Frontiers in Dentistry

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/frontiers-in-dentistry

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Frontiers in Dentistry** In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, staying abreast of the latest innovations is critical, particularly in specialized fields such as dentistry. The Coursera course titled **Frontiers in Dentistry** offers an invaluable opportunity for dental professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike to explore groundbreaking research and technologies that are transforming the field of dental medicine. ### Overview The Frontiers in Dentistry course dives deep into several key domains that have recently undergone significant advancements. Led by esteemed faculty members from the University of Pennsylvania, participants will gain access to cutting-edge techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations that are shaping modern dentistry. The course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, making it highly relevant for current practitioners and those entering the profession. ### Course Structure The course is elegantly divided into five distinct modules, each focusing on a specific area of advancement: 1. **Introduction to Frontiers in Dentistry**: The course kicks off with an introduction from Dr. Mark Wolff, the Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Dental Medicine. This module sets the stage for learning and encourages participants to engage and share their expectations. 2. **The Center for Innovation and Precision Dentistry**: This module highlights the collaborative efforts at the University of Pennsylvania, showcasing innovative projects at the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD). Dr. Michel Koo provides insights into how these initiatives are addressing unmet needs in oral health and training the next generation of dental professionals. 3. **Treatment of Patients with Disabilities**: This vital section discusses the unique challenges faced by patients with disabilities in accessing dental care. It emphasizes the importance of tailored treatments and minimally invasive care techniques that accommodate different needs, featuring expert insights from Dr. Miriam Robbins. 4. **Innovations in Biomaterials and Artificial Intelligence**: As dental technology progresses, this module focuses on the latest research in biomaterials and the integration of AI into clinical practices. Dr. Markus Blatz discusses how these advancements enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes through less invasive and more aesthetic treatment options. 5. **Digital Dentistry**: The exploration of CAD/CAM technologies in this module reveals the exciting potential of digital dentistry. With contributions from Dr. Conejo, participants will learn about how these technologies increase efficiency and improve treatment precision while making care more accessible. 6. **Computer Assisted Orthodontics**: The final module introduces advanced orthodontic practices influenced by technology. Dr. Sam Kadan explains how digital imaging and clear aligners are revolutionizing orthodontic therapy, making it more available and affordable for patients. ### Why You Should Take This Course - **Cutting-Edge Knowledge**: Gain insights into the latest advances in dental medicine, reinforced by evidence-based research and expert teaching. - **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Learn about the importance of collaboration across different scientific fields, which fosters innovation and improves patient care. - **Accessibility Awareness**: Understand the challenges and solutions in providing care to patients with disabilities, a critical area often overlooked in traditional dental education. - **Practical Applications**: The knowledge gained from this course can be immediately applied in clinical practice, enhancing your skill set and improving patient outcomes. ### Conclusion The **Frontiers in Dentistry** course on Coursera is an exceptional educational experience for anyone involved in dental medicine. Exceptional faculty, rich course content, and a focus on real-world applications create a powerful learning environment conducive to professional growth. Whether you are a student, a practicing dentist, or simply someone interested in the advancements within dental healthcare, this course is highly recommended for you. Embrace the future of dentistry and enroll today!

Syllabus

Introduction to Frontiers in Dentistry

Throughout this course, you will be provided the opportunity to explore some of the latest, most fascinating advances in dental medicine. These innovations in therapeutic techniques as well as our understanding of the biomedical sciences have been made possible by our research enterprise which integrates the latest emerging technology along with interdisciplinary collaborations. We will begin the course with a warm welcome from Penn Dental Medicine's Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, and a brief introduction to the five domains that we will be discussing in this course. You will also get the opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your hopes for this learning experience. Let's get started!

The University of Pennsylvania provides a unique sense of collaboration that fosters cross-discipline partnerships. The Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) is a vibrant community of experts in Penn Dental Medicine and Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who leverage cutting-edge yet affordable approaches. The CiPD allows for accelerated discovery and translation of new therapies, diagnostics, and devices to address unmet needs in oral health. The CiPD also trains the next generation of leaders in dental, oral, and craniofacial research, and oral healthcare innovation. Several completed and in-progress projects will be highlighted in this week's module in an interview with Dr. Michel Koo, a Professor at the School of Dental Medicine and the co-Director of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) at the University of Pennsylvania.

For the 61 million Americans who have disabilities, going to the dentist can be a harrowing experience. There are many things to consider, including accessibility, finding care, and geographic proximity. Patients with hearing impediments, cognitive impairments, physical challenges, age, or disease-related difficulties need dentists, along with spaces designed for them and their caregivers. Mainstream healthcare providers are not often taught how to take different disabilities into consideration in their practices and treatment planning, which impacts millions of Americans’ access to healthcare every year. Minimally invasive care techniques that might not be typically considered in treatment planning are strong tools when treating patients whose disabilities might prevent them from receiving traditional treatment techniques. The Penn Dental Care Center for Persons with Disabilities is a unique opportunity for both patients and providers. It gives patients a tailored experience, taking into consideration a multitude of accessibility concerns. Students are given direct experience in treating patients with alternative needs as well as a good example of what accessibility looks like when considering their futures beyond Penn Dental Medicine. The ability of academic institutions to train the next generation of dentists who will be capable of treating patients with disabilities while also being cognizant of the various attitudinal, physical, and financial barriers is one of the formidable challenges facing the dental profession. To discuss these and other related issues we have invited one of the experts in this area, Dr. Miriam Robbins.

This module will discuss the up-to-date clinical and laboratory biomaterials research, focusing on esthetic dentistry, minimally invasive and adhesive dentistry, implant prosthodontics, novel materials, and modern CAD/CAM technologies. Which have improved our diagnostic capabilities and clinical outcomes. Combining advances in adhesive dental materials with advances in digital technologies, such as AI, provides a less invasive and more aesthetic outcome for the patient. These advances make calibration and communication between providers and specialties easier and more cost-effective. As the technology advances, dental professionals can provide more tailored and precise treatment to more patients at a lower cost and in fewer steps. We have invited an expert in this field, Dr. Markus Blatz, to provide more information about this domain.

This module delves deeper into the advances of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies and artificial intelligence. One of the most exciting frontiers and innovations in dentistry has been the recent incorporation of computer-controlled components in patients’ diagnostic and clinical procedures. This computer-controlled approach to dental therapeutics is widely known as digital dentistry and it has the potential to increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical treatment resulting in better clinical outcomes. CAD/CAM technology has been around for several decades but has advanced significantly during that time with the addition of artificial intelligence. AI has enabled CAD/CAM technology to extend into the realm of diagnostics, and software is now able to identify potential risk factors in patients. In addition, intraoral scans provide a digital clone of the patient, allowing for better treatment planning and visual communication with the patient and in fewer appointments. These methods also reduce the number of materials required to treat the patient and are more precise than traditional fabrication methods. This technology has become less expensive over time, making this less invasive technology more accessible to a great number of patients. To explain this fascinating area in dentistry is Dr. Conejo who is the Clinical CAD/CAM Director at the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences

Orthodontics is the dental specialty dealing with the correction of irregularities of the teeth, such as malocclusion, often by the use of braces. This treatment aims to ensure the proper form and function of the dentition. Like many other medical entities, orthodontic therapy has been undergoing significant changes influenced by the rapidly emerging technology, one of which is the exciting field of clear aligner therapy. In orthodontics, the computer-based three-dimensional image, which shows the current status of teeth and consequently enables a detailed and precise photorealistic 3D model, is indeed a basis for an innovative approach to treatment. This approach has the possibility of making orthodontic therapy available to millions of individuals who have otherwise been unable to afford orthodontic care. We have invited Dr. Sam Kadan to discuss this newly emerging area.