In the field of dental surgery, opportunities to refine skills and share clinical expertise are paramount. The Nobel Biocare All-on-4® Cadaver Course is a shining example of professional development, merging cutting-edge techniques with hands-on practice to elevate surgical proficiency.
An annual course hosted by Nobel Biocare and presented by industry leaders, including Next Smile Australia dental surgeons, provides participants unparalleled insights into the transformative All-on-4® procedure, empowering them to support their patients with greater confidence and skills.
Teaching Through Experience
At the heart of the Cadaver Course is its unique, immersive approach to teaching. This hands-on methodology enables participants to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Under the expert guidance of Dr Larry Benge (Dental Surgeon), Dr Lydia Lim (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon), and Dr Lauren Fowler (Dental Surgeon), attendees practised placing implants on models before progressing to cadavers.
This progression allowed participants to gain a profound understanding of surgical intricacies, from managing zygomatic implants to mastering bone density considerations and the correct angles required for success. The instructors shared personal techniques and insights, fostering a learning environment that prioritised precision, safety, and patient outcomes.
Mentorship in Action
A staple of these events is the connections forged by the senior clinicians with the attendees. Whether they’re helping them understand how to make a complex implant placement or how to react when complications begin to mount, there is a real transfer of knowledge and learning. This mentorship, this instruction, and this connection will serve these doctors for years to come in countless procedures they will undertake. The baton is continually being passed on.
Next Smile Australia dental surgeons, including Dr Evan Jones, Dr Nicholas Wood, Dr Edward Pitts (Next Smile Adelaide) and Dr Melissa Anderson (Next Smile Sydney), were on hand during the course to support participants with their learning.
Dr Evan Jones shared that:
“Beyond just being able to teach, it was fantastic to be able to discuss treatments and cases with clinicians. When doing All-on-4® surgery, no two cases are the same, and helping to evaluate, plan and teach also improves our skills for our patients at the same time.
Having courses like this, supported by Nobel Biocare, reinforces that All-on-4® surgery is something that needs to be taught, refined and practised with experienced clinicians and mentors. The trust that is put in us by the course participants reinforces the fact that we are the leading All-on-4® practices in Australia.”
The Value of Networking
Beyond its technical focus, the Cadaver Course created a dynamic platform for networking. Dentists from across the globe shared their experiences, challenges, and visions for advancing patient care. This collegiality extended beyond the classroom, fostering connections that would continue to benefit participants long after the course concluded.
For Dr Larry Benge, these events are incredibly important. At a previous Nobel Biocare event, he met three doctors who now lead the Adelaide Next Smile Australia Super Clinic. At another event, Dr Benge also crossed paths with Dr Jean Cohen, who helms Casuarina Square Dental Care, one of Next Smile Australia’s Accredited Partners.
These connections are testaments to the enduring relationships that events like this can spark, weaving a network of professionals dedicated to dental excellence, ready to join forces in the pursuit of helping more patients. The network of dentists coming to these courses is inspiring, as many clinicians are empowered to take their skills to the next level.
Dr Nicholas Wood, a Next Smile Adelaide Clinician, spoke about the value of the courses:
“I had an interesting experience as I was mentoring a clinician participating in the course who turns out to be some direct competition we have in Adelaide. It also turned out that one of our OHTs is friends with her, and the feedback she gave was that she was very happy with the course and that it was great to learn from my passion and knowledge about the topic.
We also helped someone who we first met at a course with Larry two years ago which was nice to see that he was still continuing his education and partnering with Nobel.”
Partnering through Education for Patient Care: Nobel Biocare: Education at Its Best
The partnership between dental surgeons and Nobel Biocare and their commitment to education support positive patient outcomes. Renowned for their commitment to advancing dental education and innovation, Nobel Biocare provided not only the platform but also the tools essential for success.
Attendees benefited from state-of-the-art equipment, including models and surgical instruments designed for precise All-on-4® applications.
This unwavering dedication to excellence solidified Nobel Biocare's role as a leader in the dental community, equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to transform lives through superior patient care.
Building Bridges, Advancing Skills
The Nobel Biocare All-on-4® Cadaver Course was more than just an educational event—it was a bridge between innovation and practice, mentorship and growth. Attendees left with sharpened surgical skills, an enriched understanding of implant placement, and the tools to manage complex cases confidently.
With Nobel Biocare's unwavering support and the expertise of mentors like Dr Larry Benge, Dr. Lydia Lim, and Dr. Lauren Fowler, this event underscored the transformative potential of education in advancing the dental profession.
For those dedicated to changing lives one smile at a time, the All-on-4® Cadaver Course proved to be a pivotal step in their professional journey. The Cadaver Course will return in 2025 and registrations are now open.