Modern dentists are confronted with increasing patient demands for implant-based, esthetic and complex prosthodontic procedures. Although U.S. dental schools are committed to providing education in these areas, limitations in time often restrict or deny exposure to clinical treatment of patients with these needs. Recent graduates have, however, an improved didactic understanding of dental implants and esthetic principles and how these procedures can be integrated into daily practice. Improvements in accessibility and quality of continuing education have resulted in implant-based general and esthetic dentistry becoming mainstream. Existing practices are therefore required to update and move forward if they are to remain profitable and efficient. This course begins by emphasizing the importance of a team approach to esthetic and implant-based planning and treatment. A patient classification system based on the clinician's level of skill, experience and education will be detailed to help identify which patients suit which clinicians. Particular emphasis will be directed towards esthetic risk assessment and treatment planning for patients with esthetic demands. The incorporation of the latest components and biomaterials will be discussed through everyday treatment of edentulous and partially dentate patients. Lastly, the treatment of complex patients, and future trends and directions, will be discussed. After listening to parts 1 and 2 of this course, participants should be able to:

Detail pre-treatment patient assessment with specific reference to esthetic analysis.

Discuss the team approach to implant and esthetic restorations, and define the roles of the restorative dentist, the implant surgeon and the dental technician.

Identify advanced and complex patients through application of a detailed patient classification system.

Discuss why implant and esthetic treatment may be considered difficult, and why esthetic outcomes may be compromised.

Communicate the desired 3-D position of implants from an esthetic and functional perspective throughout appropriate template fabrication and use.

Discuss implant and restorative options and choices for patients with advanced, complex and esthetic needs.

Discuss and describe currently available, evidence-based clinical options for treating a range of patients.

Identify esthetic parameters and relate these to treatment risk.

Choose the appropriate implant and abutment for individual esthetic and/or complex restorations.

Discuss the biologic basis for bone and esthetic tissue integration.

Describe the need for, and methods for fabrication of, contoured provisional restorations and customized impressions.

Understand and be able to incorporate the newest in CAD/CAM technologies into implant restorative treatments.