CE COURSES

The IAG is pleased to partner with the Pacific Northwest Gnathologic Study Club to present the following CE course at a reduced rate for IAG members.

Breakfast at 8:00am with lecture starting at 9:00am.
Break from 10:30am to 10:45am.
Lunch 12:00pm to 1:00pm (possibly shorter).
Break from 3:00pm to 3:15pm
Finish at 4:30pm.

Occlusal Medicine: Why haven’t you been taught this stuff?

Course Description

North American dental education has minimized the importance of gnathology in its undergraduate and post graduate programs. Current research suggests that there is a strong link between masticatory efficiency and brain health! Unfortunately, this lack of understanding of the functions of the masticatory organ and the etiology of dysfunction leads to iatrogenic consequences, missed diagnoses, and early failure of dental treatments. This entertaining, fast paced lecture will outline the latest evidence-based knowledge of occlusal medicine, developed from the concepts of Professor Dr. Rudolf Slavicek, as taught by the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry, University of Vienna. Participants will be exposed to the gnathological concepts that are critical to developing a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan to maximize the function and efficiency of the masticatory organ.

Learning Objectives:

1. Introduction to functional dentistry, occlusal medicine: the local and systemic
   interrelationships.
2. 10 critical questions you must ask before beginning any dental treatment.
3. Current concepts of occlusion: ignore this and you can expect negative outcomes
4. The clinical examination:10 steps to understanding your patient’s function and
   dysfunction.
5. Why you need to palpate muscles and what that tells you.
6. Accurate study casts, facebows, mountings and other instrumentation: why should you spend the time? (Hint it will ultimately save you time)
7. Expert tips and tricks to better diagnose your patient’s current occlusion and function.
8. Centric relation? Is that still a thing? Why a Reference Position is essential!
9. What is a therapeutic position (ThP)?
10. Night Guards: when why and how?
11. Splints: they are therapies!
12. Occlusal schemes-mimicking nature with sequential guidance.
13. Hinge axis and why it’s critical to proper treatment.
14. Jaw tracking/condylography and what it can tell us.
15. When do we need panoramic films, MRI, CBCT and cephalometrics?
16. Case examples from clinical practice that will illustrate the topics covered.

SPEAKER

Dr. Kim Parlett

Dr. Kim Parlett is a graduate of the University of Toronto (7T9) and is a Fellow and Past President of the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics (CARDP) and a member of numerous dental organizations including the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry (AARD). He practices general dentistry in Bracebridge ON with a focus on treating the complex patient, implantology, interdisciplinary treatment using orthodontics and restorative dentistry/prosthodontics. In 2004 he received a master’s degree in dental sciences from Donau University in Krem’s Austria, studying with Dr. Rudolf Slavicek. Dr. Parlett lectures internationally on the topics of complex treatment planning, function, dysfunction, and reconstruction of the complex patient. He is a senior clinical instructor with the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry (VieSID) at the University of Vienna, Austria in the advanced therapy program and VieSID Canada.

Dr. Ian Tester

Dr. Ian Tester is a graduate of the University of Toronto (8T2) and Fellow and Past President of the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics (CARDP) and a member of numerous dental organizations including the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry (AARD). He practices general dentistry in St. Catharines, ON with a focus on treating the complex patient using interdisciplinary treatment. In 2004 he received a master’s degree in dental sciences from Donau University in Krem’s Austria, studying with Dr. Rudolf Slavicek. Dr. Tester lectures internationally on the topics of complex treatment planning, function, dysfunction, and reconstruction of the complex patient. He is a senior clinical instructor in the advanced therapy program with the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry (VieSID) at the University of Vienna, Austria.

Date: December 12, 2025
CE Hours:  6
Time: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (PT)
Location: Global Learning Center of the Washington AGD. 19415 International Blvd Ste 410, Seatac, WA 98188

Location:  Cedarbrook Lodge

Black Tie
Cocktail Party at 6
Dinner at 7
Gift exchange at 8
Host bar

Mark your calendars!

September 10-12th, 2026

We are excited to announce that the 32nd Congress of the International Academy of Gnathology will be held on September 10-12th, 2026 at the Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle, Washington!  Mark you calendars and invite colleagues to another meeting of learning and camaraderie as we explore the future of dentistry!