WHERE WORLD S C O L L I DE 2025–2026
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
STUDY CLUB
WHERE WORLDS COLLIDE
Where Innovation Meets Tradition, and Ideas Transform the Future
Welcome to this year’s season, where boundaries blur and new possibilities emerge. Worlds Collide brings together the best of the past, present, and future of dentistry. In this unique gathering, traditional wisdom meets groundbreaking innovation, creating a powerful synergy that will shape the future of care.
Here, we’ll explore the intersection of diverse ideas, techniques, and technologies— fostering collaboration that transcends disciplines and sparks transformative solutions. It’s not just about advancing practice but about embracing the rich tapestry of our collective knowledge. As we celebrate the collision of worlds, we unite in the spirit of growth, discovery, and friendship, forging connections that will propel us all toward a brighter, more innovative future.
Let’s challenge the status quo and transform the landscape of dentistry—together.
THURSDAY SEPT 4, 2025
KICK OFF DINNER
RUTH’S CHRIS
6PM—ANN ARBOR
FRIDAY OCT 17, 2025
The Art of the Sideways Hierarchy: Servant Leadership in Action
Team Building / AGD Code 550 / CE 4
Seminar 7:30/8am – 1pm
Location Barton Hills
Contrary to most organizational structures of top-down hierarchies and leaders-at-the-bottom pyramids, winning teams understand that only a sideways hierarchy creates the experience culture we hope to provide our community. In a sideways hierarchy, leaders “step back and down” to serve the associate before them; associates step back and down to let patient experience take center stage. A single interaction in a patient’s overall experience can make or break a reputation; a sideways hierarchy highlights the fact that no matter our title, every role matters, and an all-in attitude across a team is the only way to stay ahead of the competition.
Learning Objectives
• Explore how shifting from a traditional hierarchy to a sideways approach enhances collaboration, accountability, and patient-centered care by moving from a climate of obligation to a culture of inspiration.
• Learn techniques for leaders to “step back and down” to empower team members, fostering a culture where every role contributes to a positive experience for the human before them.
• Discover strategies to build a team mindset that emphasizes shared responsibility and commitment, ensuring consistency in patient care, experience, and practice reputation.
• Implement actionable steps to prioritize patient experience at every level, effectively raising the bar in a competitive environment.
TODD WILLIAMS
Todd Williams brings three decades of culture development experience across healthcare, hospitality, and various customer-facing industries. For over 20 years as the Senior Learning and Development Manager at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, he helped develop and implement the cultural training that has defined Four Seasons as the undisputed leader of luxury hospitality. He was personally responsible for the cultural staff and leadership training at the majority of North American Four Seasons openings since 2008. A firm believer that ‘hospitality’ is not just an industry but a way of life focused on putting others first, he has helped teams in numerous industries improve customer and associate relations.
In his role with Centura Health as Vice President, Culture Development, Todd focused on associate engagement, fostering emotional connections with patients, families, and the community, brand differentiation, and more—all centered around patient- and provider-centric values and a culture of authentic service. Knowing “excellence” is merely baseline in today’s competitive environment, he is committed to helping care professionals demonstrate crafted care, empathetic patience, and heartfelt service in action.
TODD SCHOENBAUM
Dr. Todd Schoenbaum is a Professor at the Dental College of Georgia where he trains residents and students in implant restorations and clinical research. He also serves as the Director of Clinical Research for the college.
He has published over 70 papers, 8 chapters, and two textbooks. He is the recipient of the scientific writing award from the JPD. He is the Editorin-Chief of Dentistry Review. He has a master’s in clinical research from the UCLA School of Medicine and is a Fellow and Diplomate of the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Schoenbaum has been invited to present his clinical and scientific work at conferences worldwide. His clinical practice is limited to fixed implant restorations.
FRIDAY NOV 21, 2025
Implant Prosthodontics: Aesthetics, Complications, Innovations, and Rescue Treatment
AGD Code 690 / CE 5
Seminar 8am – 1pm
Location Trillium
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 a nd techniques.
Learning Objectives
How to enhance the outcome and maximize predictability of implants in the aesthetic zone.
Protocols and techniques to reduce the incidence of prosthetic implant complications, and how to correct them when they do occur.
Management of clinical implant complications with a team approach.
WEDNESDAY
DEC 10, 2025
Live Stream with Dennis Tarnow
Team Tx Planning / AGD Code 149 / CE 2.5
Seminar 5:30/6pm – 8:30pm
Location Trillium
Treatment planning complex cases requires the highest level of knowledge and skill. The orchestration of procedures, including proper sequencing and timing, makes the difference. To know the treatment goal, clinicians must be able to envision the final case before even starting. This, in conjunction with the needs of the patient and the clinical situation, comprises the decision-making process. The concerns below will be addressed in this interdisciplinary approach:
• Which teeth to save or extract?
• Should implants be placed immediately or in a delayed protocol?
• Should multiple implants be placed in the esthetic zone?
• When and how to include orthodontics if needed for sight development?
• Should pink ceramic be used or should ridge augmentation be performed?
• Should the case be splinted or broken into separate bridges or individual teeth?
• How to provisionalize the case throughout treatment?
• When to immediate-load cases versus doing a serial extraction?
Learning Objectives
• Identify a systematic approach to treatment planning.
• Create treatment plans considering patient needs without compromising overall treatment goals.
DENNIS TARNOW
Dr. Dennis P Tarnow is currently Clinical Professor of Periodontology and Director of Implant Education at Columbia School of Dental Medicine. He is the former Professor and Chairman of the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Tarnow has a certificate in Periodontics and Prosthodontics and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He is a recipient of the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, Teacher of the Year Award from New York University and Distinguished Lecturer Award from the American College of Prosthodontists in 2015. Dr. Tarnow has a private practice in New York City and has been honored with a wing named after him at New York University College of Dentistry. He has published over one hundred seventy-five articles on perioprosthodontics and implant dentistry and has co-authored three textbooks including one titled Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Tarnow has lectured extensively in the United States and internationally in over forty-five countries
Dr. Dennis P Tarnow does not have any current or past affiliations to disclose.
MARKUS BLATZ [KURARAY]
Dr. Markus B. Blatz is professor of restorative dentistry, chairman of the department of preventive and restorative sciences, and assistant dean for digital innovation and professional development at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. He founded the Penn Dental Medicine CAD/CAM Ceramic Center to study emerging technologies and new ceramic materials while providing state-of-the-art, esthetic clinical care. Dr. Blatz is the Editor-in-Chief of Compendium and Associate Editor of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Among his many honors and recognitions is the “Most Educational Instagram Account” Award — @profmarkusblatz.
FRIDAY JAN 9, 2026
Modern Ceramics in Esthetic Dentistry
Hands-On / AGD Code 250 / CE 5
Seminar 7:30 am – 1pm
Location Weber’s Inn
Exciting advancements and constant developments in esthetic restorative dentistry, adhesion, implantology, all ceramic materials, and CAD/CAM technology provide the restorative dentist with an array of wonderful tools to meet the challenges of this era of dentistry. Ceramic materials have become integral parts of esthetically driven restorative treatment concepts that include procedures ranging from conservative veneers to full-mouth rehabilitations. Highstrength ceramic materials and CAD/CAM technologies are progressively applied for toothand implant-supported restorations. The physical properties of modern ceramic materials are significantly different from traditionally applied metal-alloys and, therefore, require significantly different handling and design. The recent evolution in CAD/CAM technology and ceramic materials, paired with the development of new adhesive bonding materials have vastly shifted traditional treatment paradigms and offer a whole new range of treatment options that are not only more aesthetic and less invasive, but also long-term functional. Besides bonded laminate veneers, which already have a long track record for clinical success, the ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial denture (CRBFPD) is one of these emerging treatment options that can be applied very successfully in situations where traditional approaches or implant-supported restorations are not indicated. CAD/CAM advancements, however, are even more beneficial for the design and precise fabrication of full-mouth reconstructions, specifically on dental implants, where accurate fit is fundamentally important. Crucial aspects for successful integration of these materials and technologies are case selection, a thorough esthetic and functional evaluation, and treatment planning as well as laboratory and clinical handling (i.e., preparation, cementation, and resin bonding) that recognize their indications and limitations based on the current scientific evidence.
Learning Objectives
• How to properly select the latest ceramics for clinical cases.
• Latest CAD/CAM & 3D Printing technologies for ceramics.
• Proper adhesion materials and techniques for ceramics (with demonstrations).
JAN 21-24, 2026
Seattle Study Club Symposium 2026
Camelback Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona
VINAY BHIDE
Dr. Vinay Bhide is a board-certified periodontist who provides the full scope of surgical periodontal and dental implant therapy. He has a special interest in esthetic and reconstructive periodontics. Dr. Bhide completed his DDS and subsequent specialty training in periodontics at the University of Toronto. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. In addition to private practice, Dr. Bhide is a clinical instructor in the graduate periodontology program at the University of Toronto. He is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at UPenn. Dr. Bhide has lectured nationally and internationally and published on various topics related to periodontics and implantology.
THURSDAY FEB 26, 2026
Cleaning Up Your Own Mess: A Tail of Redemption
AGD Code 690 / CE 2
Seminar 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location Trillium
In this rescue mission workshop, Dr. Vinay Bhide is faced with the task of reconstructing the anterior maxilla after implants have failed due to peri-implantitis. Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? It is, until it isn’t! Surgical reconstruction of a deficient ridge in preparation for dental implant therapy has been shown to be a successful and predictable modality of treatment. Now, superimpose a history of peri-implantitis and failed implants onto this scenario and things aren’t so linear anymore. This workshop will showcase a 47-year-old patient who had implants placed in the anterior maxilla and restored with a fixed bridge and subsequently developed peri-implantitis after more than five years in function. The implants were lost to the disease process leaving Dr. Bhide the formidable task of reconstructing the deficient, residual ridge for implant therapy . . . again! While the reconstructive surgery went well, the postoperative healing events that ensued did not.
Learning Objectives
Faced with an already compromised site which was now healing poorly:
• How could the initial peri-implantitis and bone loss have been prevented in the first place?
• What would Dr. Bhide have to do to change the course of treatment so this case could be restored successfully?
• Attendees of this workshop will get an insight into surgical complications and how to deal with them effectively so the ultimate goals of esthetics and function can be achieved!
WEDNESDAY
MAR 11, 2026
Live Webinar with Gustavo Giordani
AGD Code 149 / CE 2.5
Seminar 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location Trillium
Very common nowadays we are faced with cases about installed implants with esthetic and often functional defects. Deciding, in a new rehabilitation, to keep the implants, remove them or rebuild is always a very important decision. The objective of this session is to create a simple and conscientious decision-making analysis for implants already installed and their different workflows.
Learning Objectives
• Recognize when to keep the implant and when to remove it.
• Understand reconstruction techniques.
• Understand soft tissue grafts for both the donor and receiving sites.
GUSTAVO GIORDANI
Dr. Gustavo Giordani specializes in maxillofacial and periodontal surgery, as well as implantology. Dr. Giordani took an implants and periodontal plastic surgery fellowship with Dr. Eric van Dooren in Belgium, and continues to work with him and many others, including Drs Florin Cofar and Galip Gürel. He is the surgeon at Ateliê Oral, considered the most successful dental clinic in Brazil and South America.
Dr. Giordani receives financial support from MIS.
JEFF WASIELEWSKI
Dr. Wasielewski has been a practicing oral surgeon since 2006, providing a high level of care with an emphasis on patient education. He is a proponent of lifelong learning and works diligently to continually improve his many surgical skills. His unrelenting thirst for knowledge and overall desire to improve allows him to provide superior care for his patients. He attended The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and graduated magna cum laude. After that he completed a seven-year residency at The University of Michigan Medical Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. During his time there, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree.
THURSDAY
APRIL 2026 (TBD)
Dental Office Emergencies
Medical Emergency Training / AGD Code 142 / CE 2.5
Seminar 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location Trillium
Medical emergencies in the dental office, while uncommon, require a well thought out system of diagnosis, treatment and assigned responsibilities of all team members to ensure favorable outcomes. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a framework and knowledge base that will prepare teams for success when such occasions arise.
Learning Objectives
• Identify risk factors for common dental emergencies.
• Assign responsibilities to team members in an organized manner to facilitate timely and effective treatment.
• Be able to identify common medical emergencies and provide appropriate triage and treatment to those in need. Be knowledgeable of supplies and medications needed in medical emergencies.
FINAL DINNER
MAY 2026 (TBD)
THE FINE PRINT Registration
These are virtual and live lecture, demo, and peer discussion programs suitable for all dentists, dental students, and business professionals regardless of prior experience who are members of this study club.
Register by contacting Mariah Belanger at synergystudyclub15@gmail.com or text Mariah at 734.645.2845
Please call with any cancellations at least 72 hours before the meeting.
Electronic/Virtual Education
Participant feedback and interchange with instructors will be facilitated through e-mail and live Q&A for all sessions hosted by Seattle Study Club. For recorded sessions, directors will facilitate group discussion with club members.
Disclaimer
Code of Conduct
We are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful meeting environment that is free of harassment, bullying, or offensive comments and/or behavior toward others. We expect all participants whether attending live or virtual sessions to abide by this Code of Conduct policy on all online platforms and meeting venues, including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.
• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
Substitutions
Synergy Study Club
Locally Approved PACE
Program Provider for FAGD/ MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
3/1/2024 to 2/28/2027
Provider ID# 218884
Some information or presentations may include controversial materials or commercial references. Seattle Study Club/ Synergy Study Club cautions all course participants that there is potential risk to using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures into their practices, especially when the continuing education program has not provided them with supervised clinical experience in the techniques or procedures to ensure that they have attained competence.
This brochure represents the speakers/ programs established at the time of publication; however, speaker cancellations occasionally occur for reasons beyond our control. In the event of such an occurrence, speaker/program substitutions may be made without prior notice.
Up to 24 Credits Available
Hours will be submitted by the Synergy Study Club. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD PACE) through the joint program provider approval of Seattle Study Club Inc (Nationally Approved) and Synergy Study Club (Locally Approved). Seattle Study Club Inc and Synergy Study Club are approved for awarding FAGD/MAGD credit.