Dental Occlusion and TMD
Occlusion is one of the most clinically significant and frequently underestimated areas of dentistry. A clear understanding of occlusal schemes is foundational to achieving predictable restorative, aesthetic, and full-mouth outcomes. When occlusion is poorly understood or mismanaged, the consequences can include treatment failure, accelerated tooth wear, and the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Our dental occlusion course teaches dentists how to evaluate and prescribe the right occlusal scheme for each patient, diagnose and conservatively manage TMD, and apply occlusal knowledge confidently across a wide range of clinical cases.
Course Outline
Our approach to dental occlusion courses centres on building both theoretical understanding and practical clinical judgement. Throughout this module, clinicians will develop a clear grasp of the “what, where, how, and why” behind occlusal scheme selection, moving beyond reactive problem-solving toward a proactive, structured approach to occlusal design.
Key concepts covered include:
- Reviewing established and emerging concepts of occlusion in diagnosis and treatment planning
- Understanding the historical development of occlusal theory and how it informs modern clinical practice
- Applying occlusal knowledge in everyday clinical decision-making, not just complex cases
- Exploring the relationship between occlusion and aesthetics, including smile design and occlusal plane orientation
- Prescribing an occlusal scheme that achieves harmony between function and aesthetics
- Identifying and managing TMD risk through accurate diagnosis and evidence-based conservative treatment
This module teaches a systematic approach to occlusion that integrates clinical findings, patient needs, and long-term treatment objectives to support more consistent and predictable outcomes.
Course Objectives
On completion of this module, clinicians will have developed a deeper understanding of occlusion and its role in restorative and aesthetic dentistry. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Understanding that aesthetics must be in harmony with a stable and functional occlusal scheme
- Integrating smile design principles with appropriate occlusal scheme selection
- Defining current occlusal terminology and understanding the key determinants of occlusion
- Performing a thorough clinical examination of the occlusion in relation to restorative dentistry, including occlusal vertical dimension (OVD)
- Applying knowledge of the types of occlusal schemes to complete and partial dentures, as well as tooth and implant-supported reconstructions
- Describing the various designs of occlusal splints, along with their indications, advantages, and limitations
- Understanding the role of peripheral mechanoreceptor feedback and neuroplasticity in patient adaptation to new occlusal schemes
- Assessing and communicating the prognosis of occlusal treatment outcomes to patients
Course Topics
This module covers the key components of dental occlusion and TMD management, equipping clinicians with the skills to assess, plan, and deliver occlusal care with greater clarity and confidence.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
|
Occlusal Schemes |
Understand the different types of occlusal schemes, when to apply them, and how to prescribe the right one for each patient and case type. |
|
Occlusion and Aesthetics |
Explore how occlusion relates to smile design, occlusal plane orientation, and anterior guidance to achieve outcomes that are both functional and visually harmonious. |
|
History of Occlusal Concepts |
Trace the evolution of occlusal theory from its historical foundations through to the modern established concepts used in clinical practice today. |
|
TMD Risk Assessment and Diagnosis |
Learn how to conduct a thorough clinical examination to identify TMD risk factors and reach an accurate, evidence-based diagnosis. |
|
Conservative TMD Management |
Understand the principles of conservative, patient-centred TMD management and the importance of patient education throughout the process. |
|
Occlusion and TMD |
Examine the relationship between occlusal factors and TMD, and how occlusal management can influence patient outcomes. |
|
Occlusal Splint Design |
Explore the various types of occlusal splints, their indications, advantages, and limitations in clinical practice. |
|
OVD and Restorative Occlusion |
Develop practical skills in assessing and managing occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) as it applies to restorative dentistry. |
|
Occlusion in Prosthodontics |
Understand occlusal considerations for complete and partial dentures, and both tooth-supported and implant-supported reconstructions. |
|
Patient Adaptation and Prognosis |
Learn how neuroplasticity and mechanoreceptor feedback influence patient adaptation to new occlusal schemes, and how to assess treatment prognosis. |
Who This Course is Designed For
This course is designed for dental professionals looking to strengthen their understanding of occlusion and deliver more predictable clinical outcomes. It is suitable for:
- General dentists wanting to build confidence in occlusal assessment and scheme selection
- Dentists involved in restorative, aesthetic, or full-mouth reconstruction cases who need a structured approach to occlusal planning
- Clinicians managing patients with TMD or occlusion-related complaints
- Practitioners looking for occlusion courses in Australia with a strong, practical clinical focus
- Those pursuing postgraduate dental education as part of a broader diploma pathway
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