DR. DENNIS HARTLIEB
For the Dental Student
For the Dental Student
Too often a dental student learns a restorative technique in the preclinical lab in their first or second year of school, but they may not need to use that technique until a couple of years later.
- Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
I hate to admit it—I mean I really hate to admit it—but I graduated from dental school 30 years ago. I mean I have to sit down when I say this, and I don’t mean that I’m too old to stand, I just can’t believe it. It’s just shocking to me how fast 30 years go; I know if you do the math it’s something like a trillion seconds, or as a Michigan football fan, only one National Championship (please, no emails from Ohio State fans). I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1988. When I graduated dental school, we were still allowed to do gold foil restorations for our clinical board exams (NERBS). For those of you who are unfamiliar with the gold foil restoration, let me explain how to do it: 1) drill very precise cavity preparation, 2) heat up a ribbon of gold with Bunsen burner flame, 3) place the warmed gold foil into tooth cavity preparation, 4) use mallet (i.e. hammer) and blunt instrument to ‘tap’ the gold foil into cavity preparation, 5) repeat warming and malleting the gold foil, 6) burnish the gold aggressively and polish, 7) refer patient to endodontist for pulp therapy (just kidding, well, mostly just kidding).
When I graduated, amalgam and gold were king since glass ionomer and composite materials where just coming into the marketplace. Here’s another good story about dental school in the 1980s: when we were placing composites, we were allowed to etch the enamel with phosphoric acid but absolutely were not to allow the phosphoric acid to touch the dentin. We were taught that etching dentin with phosphoric acid would kill the pulp (even though the total etch technique was being taught in Japan). You have to consider that the same instructors who were telling us to heat up gold and pound it into the tooth were fearful that etching dentin with phosphoric acid would kill the nerve! Ahhh, the good old days (in my next blog I’ll relate how we used to use leeches to cure gum infections)! One more thing—dental implants were just coming into our vision. I remember observing a surgery at Michigan where the surgeons were placing trans-mandibular implants. The implants literally exited thru the inferior border of the mandible where an incision under the chin allowed the surgeon to engage the end of the implant (think nut and bolt).
So, what’s this all mean? Here’s the reality—teaching and learning dentistry 30 years ago was a lot easier. We had only a few restorative materials—gold, amalgam, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. As students, we had to learn every aspect of these materials, but the number of techniques to learn was very limited. Consider today’s dental education environment—many schools still teach amalgam and gold, plus they are teaching anterior and posterior composites, porcelain-to-metal restorations, anterior and posterior all-ceramic restorations, CAD-CAM, placement and restoration of implants, all the removable techniques, periodontal surgical techniques, bone grafting, and oral surgery procedures. I’m sure there is more but I’m running out of ink for my typewriter. Also keep in mind that the patients that our students treat have higher expectations of the esthetics of their dentistry (like they do in our practices), so the challenges for the contemporary dental student, and dental schools, are enormous.
When I graduated, amalgam and gold were king since glass ionomer and composite materials where just coming into the marketplace. Here’s another good story about dental school in the 1980s: when we were placing composites, we were allowed to etch the enamel with phosphoric acid but absolutely were not to allow the phosphoric acid to touch the dentin. We were taught that etching dentin with phosphoric acid would kill the pulp (even though the total etch technique was being taught in Japan). You have to consider that the same instructors who were telling us to heat up gold and pound it into the tooth were fearful that etching dentin with phosphoric acid would kill the nerve! Ahhh, the good old days (in my next blog I’ll relate how we used to use leeches to cure gum infections)! One more thing—dental implants were just coming into our vision. I remember observing a surgery at Michigan where the surgeons were placing trans-mandibular implants. The implants literally exited thru the inferior border of the mandible where an incision under the chin allowed the surgeon to engage the end of the implant (think nut and bolt).
So, what’s this all mean? Here’s the reality—teaching and learning dentistry 30 years ago was a lot easier. We had only a few restorative materials—gold, amalgam, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. As students, we had to learn every aspect of these materials, but the number of techniques to learn was very limited. Consider today’s dental education environment—many schools still teach amalgam and gold, plus they are teaching anterior and posterior composites, porcelain-to-metal restorations, anterior and posterior all-ceramic restorations, CAD-CAM, placement and restoration of implants, all the removable techniques, periodontal surgical techniques, bone grafting, and oral surgery procedures. I’m sure there is more but I’m running out of ink for my typewriter. Also keep in mind that the patients that our students treat have higher expectations of the esthetics of their dentistry (like they do in our practices), so the challenges for the contemporary dental student, and dental schools, are enormous.
Here is where Dental Online Training (DOT) fits in. With DOT, dental students are able to fill in the voids in what they learned in dental school. Too often a dental student learns a restorative technique in the preclinical lab in their first or second year of school, but they may not need to use that technique until a couple of years later. Imagine that you are a senior dental student placing a resin-fiber post in an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor – it’s the first time that you are going to place a post on a living human being, and the preclinical course you took was two years ago! Feeling pretty confident about bonding in that post and doing the core build-up? Heck no! But DOT can help.
The lecture portion of DOT reviews the current state-of-the-art materials and bonding techniques, plus issues such as ferrule and when a post is necessary so the student can have a firmer understanding of when to use a post for an endodontically treated tooth. Here is what makes DOT different from any other online program: you get the materials to practice the technique that you’ll be doing in the patient’s mouth. Imagine how much higher the student’s confidence will be when sitting down with their patient. They can honestly state when the patient asks if they’ve done this technique before— “Sure, I just did the same technique the other day” … then they turn their head to the camera, wink, and say “Thanks DOT!”, big smile, then fade to black. But seriously, I remember doing my first post and core in dental school—it was scary. I remember that I didn’t know what post to use and, in fear of appearing incompetent with the faculty, I relied on my fellow students (because cumulatively they had done maybe two between them). Obviously, a bad decision. Once I started working on the patient, I had to lean on the faculty, but how much better off would my patient have been, if I had ‘rehearsed’ the procedure the day before? How much more confident would I have been when speaking to my instructor?
DOT is meant to guide the inexperienced dentist in the art and science of dentistry. From restorative techniques to clinical photography to opening vertical dimension, Dental Online Training is a resource for dental students to expand on their knowledge base from dental school. With close-up video documentation demonstrating step-by-step techniques broken in to small learning modules, DOT understands how the new dentist learns best.
Yours for better dental, and mental, health,
The lecture portion of DOT reviews the current state-of-the-art materials and bonding techniques, plus issues such as ferrule and when a post is necessary so the student can have a firmer understanding of when to use a post for an endodontically treated tooth. Here is what makes DOT different from any other online program: you get the materials to practice the technique that you’ll be doing in the patient’s mouth. Imagine how much higher the student’s confidence will be when sitting down with their patient. They can honestly state when the patient asks if they’ve done this technique before— “Sure, I just did the same technique the other day” … then they turn their head to the camera, wink, and say “Thanks DOT!”, big smile, then fade to black. But seriously, I remember doing my first post and core in dental school—it was scary. I remember that I didn’t know what post to use and, in fear of appearing incompetent with the faculty, I relied on my fellow students (because cumulatively they had done maybe two between them). Obviously, a bad decision. Once I started working on the patient, I had to lean on the faculty, but how much better off would my patient have been, if I had ‘rehearsed’ the procedure the day before? How much more confident would I have been when speaking to my instructor?
DOT is meant to guide the inexperienced dentist in the art and science of dentistry. From restorative techniques to clinical photography to opening vertical dimension, Dental Online Training is a resource for dental students to expand on their knowledge base from dental school. With close-up video documentation demonstrating step-by-step techniques broken in to small learning modules, DOT understands how the new dentist learns best.
Yours for better dental, and mental, health,
Dennis Hartlieb, DDS, AAACD
DOT Founder
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Materials Included
Light Brown tints, Enamelize, Unfilled Resin Flexidiscs, Flexibuffs 1/2", #1 artist’s brush, Silicone Polishing Points, IPC Off Angle Short Titanium Coated Composite Instrument
Materials Needed, not Included
- Loupes
Meet Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
Dr. Dennis Hartlieb owns his own practice in Chicago,IL and has been teaching dentistry for over 30 years. Dr. Hartlieb is the CEO and the main instructor at Dental Online Training. He is an active member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry where he’s both an Accredited Member and Examiner for Accreditation.
Dr. Hartlieb is also the President of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Dr. Hartlieb is also the President of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Angela Luek
Dr. Angela M. Lueck is a Wisconsin native and was the youngest female in her class from Marquette University in 1998. Since completing her residency she has consistently taken more than 100 hours a year of continuing education to keep current on the latest trends, techniques, and materials available in dentistry.
She volunteers her time to teach at Marquette University providing the students additional training with anterior and posterior bonding techniques as well as dental photography. She is also the co-chair of the mentorship program at the University. Dr. Lueck has been voted as one of Milwaukee’s top dentists multiple times by Milwaukee Magazine.
She volunteers her time to teach at Marquette University providing the students additional training with anterior and posterior bonding techniques as well as dental photography. She is also the co-chair of the mentorship program at the University. Dr. Lueck has been voted as one of Milwaukee’s top dentists multiple times by Milwaukee Magazine.
Meet Clare O'Neill
Clare O’Neill is the Director of Operations at Dental Online Training and has a professional background in digital marketing. Clare has certifications in content marketing and digital advertising. Clare has expertise in social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, website management, and project management. Clare has been using Canva for over 5 years and is a self-proclaimed Canva Queen.
Clare graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree is Sociology. Clare wanted you to know that she is a dog person, loves the colors emerald green and periwinkle, and would eat french fries at every meal if she could!
Clare graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree is Sociology. Clare wanted you to know that she is a dog person, loves the colors emerald green and periwinkle, and would eat french fries at every meal if she could!
Meet Dr. Jim Mckee
Dr. McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society.
He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.
He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.
Meet Kirk Behrendt
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry.
Kirk Behrendt is the founder of ACT Dental, and his vision is driven by the commitment to provide highly personalized care to the dental profession. By creating a talented team of experts, Kirk and his team continue to positively impact the practice of dentistry on practice at a time. Kirk lectures all over the world to help individuals take control of their own lives.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry.
Kirk Behrendt is the founder of ACT Dental, and his vision is driven by the commitment to provide highly personalized care to the dental profession. By creating a talented team of experts, Kirk and his team continue to positively impact the practice of dentistry on practice at a time. Kirk lectures all over the world to help individuals take control of their own lives.
Meet Dr. Melissa Seibert
Melissa Seibert is a comprehensive dentist proudly serving in the Air Force. She holds a dual faculty appointment at Uniformed Services University and Creighton Dental School. She serves on the editorial board for Inside Dentistry.
Her current research projects involve investigating ceramic overlays, zirconia and salivary contamination of universal adhesives. Dr. Seibert is the creator and host of the top dental podcast, Dental Digest. She lectures to national and international audiences.
Her current research projects involve investigating ceramic overlays, zirconia and salivary contamination of universal adhesives. Dr. Seibert is the creator and host of the top dental podcast, Dental Digest. She lectures to national and international audiences.
Meet Olivia Wisden
Olivia Wisden is the founder & CEO of TwoLips Creative. What started as an events discovery app pivoted into a creative agency that specializes in working with startups, small businesses, and organizations who are looking for bold, impactful designs and strategies.
She has worked with dozens of brands over the years ranging from the City of Madison to product launches and beyond.
She has worked with dozens of brands over the years ranging from the City of Madison to product launches and beyond.
Meet Dr. Sofya Kats
Dr. Sofya Kats is local to Milwaukee, WI. She grew up in Bayside and attended Nicolet HS, UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Kats is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, American Dental Association, and The Forum Study Club (oldest Dental Study Club in the United States).
Dr. Kats loves the art of dentistry, and healing it can bring to her patients. She volunteers her time by going on international dental mission trips and local events, such as the Mission of Mercy (free dental care sponsored by the Wisconsin Dental Association).
Dr. Kats loves the art of dentistry, and healing it can bring to her patients. She volunteers her time by going on international dental mission trips and local events, such as the Mission of Mercy (free dental care sponsored by the Wisconsin Dental Association).
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If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at dot@dothandson.com—we’re here to help!
Day 1 (8 - 4 pm CST)
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Erosion and wear – the why and the how
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Adding length to teeth – when is it safe
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Opening VDO to compensate for lost tooth structure – where to begin
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Records visit and key points you need to understand before you start
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The smile – the 7 strategic points to consider when evaluating the smile
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Anterior tooth shape, morphology
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Clinical case review
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Upper Putty matrix construction
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Build lingual incisal wall with putty matrix #6 - #11/ Upper anteriors
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Full contour build-up #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, shape and polish/ Upper anteriors
Day 2 (8 - 2 pm CST)
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Who – which patients are candidates
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Why – explaining to patients the value of the prototype
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How – step-by-step techniques to maximize predictability, efficiency and success
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Getting to Yes: conversations with patients about esthetic and reconstructive dentistry
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The ‘Smile Preview’ – techniques to show the possibilities
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Lower Putty matrix construction
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Build lingual incisal wall with putty matrix #22 - #27 / lower anteriors
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Build-up #22 - #27, shape and polish / lower anteriors
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Build-up lower occlusal posteriors
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Demonstration of Smile Preview