Blog #2 Occlusal Medicine – what is it?
In our first blog post we discussed functional dentistry. The term Occlusal Medicine (also known as Occlusion Medicine) has been attributed to a variety of authors; however, a trio of very skilled clinicians popularized the term. Dr. Robert Ricketts – orthodontist (Kokomo, Indiana, 1920 – Scottsdale, Arizona, 2003) and Dr. Rudolf Slavicek – prosthodontist (Vienna, Austria, 1928 – 2022) shared a philosophy of individualizing patient care. Professor Dr. Rudolph Slavicek collaborated with Professor Dr. Sadao Sato – orthodontist (Kanagawa, Japan) to further develop the diagnostic methods and treatment regimens used by VieSID worldwide.
What is the difference between functional dentistry and occlusal medicine? They are synonyms and both terms recognize the complexity of the stomatognathic system and the need to fully assess the functions and dysfunctions of our presenting patients.
All three dentists dedicated their careers to the study of the stomatognathic system. As mentors, teachers, researchers, and clinicians they considered the morphology, dynamics, growth patterns, evolution, and interactions of this system with the body and mind. Based on their extensive knowledge, they developed new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts, reinforcing the reality that dentistry is a medical discipline requiring interdisciplinary cooperation.
Dr. Ricketts developed cephalometric standards that were instrumental to the understanding of facial “norms” and linked various skeletal patterns and resulting malocclusions to TMD’s
If you would like to read further about these clinicians please see the following article:
Angle Orthodontist. 2023 Sep; 93(5): 497–500. PMCID: PMC10575632
Robert M. Ricketts and Rudolf Slavicek: dentistry by the rules of nature
Cinzia Forna,a Nelson J Oppermanb Ian Tester,c Kim Parlett,c Mohammed H. Elnagar,d Budi Kusnoto,e and Flavio J. C. Sanchez
VieSID Educational programs are taught worldwide in 19 different centres including Canada. Our signature hands-on program, The VieSID Canada “Mini-Residency”, is a fifteen-day curriculum taught in three modules of five days. A maximum of 12 students are accepted at a time to ensure an excellent learning environment. For more information, please see www.viesidcanada.com.
Functional Dentistry is a buzzword used by a variety of educators marketing their dental courses. The term “functional” reflects the importance of providing dentistry that works in harmony with the various functions of the stomatognathic system. These include mastication, swallowing, speech, bruxing, esthetics and respiration.
Functional Dentistry is a buzzword used by a variety of educators marketing their dental courses. The term “functional” reflects the importance of providing dentistry that works in harmony with the various functions of the stomatognathic system. These include mastication, swallowing, speech, bruxing, esthetics and respiration.
Functional Dentistry is a buzzword used by a variety of educators marketing their dental courses. The term “functional” reflects the importance of providing dentistry that works in harmony with the various functions of the stomatognathic system. These include mastication, swallowing, speech, bruxing, esthetics and respiration.
This carefully curated glossary, meticulously compiled to facilitate your understanding, will serve as a vital reference resource to navigate the intricacies of Occlusal Medicine. Our aim is to ensure that you enter this program well-versed in the diction that underpins the world of Occlusal Medicine, empowering you to engage with the subject matter with confidence and clarity.
We had the privilege of sitting down with the esteemed Dr. Rudolph Slavicek to engage in a comprehensive and enlightening conversation on the captivating realm of Interdisciplinary Dentistry. Dr. Slavicek, an authority in the field, graciously shared his profound insights and expertise during our in-depth interview. What follows are the invaluable responses he provided, shedding light on the intricate world of Interdisciplinary Dentistry.
