COURSES
COURSES
Friday, April 17, 2026
9:00 a. m. – Noon
Restoring Dental Implants— A Practical Approach to Clinical Success
Presented by Mark E. Hyman, DDS
3 CE credits appropriate for dentists, dental assistants and EFDAs.
Education Methods: lecture, slides, case studies and discussion
Over the past decade, we’ ve witnessed groundbreaking advancements that have revolutionized dentistry and transformed the way we work. Dental implants, as a permanent teeth replacement solution, offer unparalleled stability and function never seen before. Dr. Mark takes you through a series of practical strategies to help you and your team succeed in the delivery of optimal care.
At the conclusion of the course, the participant should be able to:
• Review diagnostic and treatment planning protocols.
• Consider the vital relationships and communication with our dental specialists.
• Engage your team in the delivery of optimal care.
• Learn how to recover from failure and challenges when things go wrong.
12:15 p. m. – 2:45 p. m.
Luncheon and Address – Looking Ahead to the‘ Next Era’ of Oral Health: Opportunities and Challenges
Presented by Marko Vujicic, PhD, Chief Economist & Vice President, ADA’ s Health Policy Institute
Health care policy in the U. S. is charting a new course. The Make America Healthy Again movement – and whatever comes next – is likely to be disruptive, challenging, and a departure from traditional approaches to health care reform. At the same time, such disruptions bring unique opportunities. Dentistry is not immune to the forces of health care reform. In fact, in some areas, dentistry has become front and center to certain Administration priorities related to‘ chemicals’‘ poisons’ and‘ impurities.’
This session will provide an update on major trends affecting dentistry, new opportunities and challenges these trends bring, and where we go next. It will cover longer term trends reshaping the profession, such as shifting practice models, altered career paths, new economic realities dentists are facing, and shifting patient expectations. It also will look ahead to discuss and debate where oral health policy – and the profession – go in the‘ next era’. Lots of time for discussion and debate. Get ready to be uncomfortable!
3:00 p. m. – 5:00 p. m.
Act 124 – Evidence-based Analgesia for Post-Surgical Dental Pain
Presented by Katherine N. Theken, PharmD, PhD
2 CE credits appropriate for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and EFDAs. Fulfills Act 124 CE requirement for dentists with or using a DEA registration as allowed by law
Education Methods: lecture, slides and discussion
The prescription opioid crisis has prioritized the use of non-addictive analgesics for post-surgical dental pain. This course will review the evidence regarding the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs( NSAIDs) in treating dental pain and discuss scenarios where prescription opioids might be warranted. The recently released clinical practice guideline will be reviewed. Responsible prescribing opioid prescribing practices and risks of opioid abuse will also be discussed.
At the conclusion of the course, the participant should be able to:
• Summarize the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of NSAIDs vs. opioids in pain management following third molar extraction.
• Describe patient populations in which opioids would be preferred for treating post-surgical dental pain.
• Discuss some opioid-sparing strategies for pain management.
10 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL