FMR Fridays
Occlusion Course with Live Patient Treatment Series
September 2023 – June 2024
This course encompasses:
Occlusion Philosophy
Implants and Occlusion
Aesthetics and Occlusion
Business and Motivation
Mission Statement
To provide an environment where dental professionals
can learn new technologies, document their progress and develop
excellent skills for treating difficult and challenging cases. To be able
to use their knowledge for treatment plans and sequence cases more
efficiently and predictably, using teeth or dental implants as the
foundation; ceramics and other materials for restorations; occlusion as
the functional component and aesthetics as the focus for ideal natural
appearances that best fits each patient.
What is the length of the course?
The course is 9 months from September 29, 2023
to June 14, 2024 (88 hours).
What are the course hours?
Fridays
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and registration
9:00 am – 12:30 pm: Patient treatment
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch and treatment discussion
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lecture
There will be no courses on the following dates:
December 29, 2023
January 5, 2024
March 15, 2024
May 24, 2024
How many participants are enrolled?
12 Full Participants with a New York State license.
10 Auditor Participants with a New York State license. Unlimited Online Participants.
Are patients assigned?
Yes. Program participants will be assigned to
patients. Most program patients will be treated
with a full arch restoration in different stages of
treatment and requiring a variety of procedures.
Clinical procedures performed by the participant
will be dependent upon patient’s needs. Frequent
procedures likely to be performed and/or observed
include simple implant placements, bone grafts,
laminate veneers, crowns, and bridge work as well as implant supported prosthesis. Treatment planning sessions will expose participants to a multitude of interdisciplinary clinical cases. Participants are also encouraged and have the opportunity to treat their own private patients if available to enhance their learning.
What are the course requirements?
Participants engaging in patient treatment
(Full Participation option) must have a current
New York State license.
Registration Types
Full Participant: In-person lectures, Hands-On
participation, Live patient treatment.
Auditor Participant: In-person lectures, Hands-On
participation, Auditing live patient treatment.
Online Participant: Online participation of in-person
lectures (Zoom links provided following registration).
Registration Fees
Full Participant: $14,995 (88 CE credits)
Auditor Participant: $7,995 (48 CE credits)
Online Participant: $2,495 (36 CE credits)
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Refunds are not typically granted because the payments are on the network of business commerce. If there is a special situation, the refund must be requested in writing. If a partial refund is granted, the rate of service charge will be deducted
from the amount to be refunded. Most cancellations can be rescheduled to a future course with your registration taking priority in case the course is full.
ALL refunds must submit a brief, written request within 60 calendar days of the beginning of the course date for consideration. FMR reserves the right to grant or deny requests at its own discretion. Any refund granted will be returned to the applicant in the method it was paid less the service fees deducted. ALL cancellations will be honored
for the following courses.
Refund Policy Quick Look
- Before 90 days of course: written request, full amount less
service fees. - Before 60 days of course: written request, half amount less
service fees. - Before 30 days of course: No refund, registration moves to the
next similar course.
AGD Credit Allocation
Full time participants: 88 CE Credits
36 CE Credits: Lecture
12 CE Credits: Hands-On
40 CE Credits: Live Patient Treatment
Auditors: 48 CE Credits
36 CE Credits: Lecture
12 CE Credits: Hands-On
Online Participants: 36 CE Credits
36 CE Credits: Lecture
LECTURE
| TOPIC | AGD CODE | TOTAL CE |
| Aesthetics | 780 | 4.5 |
| Fixed Prosthodontics | 610 | 2 |
| Implants | 690 | 7 |
| Occlusion | 180 | 13.5 |
| Oral Surgery | 310 | 0.5 |
| Orthodontics | 370 | 0.5 |
| Periodontics | 490 | 0.5 |
| Practice Management | 550 | 4 |
| Restorative Dentistry | 250 | 3 |
| Sleep Apnea | 160 | 0.5 |
| 36 |
HANDS-ON
| TOPIC | AGD CODE | TOTAL CE |
| Fixed Prosthodontics | 610 | 12 |
| 12 |
Meet Your Instructors
Dean C. Vafiadis, DDS
Program Director
Dr. Dean Vafiadis is the director
and innovator of the Full Mouth
Reconstruction Continuing Education Course at NYU Dental College since 2008. He is currently the Director of FMR CE course at NYSI in New York and Florida. He is a Fellow of the AAED and member of ACP, AO AAID, NGS, and ADA.
Alan Smolen, DDS
Previous Education Director
Dr. Alan Smolen received both his B.S. degree in Chemistry and his D.D.S.
from Temple University. In addition to
his clinical practices in New York City, he is a faculty member and previous Education Director at NYU Dentistry’s Full Mouth
Rehabilitation Continuing Dental
Education Program.
Joanna Hrymoc-Sinha, DMD
FMR Clinical Co-Director
In 2006, Dr. Hrymoc-Sinha graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, NJ. She participated in the FMR program at NYU from 2010 to 2011 and subsequently became Clinical Associate Faculty. In 2016, she was appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU.
Ellen Pikus-Katz, DDS
FMR Clinical Co-Director
Dr. Katz is currently a Co-Clinical Director at the FMR CDE program at NYUCD. She also is an Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Prosthodontics at NSU College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Katz is a graduate and Mentor at the Kois Center. In addition, she is published author and a
co-founder of Maison BE Dental Studio in NYC.
Gwen Giannina, DDS
FMR Clinical Associate
Dr. Gwen Giannina graduated NYU in 1998. She has been named 7 times as a Top Dentist in NJ Magazine. She has been a Clinical Associate Faculty at FMR since 2019 and has a private practice in Bayonne, NJ.
Homa Faridnia, DDS
FMR Clinical Associate
Dr. Homa Faridnia graduated NYUCD in 1998 and has a private practice in Basking Ridge, NJ for the past 20 years. She joined FMR in 2018 as a participant followed by becoming a faculty in 2021. She is a Kois trained dentist and is a member of AGD, AACD, AACA.
Michael Margolin, DMD
FMR Clinical Associate
Dr. Michael Margolin graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with his DMD degree. He joined his father and brother in private practice in 1999. Dr Margolin has been driven to excellence in dentistry and providing FMR discipline to his patients.
Publio Silfa, DMD
FMR Digital Director
Dr. Publio Silfa completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Columbia College of Dental Medicine and underwent an AEGD residency as the Chief Resident and an associate clinical professor at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He is a DSD Master and Owner of Meadowbrook Dentistry, a Certified DSD clinic.
Lokesh Rao, DMD
FMR Implant Director
Dr. Lokesh C. Rao graduated from
New York University College of Dentistry with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He completed a general practice residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. Thereafter, Dr. Rao opened West Chester Dental Design in Yonkers, NY.
Olga Kovalenko, DDS
Dr. Olga Kovalenko is a conscientious and personable dentist delivering exceptional care. Graduating from New
York University College of Dentistry in 2008, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Long Island University.
Certified in Invisalign and licensed in NY and NJ, Olga offers multi-disciplinary dental treatment with expertise in oral surgery, implant dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. Fluent in English and Russian,
she ensures efficient and technically correct dental care for her patients.
Belen Velastegui-Carey, DDS
Dr. Belen Velastegui-Carey graduated from the Advanced Placement Program for International Dentists at NYU
Dentistry. She completed her GPR at Flushing Hospital where she continues as an Attending Dentist training residents. Dr. Velastegui is committed to cutting edge continuing education and has completed all levels of FMR.
She has been practicing in Bayside, Queens since 2016. She offers her patients a comprehensive approach to
restore their functional and aesthetic needs.
Armen Akopian, DDS
NY Smile Institute, FMR Clinical Partner
Dr. Armen Akopian is an ambitious and skilled dentist, specializing in full mouth reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry,
and implants. As Clinical Director at the New York Smile Institute, he excels in digital dentistry and comprehensive treatment planning. With a passion for excellence, Armen is a respected mentor and leader, known for
his exceptional patient communication and case acceptance.
Marta Petryna, DDS
Dr. Marta Petryna is a highly skilled dentist with a strong commitment to exceptional dental care. She earned her DDS degree with Honors in Esthetics from New York University College of Dentistry and holds a B.A. in
Chemistry: Biochemistry from Hunter College. Marta’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through her additional training in Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Kois Treatment Planning, and Implant Seminars. As the owner of MP Dental LLC since 2019, she ensures personalized care and effective communication with her patients, offering comprehensive dental services as a General Dentist. Fluent in Polish and Invisalign certified, Marta delivers
outstanding results.
Ilya Sapozhnik, DDS
Dr. Ilya Sapozhnik is a compassionate dentist based in Scarsdale, NY, owns and founded Smile Style Contemporary
Dental Arts in 2015. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at NYU College of Dentistry in 2013 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from CUNY Brooklyn College. Dr. Sapozhnik’s expertise includes General Dentistry Residency and Implantology Fellowship at Woodhull Medical and Mental Center. He actively participates in the American Dental Association and continued his education in Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Occlusion at NYU. Fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, he provides exceptional care and precision to his patients.
Guest Speakers
Chris Chondrogiannis, DDS
Periodontal – Prosthetic
Connection
Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis is a graduate of New York University, College of Dentistry. Upon degree completion, Dr. Chondrogiannis accepted a General Practice residency at the Manhattan Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center Dr. Chondorgiannis completed a general, periodontics and implant therapy at Manhattan VA Medical Center. He is a certified LANAP clinician.
Vince Celenza, DMD
Prosthodontics and Dental Implants
Dr. Vincent Celenza is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist since 1988 and received his graduate training from Boston University in 1979. He has taught at New York University and Columbia dental schools and has presented nationally and internationally on Prosthodontics and how it relates to other specialties. He is currently in full-time private practice in New York City.
Peter Kouvaris
Color Communication and Restorative Materials
Peter Kouvaris has been a master ceramist for over 30 years as well as a member of the Oral Design Group. Peter has studied under the greats, Willi Geller, Claude Sieber and Walter Gebhard.
He is known as one of the foremost ceramists in the country.
Michael Cali
Legal considerations for
the FMR Practice
Dr. Michael L. Cali has practices in New York and New Jersey. He has held many positions in organized dentistry including Chairman of the Peer Review and Quality of Care Committee. Dr. Cali is an experienced Dental Expert Witness having helped over 100 dentists achieve successful outcomes in dental malpractice cases brought against them. He lectures regularly on Dental Risk Management issues.
Michael Bruno
FMR Patient Management
Dr. Michael Bruno is a prosthodontist with over 30 years of practice in NYC. His practice philosophy is to meet patients where they are and help them achieve optimal oral health at their own pace.
Jay Neuhaus
Sleep Apnea and Diagnosis
Dr. Jay Neuhaus has been practicing dentistry in NYC for over 40 years. His combined knowledge and experience in restorative dentistry and TMJ function has driven him to focus on diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
Frank Celenza
Ortho/Implant Connection
Dr. Frank Celenza practices in NY and has a dual degree in Periodontics and
Orthodontics. His education and experience give him the opportunity to appreciate and understand treatment of the adult dentition from treatment planning to treatment execution.
John Heimke
FMR and DSD
Dr. John Heimke has been restoring smiles for over 30 years. He is a member of the Facial Aesthetics Design group and uses DSD to complete his emotional dentistry to rejuvenate aging smiles.
Peter Ferro
TMJ/Orthotic for FMR
Dr. Peter Ferro is a fellow of the AGD, ICCMO and a graduate of the LVI Institute of Advanced Studies. His practice centers around neuromuscular dentistry, orthodontics and its relationship to restorative dentistry. He has been treating patients with TMJ disorders for
over 30 years.
Occlusion Philosophy
Session Description
This session is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of occlusion as the cornerstone to functional and aesthetic dental rehabilitation. Participants will learn the philosophy of occlusion, focusing on restoring optimal vertical dimension and stability using the tripod perspective.
It covers critical thinking for treatment planning, diagnosing malocclusions, and utilizing advanced
digital tools for complex cases. Restoring worn dentition and treating TMJ disorders with CBCT scans
are also explored to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Session Objectives
Upon completion of this session, the participants will be able to:
- Restore OVD using the tripod philosophy of treatment for occlusal stability.
- Develop effective treatment plans and diagnose various malocclusions.
- Utilize digital tools for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Restore worn dentition based on TMJ classification.
- Master preparation designs for various restorations.
- Apply adhesive dentistry techniques for ceramic restorations.
- Create and place ideal provisional restorations.
- Develop sequence of treatment protocols for efficient dental restorations.
- Implement 3D facial scanning for smile designs.
- Diagnose and adjust ideal occlusion for functional and aesthetic rehabilitation.
Session Format
- Lecture
- Hands-on
- Live patient treatment
Aesthetics and Occlusion
Session Description
This session equips participants with the knowledge and skills to analyze facial landmarks for ideal smiles and aesthetics. Topics include aesthetic smile designs, preparation designs for crowns and veneers, creating ideal provisionals, using the Artex articulator, intra-oral photography, and materials for cementation and impressions. Practical sessions ensure proficiency in diagnosing and treating facial aesthetics effectively.
Session Objectives
Upon completion of this session, the participants will be able to:
- Develop personalized treatment plans by analyzing ideal aesthetics for various smiles.
- Demonstrate mastery over tooth preparation techniques for crowns, onlays, and veneers.
- Create high-quality provisional restorations that accurately represent the intended smile design.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using the Artex articulator for precise occlusal relationships.
- Capture clear intra-oral photographs and assess ideal angles, exposure, and focus parameters.
- Become familiar with dental materials for successful cementation, impressions, and recording OVD.
Session Format
- Lecture
- Hands-on
- Live patient treatment
Implants and Occlusion
Session Description
This session provides a comprehensive dive into Implant Systems. It covers various aspects of dental implant procedures, digital planning, occlusion, and restoration. Participants will gain a thorough
understanding of implant types, digital planning tools, abutment designs, treatment planning,
provisionals, occlusion, and the choice between cement and screw-retained options.
Session Objectives
Upon completion of this session, the participants will be able to:
- Identify different types of dental implants and become familiar with their applications.
- Acquire skills in digital planning for implant placement using various software.
- Master digital planning for implant restorations, designs, and abutments.
- Design abutments for ideal emergence profiles and choose between cementation and
screw-retained techniques. - Develop treatment plans and comprehensive fee schedules for implant patients.
- Proficiently create long-term provisionals with abutment placements and adjust occlusion.
- Understand and diagnose ideal dental implant occlusion for patients.
- Evaluate the benefits and risks of splinting dental implants versus using them as individual units.
- Analyze different implant designs and choose between cement and screw-retained restorations.
Session Format
- Lecture
- Hands-on
- Live patient treatment
Business and Motivation
Session Description
The Business and Motivation session offers dental professionals a comprehensive understanding of the business aspects of running an efficient dental practice. Participants will gain valuable insights into managing the financial aspects of their dental practice and learn how to build and strengthen their brand through effective marketing strategies.
Session Objectives
Upon completion of this session, the participants will be able to:
- Create a financial plan and optimize their dental practice efficiency.
- Use social media platforms effectively for brand building and business growth.
- Understand legal considerations to avoid disputes with patients, promoting respect and rapport.
- Develop skills to deliver compelling presentations to dental peers, using PowerPoint or Keynote,
with a focus on quality content and photography.
Session Format
- Lecture
- Hands-on
Thank You to all Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Thank You to the Following Participating
Dental Laboratories
Clinical Research Dental/Clinician’s Choice is an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and Membership Maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2026 and the Provider ID # is 208086.
The FMRNYC Experience
Excellence in Dentistry
Join Dr. Dean Vafiadis and the rest of the FMR Faculty as we guide you through everything you did not learn in Dental School, including courses covering Implants, Aesthetics, Occlusion and More! Space is limited, so be sure to register today to take the next step in your dental evolution. 
