be discussed.
• Restoration of endontically treated teeth—What is the best available clinically relevant evidence
  Guidelines for restoring endontically treated teeth are well established; nevertheless the principles behind these guidelines were developed decades ago primarily from in vitro studies or retrospective studies of metallic posts cemented with conventional cements.  New materials and techniques have been introduced for the restoration of pulpless teeth, and there are additional clinical studies in the literature, not only on traditional materials and methods but also on the more novel materials.  This presentation will critically review the latest available evidence on restoring pulpless teeth and suggest practical guidelines for the clinician.
• Implant Prosthodontics: aesthetics, complications, innovations, and rescue treatment
  This presentation will present the challenges and limitations unique to the treatment of partially edentulous implant patients. Focus will be on clinical techniques for restoration of implants in the aesthetic zone, complications in the restoration of implants with fixed options, and a case series of rescue treatment in compromised implant scenarios. Clinically relevant scientific information will be integrated into the discussion for decision making and techniques.
• The Importance of Evidence based practice guidelines for dental treatment of medically complex patients
  

  This seminar focuses on treatment concepts and modalities for medically complex patients particularly with hemodynamically unstable conditions like cardiac and valvular diseases, hematological disorders, patients on cancer therapy as well as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension.

  Current available guidelines for dental treatment of such conditions in a safe environment reducing post operative complications will also be discussed. In addition, the focus on preventive modalities in general and particularly for such patients so that dental disease is prevented by adequate home care will be covered.
• Combined Inhalation-Enteral Conscious Sedation for the Adult Dental Patient
  This intensive, 24-hour course offers training in the safe and effective use of combined inhalation-enteral conscious sedation in adult dental patients.  Of the 24 hours, 8 hours will be delivered in an online, self-paced format, consisting of eight 1-hour modules that will be completed by the participant before the first day of in-person instruction.
• Fundamentals of Tooth Preparation in Operative Dentistry: from outline form to caries removal
  This 2 hour course offers a comprehensive understanding of direct restorative management in dentistry, focusing on the essential principles and steps involved in cavity prepation in operative dentistry. The aim is to equip dentists with the knowledge and skills required for effective cavity prepation and caries removal.
  This course provides a structured and detailed overview of the step-by-step process of tooth preparation. Dentists will explore the essential principles for establishing proper outline form and initial depth, and learn how to effectively incorporate retention, resistance, and convenience form into the tooth preparation. Through this course participants gain proficiency in pulp protection and master the techniques for caries removal, with a special emphasis on selective caries removal and how to approach it in various clinical scenarios.  

• 3D Modeling Essentials and Customization for Dental Professionals 
  The course aims to teach the fundamentals of 3D modeling and progress to advanced applications, demonstrating how a solid understanding of the basics can be adapted to various clinical situations. Basic 3D elements covered include mesh density, group functions, clay modeling, and file output options. Advanced elements focus on dental applications, such as customizing outputs from dental software. The primary teaching tool will be Meshmixer by Autodesk, Exocad, Blue Sky Plan 4 and Trios Unite. 

• A Team Approach to the Care of Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate
  Patients born with cleft and craniofacial differences require multidisciplinary care throughout their lifetimes. This course will provide a general overview of the various dental, medical, surgical, psychological and developmental needs of these patients with an emphasis on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery. 

• RPD’s – Alternatives to Implant Therapy – Advantages and Myths
  Not all patients can afford implant therapy, making removable partial dentures (RPDs) a valuable treatment option. This course revisits the tenets of proper RPD design and fabrication with incorporating many examples of clinical treatment ranging from basic principles to the most complex RPD’s. There will be a hands-on component where participants will design and treatment plan partially edentulous patients. Appropriate discussion will ensue to cater to patients currently in your practice. Multiple frameworks will be presented and discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring their casts to the course for discussion and RPD designing. 
• The Opioid Epidemic and Dentistry
  Prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl use is increasing in the United States along with addiction overdose and death. More people died of drug addiction in the United States in recent years than ever before. Nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. This course reviews the history of the opioid epidemic while also looking at dentistry's role in the opioid epidemic. Management of acute and postoperative pain will be discussed along with safe prescribing techniques to avoid abuse and diversion.
  
  
• Adhesive Systems: A Deep Dive into Mechanisms and Applications
  This course provides a comprehensive overview of adhesive systems, starting with the basic principles of adhesion and extending to the discussion of the longevity of each type of adhesive system.

  Through an evidence-based approach, participants will gain insights into the essential mechanisms of bonding to enamel and dentin. We will revisit the unique characteristics of these two dental tissues and the reasons why adhesives are applied differently to each. A contemporary classification of adhesive systems will be presented, along with instructions on how to apply each material in clinical practice.

  The course will also delve deeply into the mechanisms of current monomers, such as 10-MDP, so that dentists can understand the specific characteristics of adhesive systems containing this monomer. We will explore the latest research and data on the longevity of direct restorations with each type of adhesive system, providing participants with a thorough understanding of the key factors that influence success. Finally, we will highlight steps clinicians can take to improve bonding predictability.

  The primary goal is to ensure that dentists acquire knowledge that allows them to fully utilize the optimal properties of each material, ultimately enhancing the longevity of restorative treatments.

• Porcelain Laminate Veneers
  This comprehensive continuing education course is tailored for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants eager to enhance their skills in the planning, preparation, and placement of porcelain laminate veneers.

  Participants will explore advanced techniques and strategies for achieving superior aesthetic and functional outcomes in restorative dentistry using porcelain veneers. The course will cover the latest advancements in materials, bonding techniques, patient selection criteria, periodontal considerations and step-by-step procedural approaches.

  Emphasis will be placed on clinical decision-making, managing patient expectations, and addressing potential challenges in achieving optimal results. Through hands-on exercises and case-based discussions, attendees will gain confidence to seamlessly incorporate porcelain laminate veneers into their practice, elevating their ability to provide high-quality, esthetic restorations.

• Impacts of technological evolution on the pillars of endodontic success - A critical analysis based on scientific evidence
  The main objective of the lecture is to propose an evidenced-based reflection on the impacts of technological evolution on the pillars of endodontic success.

• Enhance your HPV Communication Confidence Applying Brief Motivational Interviewing
  The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, causing 70% of all oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). A safe, effective vaccine against oncogenic HPV types is available; however, uptake of the vaccine in the United States has been slow. Provider communication has been identified as one of the most influential facilitators of vaccine uptake. Reported barriers to discussing HPV with patients is a lack of knowledge and confidence in discussing this sensitive topic. Brief-Motivational Interviewing (brief-MI) is a collaborative patient-centered counseling approach to support a positive behavior change and has been investigated as an effective communication approach for HPV counseling.  This presentation will provide general HPV information, the role of HPV in OPC, HPV vaccination facts and brief-MI training for HPV OPC prevention.

• Oropharyngeal Cancer: Why it matters!
  This course provides a comprehensive overview of oropharyngeal carcinoma, focusing on its epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation. The role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) will be explored, given its strong association with cancers in the oropharyngeal region.  Diagnostic approaches, staging, and patient outcomes will also be covered in this course.
  
  
• A Review of Minimally Invasive Procedures in Managing Dental Caries in Children
  Interestingly, dentists who treat dental caries in children are increasingly understanding that cutting tooth structure with a handpiece is not always an imperative. Only 5% of all procedures performed on children are restorations requiring the use of a handpiece. This course will review several approaches to managing caries in children that do not require the use of a handpiece including: fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, Hall crowns, resin infiltration, and fissure sealants. Additionally, challenges associated with case selection and treatment plan development will be discussed. Subsequent to completing the course, the participant should be equipped to manage caries in children in a manner that minimizes the removal of tooth structure by utilizing a dental handpiece.
• Antiresorptive Medications and MRONJ
  This presentation provides an overview of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ), focusing on understanding its types, definitions, causes, and management strategies. Participants will learn to identify and describe the three primary types of ONJ and the core elements that define MRONJ.  Dr. Beals will cover the indications for antiresorptive medications, exploring the mechanisms of action for drugs like Denosumab and Bisphosphonates, and detailing both anabolic and anti-catabolic medication categories.

  Additionally, the presentation will cover the pathophysiology, stages, and predisposing factors of MRONJ, providing a solid foundation for understanding its progression and impact. It will also address treatment goals, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) guidelines, and local wound care practices that promote healing.

• ADVANCED DIGITAL DENTISTRY | Techniques, Quality Assurance & Innovations
  This presentation explores the latest advancements in digital dentistry, focusing on intraoral scanning techniques, quality assessment, and effective communication with dental labs. Additionally, it delves into innovative applications in sports dentistry and implant-protected occlusion to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Er:YAG and CO2 Laser Dental Applications
  This presentation will focus on two different wavelengths of all-tissue lasers: Er:YAG and CO2. Tissue interactions will be compared for each wavelength and supported by clinical cases. Techniques highlighted will include restorative dentistry and surgical procedures.

• Scientific Writing Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing in the Dental Sciences
  This course provides a concise, step-by-step guide tailored to dental professionals, including dentists, academicians, and researchers. Participants will learn how to break down the scientific writing process into manageable steps, supported by concrete examples to reference when preparing manuscripts or grant proposals. By enhancing participants’ exposure to the writing process, the course aims to equip them with the skills necessary to excel in scientific publishing and communication within the dental sciences.
  
  This hands-on course includes lectures, in-class exercises, group discussions, and personalized feedback to help participants improve their scientific writing skills.
  
  
• Advanced Scientific Writing for Healthcare Professionals
  This comprehensive continuing education course is tailored for healthcare professionals seeking to refine their scientific writing skills and enhance their ability to produce high-quality research publications and grant proposals. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, participants will gain the skills needed to write clear, structured, and persuasive scientific documents while mastering key research methodologies.
• Artificial Intelligence and CBCT: Bye, Bye Radiologists?
  Explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and its impact on dentomaxillofacial radiology. This lecture will break down the basics of AI, demonstrate its role in improving image interpretation, and highlight future trends that could reshape healthcare, especially in diagnostics. We’ll also discuss how AI should influence decisions when adopting new CBCT technology.
  Come and join us in this exciting discussion on the future of dentistry and the transformative role of AI in CBCT.

• Dental Trauma: Evidence-Based Approaches for Optimal Care
  This 2-hour continuing dental education (CDE) course aims to provide dental practitioners with a practical, evidence-based approach to managing various types of dental trauma. The course will cover the classification, diagnosis, and management of dental injuries, focusing on best practices for immediate and long-term care. Participants will gain insights into the latest techniques and materials used in trauma management, improving patient outcomes.
  
  
• Surgically Facilitated Orthodontics: Essential Techniques & Principles
  This lecture provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy, designed for dental professionals aiming to enhance their clinical practice. Participants will delve into the core principles and essential techniques that underpin this surgical approach, which combines surgical procedures with orthodontic treatment to achieve elevated patient outcomes. The session will cover key topics such as treatment planning, patient selection, and the integration of surgical and orthodontic modalities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the indications, benefits, and potential complications of these procedures, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively incorporate surgically facilitated orthodontics into their practice.

• Dr. Harry W.F. Dressel, Jr. Memorial Lecture
  This comprehensive course explores the intersection of ethical decision-making and dental practice, focusing on the key principles that guide moral choices. Participants will delve into the ADA Ethical Principles, with an emphasis on the nuanced tension between autonomy and paternalism, examining how these principles inform ethical decisions. Special attention will be given to benevolent deception, and will explore its relevance in addressing complex moral dilemmas.
  
  The course will provide a deeper understanding of vulnerability, highlighting the unique ethical considerations in dental populations, and will offer an enriched perspective on the historical development of informed consent and its role in modern dental ethics. Participants will also learn how to differentiate between ethical dilemmas, uncertainties, distress, and weakness, equipping them with tools to navigate complex situations.
  
  Ultimately, attendees will gain practical skills to assess and analyze ethical dilemmas in dentistry through structured frameworks, while cultivating moral courage and reflection as essential elements in making informed, compassionate decisions in addition to initial responses based on one's worldview.

• Pharmacology for Prescribing Dental Hygienists
  This course meets the educational requirements for registered dental hygienists to apply for recognition to prescribe and administer medication.

• Revamping Your Treatment Plan Presentation Skills
  How are your treatment plan presentation skills? Do you how know to create the environment to present treatment plans that will lead to case acceptance? What is your biggest challenge regarding treatment plan presentation? In this course Dr. Rambob will share with you some strategies to effectively engage with your patients to understand their needs, desires, expectations, questions and objections to successfully navigate the treatment plan presentation process using techniques from marketing, negotiation, neurosciences and shared decision-making principles.

• Advancing Endodontic Success by Mastering Root Canal Irrigation Techniques
  Root canal therapy's success hinges on three critical steps: proper instrumentation, effective irrigation, and thorough obturation. Of these, irrigation plays the most pivotal role in ensuring the healing of periapical tissues. During endodontic disinfection, the clinician faces many limiting factors: such as complex root canal anatomy, untouched dentin walls left during mechanical instrumentation, and bacterial load in the forms of biofilm attached to dentin walls and in the isthmus. This course will discuss the importance of traditional and newer root canal irrigants with evidence-based irrigation protocols required to accomplish the debridement of the root canal system, which is essential for the predictable success of endodontic cases. By the end of this course, the participants will be equipped with the knowledge to implement advanced irrigation techniques, and protocols ensuring predictable and successful clinical outcomes.
• Current Trends in Digital Dentistry 
  This course outlines evidence-based possibilities and provides an applicable understanding of the different digital clinical workflows in a ready-to-use format so you can hit the ground running when you return to practice. This program is geared towards any dentist, hygienist, or dental technician, regardless of previous knowledge surrounding digital technologies, interested in improving their knowledge, gaining evidence-based protocols of digital workflows from data acquisition to subtractive/ additively manufacturing devices and restorations.       

• Biomimetic Approach to Direct Composite Posterior Restoration
  This course provides a comprehensive and practical exploration of the biomimetic approach to direct composite restorations in posterior teeth, with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Participants will gain the skills needed to effectively manage tooth caries and defective restorations by focusing on optimal cavity design guided by biomechanical analysis. Key areas of focus include rubber dam isolation, precise matrix placement, and ring installation, alongside the use of gold-standard adhesive bonding systems.