VCU School of Dentistry invites the oral health community to participate in the Virginia Implant Excellence Week (VIEW) November 6-10. Focusing on all aspects of the dental implant process, the week of continuing education events seeks to engage oral health professionals in all capacities, culminating in a symposium at the Westin Hotel on November 10. 

“As Virginia’s only dental school, we are committed to promoting excellence and innovation of oral health care throughout the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Lyndon Cooper, dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “There is a great need among our community for implant dentistry, and we hope this weeklong experience will allow the sharing of knowledge in the school and throughout the profession that ultimately benefits residents throughout the state.”

VIEW begins in the School of Dentistry with a series of lunch and learn workshops on a variety of topics related to implant dentistry, offering participants a number of opportunities to earn continuing education credits.  

The week culminates with the Friday VIEW Symposium, which will offer participants up to seven hours of continuing education credits and will feature nationally renowned experts in restorative and implant dentistry. In addition to VCU School of Dentistry speakers, Dean Cooper and Director of Implant Dentistry Dr. Karen McAndrew, the event boasts a number of outside speakers with extensive experience, including: 

• Brandon Kofford, D.M.D., M.S., F.A.C.P., a board-certified prosthodontist with more than 15 years of experience. He is a partner in seven dental practices and a full-service dental laboratory, and he has co-developed and brought to market innovative denture technology. 
• Lee Culp, C.D.T., CEO of Sculpture Studios, who is a pioneer in the field of digital dentistry. He has contributed to eight dental textbooks and is a leading resource/inventor for many of the materials, products and techniques used in dentistry. Culp has earned a reputation for his writing, photography and teaching style, which he incorporates into his exciting lectures. 
• Mariano Polack, D.D.S., who brings extensive experience from more than 20 years in private practice focusing on specialty prosthodontics. He has been a guest researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has published more than 40 abstracts and papers related to prosthodontics, and lectures both nationally and internationally. 
• Mark Ludlow, D.M.D., the section head of Implant Dentistry, Digital Dentistry and Removable Prosthodontics at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. He is passionate about the development and integration of digital technology in the practice of everyday implant and restorative dentistry. 
• Amar Katranji, D.D.S., M.S., a highly skilled periodontist specializing in dental implant placement, advanced bone grafting and full-arch restoration. Dedicated to research and clinical practice, he has earned a reputation for his expertise in complex implant cases. 
• Gary Jones, D.D.S., a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who has focused his practice on helping those in need of jaw reconstructive surgery and implant dentistry. As a dental implant expert, he trains other surgeons on the techniques he uses and enjoys lecturing about the technology and business aspects of implant dentistry at national dental conferences, conventions and private events. 

“It’s hard to quantify the impact of restoring a smile, and VCU School of Dentistry has worked hard to ensure we stay at the forefront of providing implant dentistry in our doctor of dental surgery and advanced education programs,” said Dr. McAndrew. “We hope this event will expand the skill sets and knowledge of oral health professionals from across the region. I look forward to sharing ideas and learning from the experience of all who attend.” 

The event is made possible thanks to the support of many generous sponsors, including Dentsply Sirona, ZimVie, Keystone Dental Group and Virginia Dental Association. 

More information about the event, speakers and registration details can be found online at: https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0017-0015-6000A13BF7DC4373A39E207E09264C83