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International Scientific Congress 2008
Dental Medicine in Scientific Focus: Today and Tomorrow
“Diagnostics and therapy: status quo and future aspects”—this was the guiding theme of this year’s International Scientific Congress conducted by Ivoclar Vivadent in Schaan, Liechtenstein.

Around 80 representatives of the scientific community from Europe, Asia, and North and South America convened at the company’s headquarters from November 20-22. Under the scientific auspices of Professor Heinrich Kappert and Professor Jean-Francois Roulet, the participants discussed intensively the current state of dentistry, and also ventured a glance at future developments. The topics ranged from diagnostics, prevention, and restorative and conservative dentistry to current material-related themes.

Diagnostic, Preventive, and Conservative Dentistry
How effective are today’s diagnostic and preventive procedures? At this stage, no clear answer can be given with regard to caries development. Even though much more sophisticated diagnostic techniques are available today, scientific studies demonstrate the limi-tations of these methods. Major advancements have been achieved through the acquisition of science-backed knowledge about the different stages of caries development. In the field of prevention, the aim is to maintain an equilibrium between tooth demineralization and remineralization. If there are symptoms that hint at the presence of caries, successful control is dependent on the germ cell count of the individual patient. In the field of periodontal disease, the measurement of pocket depth is still the most effective method of periodontal screening available today. However, biological tests appear to have a great deal of potential in the near future.

The lectures on the topic of restorative dentistry mainly centered on the decision-making process. The wide choice of bonding systems available today (ie, etch and rinse and self-etch adhesives) etch and rinse systems are preferrable if a bond to enamel needs to be established, whereas the more gentle self-etch adhesives are the material of choice in dentin bonding. A trend toward easier-to-use systems, which offer reliable adhesion but involve fewer application steps, has been observed. Which restorative solution should be chosen in the anterior region and which in the posterior region? The decision is dependent on several factors. In this context, the needs of the patient and the skills of the dentist play a significant role. One thing is certain: the function and esthetics of anterior teeth can be restored with much less invasive techniques today than a few years ago. This also applies to orthodontics.

Conventional or Implant Treatment
Endodontic therapy or implant placement? This question cannot be solved simply by comparing success rates. Rather, a complex evaluation of various criteria is required, among which the individual prognosis of the patient in question should rank first. To determine whether implant-supported or conventional restoration is the appropriate solution is equally difficult. Even though the risk of complications is still much higher today in conjunction with implant-supported restoration than with conventional tooth replacement, this fact does not help in the decision-making process. However, it is crucial to find a successful solution that is durable and predictable. The most important parameter in this respect is the individual patient situation, which may even indicate that a complete denture should be chosen. Despite the increasing popularity of implant restorations, complete dentures are still the first choice for many patients.

Composite and/or Ceramic Material
Due to their outstanding esthetic properties and biocompatibility, all-ceramic restorations are becoming more and more popular. Because of the excellent results achieved with this material, all-ceramics have become a genuine alternative to metal-ceramics. However, metal-ceramics are still an appropriate solution for certain indications. Furthermore, composite development has not come to an end. Current failures reveal the areas that offer potential for improvement. For example, high fracture strength, less fatigue and abrasion, shade stability, and durable surface gloss would be real assets in a composite. However, it will be difficult to combine all of these properties in one material. Therefore, a stronger differentiation will have to be made between composites for the anterior and posterior region.

The Future
A look at the exciting future of dental materials reveals that zirconium oxide will play an ever more important role. In addition, further high-strength, poly-crystalline ceramics with excellent translucent properties will enter the market. As far as automated processing techniques are concerned, milling by means of laser beams and improved press procedures will gain in significance. Overall, socio-political factors will have a considerable impact on the way dentistry is practiced, as well as in the field of research and new product development. Biological aspects will increasingly be taken into account in the development of dental materials.

The lecturers were: Prof. Dr. Thomas Attin; PD Dr. Patrick R. Schmidlin, Zurich; Prof. Svante Twetman, Copenhagen; Prof. Dr. Bart van Meerbeek, Leuven; Prof. Dr. Mutlu Özcan, Groningen; Dr. Roberto Spreafico, Varese; Dr. Alessandro Devigus, Bülach; Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Bantleon, Vienna; Prof. Dr. Claus Löst, Tübingen; Prof. Dr. Bjarni E. Pjetursson, Reykjavik; PD Dr. Stefan Holst, Erlangen; Prof. Dr. Sandro Palla, Zurich; Prof. Kenneth J. Anusavice, Gainsville; Prof. Matthias Kern, Kiel; Prof. Reinhard Hickel, Munich; and Prof. Dr. Horst Fischer, Aachen.

Advanced Learning Experience by Ivoclar Vivadent
Indian Dental Education Academy (IDEA) from Mumbai visits Ivoclar Vivadent headquarters
Continuous education is what the Indian Dental Education Academy (IDEA) wants to provide to its dentist members. Ivoclar Vivadent offers quality products and is committed to conduct training for dentists who want to improve their skills in this quality sector.

That is why Dr. Satish Bhalgat approached the team of Ivoclar Vivadent to set up a program that goes further in providing information, and that in addition, offers an insight into the company from the Principality of Liechtenstein in the heart of Europe.

Thirty doctors—including Drs. Baghrecha, Bhalgat Bhambhani, Bhimani, Chhajed, Doshi, Gandhi, Javeri, Katara Mehta, Modi, Muchhala, Naik, Pandya, Patel, Pharande, Sandh, Shah, Shingote, Talwalkar, Dhwani and Vakharia—joined the IDEA tour to Europe. Dr. Bhavin Patel, from the Mumbai-based trader NK Patel & Sons, joined the group during their long journey from Mumbai to Schaan.

At the Ivoclar Vivadent headquarters, the participants of the Indian Dental Education Academy gained an exclusive insight into the Ivoclar Vivadent Tetric N-family composite range through presentations. Furthermore, they worked in the training facilities to implement the presentation into the practice. After an update on the Ivoclar Vivadent All Ceramic System IPS e.max, a workshop on cementation was held by the team of Professional Services in the International Centre for Dental Education (ICDE) Schaan (View Figure).

The program ended with a company tour where the participants learned more about the 85 years of Dental Competence by Ivoclar Vivadent.

The social program guided the Indian Dental Education Academy participants to the breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps. Enjoying snow in autumn, relaxing at the sun terrace, and sampling specialities from the Swiss cuisine—these adventures were only the icing on the cake of a fantastic learning experience by Ivoclar Vivadent.

The IDEA group in front of the International Centre for Dental Education in Schaan.