205: Comprehensive Functional Occlusion (Nov 01 - 05, 2027)

205: Comprehensive Functional Occlusion is organized by Kois Center, LLC and will be held from Nov 01 - 05, 2027 at Kois Center LLC, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.

Description:
Master the science, philosophy, and clinical techniques of occlusal management.
Understanding and managing functional occlusion is fundamental to the long-term stability of restorative dentistry. Yet, with the wide array of philosophies, techniques, and opinions within the profession, occlusal management can often feel complex and overwhelming. This comprehensive course brings clarity and confidence to a challenging topic—equipping you with the knowledge and tools to achieve consistent, predictable outcomes.

Led by Dr. John Kois, this program integrates scientifically supported principles with practical, evidence-based approaches to managing both simple and complex restorative cases. You’ll explore how to diagnose and manage occlusion using not only the dental articulator, but also by leveraging your office team, laboratory technicians, and modern digital technologies.

A Comprehensive Approach to Occlusion
Effective occlusal management goes beyond just teeth—it involves understanding the entire masticatory system, including the biologic, mechanical, and behavioral components. This course covers a wide range of essential factors, such as:

• Force management
• Laboratory and articulator protocols
• Neurological and psychological influences
• Pharmacological considerations
• Team-based implementation strategies

With a focus on predictability and repeatability, you will gain practical techniques grounded in scientific research and supported by clinical success.

Beyond Traditional Concepts
Historically, occlusion courses have emphasized gnathologic principles like condylar position, muscle tension, canine guidance, and mutual protection. While foundational, these concepts can often be confusing due to differing interpretations across various occlusal schools of thought.

This course bridges those gaps. Dr. John Kois offers a clear and critical analysis of the similarities and distinctions among major occlusal philosophies, helping you navigate the landscape with confidence and clarity. Building on the fundamentals introduced in Functional Occlusion, the curriculum also expands into advanced topics, including:

• TMJ disorders and management
• Assessing and maintaining TMJ health
• Recognizing the limits of occlusal treatment
• New evidence-based paradigms in occlusal therapy

Predictable Results. Empowered Decisions.
By the end of the course, you will not only understand the biologic principles behind functional occlusion, but also how to apply them in your day-to-day practice to deliver stable, long-lasting restorative outcomes.  Whether you’re managing straightforward cases or navigating the complexities of TMJ pathology, you’ll be equipped to make informed, effective decisions with confidence.

Join us to transform your approach to occlusion-integrating science, systems, and strategy for exceptional patient care.

Course Objectives:

• Learn how and when to use the Kois Deprogrammer and other centric relation recording devices. You will work with your fellow participants to fabricate, deliver and experience your own Kois Deprogrammer.
• Learn how to mount models on the Panadent articulator using the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer and to incorporate improved refinements on traditional methods.
• Understand a new, simplified terminology for occlusal management: The “Three P’s”- Position, Place and Pathway.
• Understand that, as a result of insight into the way humans chew, the concept of Anterior Guidance is no longer valid.
• Be prepared to confidently implement the skills and concepts for predictable management of patients immediately following the course.
• Obtain a greater understanding of when tooth position vs. muscle position vs. condylar position should be used to establish the occlusal starting point for a restorative case.
• Learn how the horizontal and vertical components of occlusion can be combined with dentofacial parameters to optimize function and esthetics.
• Learn multiple techniques to obtain centric relation as a restorative reference position.
• Identify and categorize TMJ disorders into diagnostic subgroups and implement a treatment plan appropriate to the severity of the clinical findings.
• Understand the importance of joint stability and the sequencing of occlusal therapy for patients with TMD.
• Learn which lab records are required for cross mounting casts for complex cases and full-mouth rehabilitation.
• Learn new techniques, technologies, and materials to stage and segment complex cases.
• Learn the objectives of equilibration, and practice them through hands-on learning