New Periodontist and Resident Virtual Forum

Based on the success of the 2025 AAP/AAP Foundation/Osteology Foundation Regeneration Symposium held at the AAP’s Annual Meeting in Toronto, this virtual webinar series will continue the discussion. Although dental implants have become a popular alternative for replacing missing teeth, the incidence of peri-implant diseases remains alarmingly high, and implant loss or removal is accompanied by significant tissue morbidity. It has long been recognized that adequate soft- and hard-tissue dimensions are critical to the long-term success of dental implants. This webinar series will bring together members of the National Osteology Group (NOG) USA and leading international experts including Dr. Anton Sculean, Dr. Devorah Schwartz-Arad, and Dr. Gustavo Avila-Ortiz. Gain new insights and approaches while benefiting from lively interactions among the speakers and moderators enhanced by live Q&A.

Catch up on the session from the 111th Annual Meeting, AAP-AAP Foundation-Osteology Foundation Regeneration Symposium- Tissue is the Issue, below!

These webinars are being held in collaboration with the Osteology Foundation.

Quick Links:

Tunneling Approaches in Challenging Clinical Scenarios

Thursday, May 21, 2026
1 – 2 p.m. (Eastern)

Fee: Complimentary
Speaker: Anton Sculean, DMD, MS, PhD
Moderator: Sejal Thacker, DDS, MDSc

The American Academy of Periodontology designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

Course Description:
Predictable coverage of single and multiple adjacent recessions remains a clinical challenge. Factors such as tooth location, anatomy and position, recession depth and width, presence of supporting bone, keratinized tissue, and soft tissue thickness can limit surgical options and affect outcomes.

Evidence shows that the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT), the Laterally Closed Tunnel (LCT), and the combined MCAT + LCT techniques provide predictable coverage with long-term stability. These approaches have also been successfully applied to recessions on crown-restored teeth and peri-implant mucosal recessions.

This presentation will review the biological rationale for tunneling techniques and demonstrate step-by-step procedures using clinical cases and high-quality surgical videos. Practical guidance will be provided on why, when, and how to perform these techniques to optimize outcomes and minimize complications.

Educational Objectives:

Provide the biologic rationale and treatment philosophy for the use of MCAT, LCT and the combination of MCAT + LCT for soft tissue reconstruction in various clinical scenarios at teeth and dental implants
Based on clinical cases and surgical videos, teach the step-by-step procedure for MCAT and LCT.

Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to access the webinar. Be sure to check your junk or spam folders. Continuing education credit will be administered within one week of the webinar.

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between the American Academy of Periodontology and the Osteology Foundation.

Dr. Sculean has disclosed he is an officer for the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and a member of the Executive Board for the Osteology Foundation (OF); a consultant for GC and Regedent AG; a speaker receiving direct honorarium for GC, Regedent AG, Straumann, Stoma, Botiss, and Camlog; and received grant money (research through university) from GC, Regedent AG, Straumann, Botiss, Camlog, and Geistlich.

Dr. Thacker has disclosed that she does not have any relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.

Posterior Maxillary Atrophy: Surgical Treatment Modalities

Thursday, July 30, 2026
1 – 2 p.m. (Eastern)

Fee: Complimentary
Speaker: Devorah Schwartz-Arad, DMD, PhD
Moderator: Sandra Stuhr, DMD, MS

The American Academy of Periodontology designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

Course Description:
Alveolar bone resorption, combined with sinus anatomy, makes this region particularly challenging.

This webinar focuses on vertical and horizontal augmentation of the posterior edentulous area, using autologous bone and biomaterials to enable predictable implant-supported rehabilitation.

Techniques presented include:

Ridge preservation
Sinus augmentation
Guided bone regeneration (GBR)
Onlay autologous block grafts
Soft tissue manipulations

Soft tissue management is critical for graft protection and healing.
The modified palatal roll technique and pedicled buccal fat pad provide vascularized coverage and increased tissue thickness, essential in severe atrophy for long-term stability.

Educational Outcomes:

Understand the clinical indications, procedural steps, and biological principles behind the use of buccal pad of fat and palatal roll flaps in posterior maxillary reconstruction.
Recognize how soft tissue manipulation supports hard tissue graft protection, enhances healing outcomes, and improves long-term peri-implant tissue stability.

Educational Objectives:

Evaluate the different surgical treatment modalities available for managing posterior maxillary atrophy, including both hard and soft tissue approaches.
Understand the role of soft tissue manipulation techniques—such as the palatal roll flap and buccal fat pad, in enhancing graft protection, vascularization, and healing outcomes.
Assess the impact of combined hard and soft tissue augmentation on long-term implant stability and success in the atrophic posterior maxilla.

Dr. Schwartz-Arad has disclosed that she does not have any relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.

Dr. Stuhr has disclosed that she does not have any relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.

Management of Extraction Sites: Scientific Evidence and Clinical Translation

September 16, 2026
7 – 8 p.m. (Eastern)

Fee: Complimentary
Speaker: Gustavo Avila-Ortiz, DDS, MS, PhD
Moderator: Shayan Barootchi, DMD, MS

The American Academy of Periodontology designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

Course Description:
Dental extraction is commonly indicated when teeth cannot be restored or maintained in acceptable conditions compatible with long-term health, function and/or esthetics. The absence of a tooth in its alveolus triggers a cascade of biologic events that typically result in a variable dimensional reduction of the alveolar process. Severe alveolar ridge atrophy may have a considerable impact on tooth replacement therapy, particularly when an implant-supported restoration is planned. Hence, adequate management of the extraction site and subsequent implant therapy represent a major component of contemporary dental practice. Following tooth loss, successful implant therapy is based on a thorough understanding of the biological and structural properties of the tissues that support implant fixtures and their corresponding prosthetic elements.

This webinar is aimed at reviewing the healing dynamics that typically follow tooth extraction and different conventional and therapeutic strategies to minimize the negative impact of tooth loss for adequate restorative-driven dental implant planning (either immediate or delayed) based on current evidence. Additionally, this presentation will provide a thorough overview on the properties and indications of different biomaterials (e.g., membranes, barriers, matrices, bone graft materials and biologics) and basic clinical guidelines pertaining to proper case selection and treatment planning, with an emphasis on relevant scientific evidence pertaining to proper implant placement in the esthetic zone. Clinical examples will be presented to illustrate emerging concepts and technical tips.

Educational Objectives:

Review the sequence of biological events that take place after tooth extraction and how the result of these processes may affect future implant placement and restorative therapy.
Discuss the role that some critical factors may play in the healing dynamics following tooth extraction.
Understand the rationale and scientific evidence supporting different treatment options available for the management of the extraction site, as well as their indications and limitations.

Dr. Avila-Ortiz has disclosed that he does not have any relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.

Dr. Barootchi has disclosed he is a speaker for Geistlich Biomedical and has received grant money (research through university) for Geistlich Biomedical.

Speakers and Moderators

Sejal Thacker, DDS, MDSc: Dr. Sejal Thacker, a board-certified Periodontist and Master of Dental Science, directs the post-graduate Periodontology program at UConn Health and runs a private clinical practice in Connecticut. Recognized as a “Top Dentist in Connecticut” by her peers since 2016, she graced the cover in 2018. Her accolades include the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation’s Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Awards (2015, 2019) and the prestigious Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship (2020). Named a rising star by the AAP in 2018, Dr. Thacker is an ITI Fellow and leads the National Osteology Group USA. She has contributed to numerous clinical trials and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Anton Sculean, DMD, MS, PhD: Anton Sculean is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Periodontology and currently the Head of the Dental Research Center (DRC) of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.

Prof. Sculean has authored more than 600 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 50 chapters in periodontal textbooks and has delivered more than 1000 lectures at national and international meetings.

He is Editor in Chief of Periodontology 2000, the N° 1 ranked journal in Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine and is currently listed as the top-rated expert in Periodontics in the world https://www.expertscape.com/ex/periodontics. His h-Index is 110 (google scholar) and 73 (web of science).

Prof. Sculean has received numerous research awards including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), the Eminence Award of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), the Anthony Rizzo Young Investigator Award from the Periodontal Research Group (PRG) of the IADR, the IADR/PRG Award in Regenerative Periodontal Medicine, the Scientific Award of the Lasers & Bio-photonics Scientific Group of the IADR, the Distinguished Teacher Award from the European Orthodontic Society, Honorary Membership of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and the Medal of Honour from the George Emil Palade University, Targu-Mures, Romania. He has been awarded honorary doctorates (Dr. h.c.) by Victor Babes University Timisoara, Romania, Semmelweis University Budapest, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania, and the Grigore T. Popa University, Iași, Romania.

Prof. Sculean is Past President of the Periodontal Research Group of the IADR, the Swiss Society of Periodontology, the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), the International Academy of Periodontology (IAP), and of the Continental European Division (CED) of the IADR. He was congress chair of EuroPerio11, the world`s largest congress in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry.

He currently serves as Secretary General of the EFP, member of the Executive Committee of the Osteology Foundation, and board member of the Oral Reconstruction Foundation.

His research interests focus on periodontal wound healing and regeneration, regenerative and plastic-esthetic periodontal surgery, use of antibiotics, antiseptics, and novel approaches such as lasers and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant infections.

Sandra Stuhr, DMD, MS: Sandra Stuhr, DMD, MS is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and a current Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She also serves as the co-discipline coordinator for the Pre-Doctoral Periodontics Program at the University of Michigan. She completed her dental training at LECOM School of Dental Medicine, followed by completion of a periodontal residency and an MS in Oral Sciences at the University of Iowa.

Devorah Schwartz-Arad, DMD, PhD: A specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS), a Ph.D. degree in cancer research, anatomy, and embryology. Graduated from the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Hebrew University and was a senior lecturer in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University until 2008. Since 2016 Dr. Schwartz-Arad is a Research Professor of the “Pharmacological Research in Dentistry Group” at the Faculty of Dentistry, State University of Granada (Spain), and Visiting Professor, at UCAM, Universidad Cattolica De Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Since 2024, Dr. Schwartz-Arad has been affiliated with the Ann Arbor Dental School’s Perio Department, where she collaborates on research and lectures. Dr. Schwartz-Arad is continuously conducting research that is funded by grants from biomaterial and implants companies. Dr. Schwartz- Arad is the author of more than 100 research papers and 5 chapters in several published books focusing on immediate dental implantation, bone augmentation procedures for dental implants, and the influence of smoking on the success of dental implants. She is the author and editor of 2 books published by Quintessence:

1.Ridge preservation & immediate implantation

2. Esthetics in Dentistry

She is an active member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED) and other international organizations. Dr. Schwartz-Arad performs a wide range of surgeries including Bone Grafts for implant purposes, Orthognathic surgery and Dental Implants. She is cooperating with Plastic and ENT Surgeons in her day care hospital. She is the Founder and President of the “Conflict and Dialogue” study club, heading the Schwartz-Arad Continuing Education center and the owner and senior OMS of Schwartz-Arad Day-Care Surgical Center.

Shayan Barootchi, DMD, MS: Dr. Shayan Barootchi, DDS, MS, is a board-certified periodontist and internationally recognized educator in the fields of periodontal and implant therapy. He received his specialty training in periodontics and a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan, where he also serves as faculty, and he additionally teaches in the Division of Periodontology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Barootchi’s clinical and research focus centers on regenerative therapies, soft tissue grafting, implant esthetics, and the management of complex implant complications.

He has authored nearly 150 peer-reviewed publications in leading dental journals and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Periodontal Research and Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. Dr. Barootchi lectures nationally and internationally, sharing evidence-based and clinically applicable protocols for achieving predictable and esthetic outcomes in implant and periodontal therapy.

In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Barootchi maintains an active private practice limited to periodontics and implant dentistry. He is deeply committed to advancing patient care through innovation, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Gustavo Avila Ortiz, DDS, MS, PhD: Dr. Gustavo Avila Ortiz is a board-certified periodontist and internationally recognized educator and researcher. He earned his DDS and PhD in Spain before completing a Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontics at the University of Michigan. With over 15 years of academic experience, he has held leadership and academic roles at the University of Michigan and the University of Iowa, where he served as Chair of the Department of Periodontics. Dr. Avila Ortiz has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, co-authored the book TISSUES, and received the AAP Distinguished Scientist Award in 2022. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and holds a visiting faculty position at Harvard University.

The American Academy of Periodontology is an ADA CERP® Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ADA.org.

The AAP cautions participants for these CE activities about the potential risks of using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures in their practice.

Webinar/CE Questions? Contact: [email protected]