Course Details

• This course walks the learner through the consequences of parafunction. The underlying causes of bruxism are discussed, and what distinguishes parafunction from forces of function is covered. How to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis leading to a conservative design, to control destructive forces is explained.
• You will be presented with a short presentation followed by an assessment.
• If you achieve 80% or more, you pass the course and will receive a printable certificate to place in your CPD folder. If you do not pass, you will have the opportunity to review the content and retake the assessment when you feel confident.

Aims

This course aims to outline the consequences of parafunction. The underlying causes of bruxism are discussed, and what distinguishes parafunction from forces of function is covered. How to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis leading to a conservative design, to control destructive forces is explained.

Objectives

 During this course learners will be able to:

• Understand that not only occlusion matters but when and why it matters.
• Understand to evaluate the design and mechanism of night guards prescribed for parafunctional control.
• Explain why joints click, and when and how can they be treated conservatively.
• Debunk many occlusal myths that have been arrived at empirically, solidified by confirmation bias, and do nothing but make dentistry more complicated than it need be.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course the learner will gain an understanding of:

• The consequences of parafunction including tooth wear, joint dysfunction and pain, headaches, and muscle pain.
• The underlying causes of bruxism and distinguish the potentially destructive forces of parafunction as compared to forces of function.
• How to analyse the patient's history and clinical examination to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis leading to a conservative design to control destructive forces and describe the role of CR and other "joint positions" in our patient's health and function.

GDC Development Outcomes

C,D

Topics covered