CV
TAISEER SULAIMAN-DDS, PhD
TAY-see-er SU-la-men is a tenured associate professor and the director of Advanced Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials Research at the Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his clinical certificate in Operative Dentistry and his PhD in Dental Materials from the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterial Sciences at the University of Turku in Finland in collaboration with the Department of Operative Dentistry at UNC. Dr. Sulaiman is a wet-handed clinician and a researcher who is passionate about bridging the gap between dental research and clinical application. Dr. Sulaiman’s research focus is on dental ceramics, adhesion, cements, color and esthetics in dentistry, and biomimetics. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters. He is a member of many academies and has presented on numerous national and international stages.
Materials in Digital Dentistry…Are We There Yet?
CAD/CAM in dentistry is constantly growing and becoming a user- and patient-friendly technology and service using intraoral scanners and laboratory/chairside milling units to manufacture dental restorations and appliances from multiple materials, including wax, metals, composite resins, and ceramics. The properties of these materials may vary when compared to restorations prepared using conventional and additive manufacturing methods. Understanding the differences in these properties is important for material and fabrication method selection. Additive manufacturing is becoming an alternative to subtractive manufacturing in many applications. However, the chemical composition, mechanical, and physical properties of these materials are still lacking. 3D-printed materials require a considerable amount of research and time to prove their clinical efficacy.
Learning objectives
- Classify the spectrum of CAD/CAM materials that are available to the clinician.
- Define the mechanical and optical properties of CAD/CAM materials and how it compares to those of the natural tooth structure
- Understanding criteria for material selection to optimize clinical longevity of various CAD/CAM materials
A Walk-through of Contemporary Literature in Restorative Dentistry and Future Trends
Restorative dentistry has made significant strides in recent decades. Beginning with a simple and direct treatment plan consisting of rather invasive treatment procedures and a few material choices to complete treatment, a complex treatment plan with numerous restorative options emphasizing preservation of tooth structure and an endless supply of materials has evolved. Clinical evidence is becoming increasingly limited. Unless completed correctly, in vitro investigations yield minimal clinical relevance. It is vitally important to stay current with the latest advancements in diagnostic methods, efficient therapeutic planning, conservative restorative dental techniques, and materials.
Learning objectives
- Examine current research relevant to restorative dentistry
- Evaluate clinically relevant literature recommendations and their implementation to clinical procedures
- Investigate the future trends and directions of restorative dentistry