Module 1 establishes the intellectual and clinical foundation for advanced adhesive management of compromised teeth.

The opening segment introduces the philosophical framework guiding the course: biology first, seal quality second, biomechanics always. Restorative dentistry is reframed not as material selection, but as biological management and stress control.

The module then transitions into the science of adhesion. Participants examine dentin bond maturation, polymerization stress, C-factor dynamics, and the mechanical reasons adhesive interfaces fail. Emphasis is placed on understanding how technique, substrate condition, and stress distribution influence long-term durability.

The second half of the module translates theory into execution. Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS) and resin coating protocols are demonstrated on typodont models, extracted teeth, and live clinical cases. IDS of crown preparations, warm composite handling, and cementation delivery workflows are presented in detail.

By integrating philosophy, bond science, and real-world execution, this module builds the foundation upon which all subsequent biomechanics, fiber reinforcement, and endodontic management decisions rely.

Module 1 Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Describe the biological and philosophical framework guiding advanced adhesive dentistry.

• Explain dentin bond maturation and its clinical implications.

• Understand polymerization stress and C-factor effects on adhesive interfaces.

• Identify common mechanisms of adhesive failure.

• Implement Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS) in both direct and indirect restorations.

• Apply resin coating protocols to improve bond durability.

• Perform IDS on crown preparations predictably.

• Utilize warm composite techniques to improve adaptation.

• Execute contamination-controlled cementation delivery.

• Integrate adhesion science into clinical decision-making.

Teaching Method: Self-Paced/Video/Web Mediated
Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus is the owner and creator of the BAARD institute.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) through the THE BAARD INSTITUTE. THE BAARD INSTITUTE LLC is approved for awarding FAGD/MAGD credit.

Lesson Length: 210 min CE credit: 3.5 hours (self-instruction) Release Date: 3/1/26 Review Date:3/1/26

Module 2 focuses on the structural reconstruction of severely compromised and endodontically treated teeth using advanced adhesive principles.

The central premise is clear: preservation of remaining tooth structure is the primary determinant of long-term success. Restoration strength is secondary to structural conservation and stress management. Participants examine how bonded foundations can replace traditional post-and-core paradigms by creating stable adhesive interphases within dentin.

The module begins with fiber reinforcement principles and Ribbond integration strategies for both anterior and posterior teeth — including cases with no ferrule. Circumferential and vertical fiber approaches are demonstrated, highlighting how structural adhesive reconstruction can modify fracture patterns and improve biomechanical prognosis.

Guest faculty expand the discussion:

• Dr. Jorge Aravena Diaz presents a conservative no-post biomimetic approach to structural adhesive reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth, emphasizing dentin preservation and bonded foundations.

• Dr. Bill Gergis presents BAD Matrixology and advanced Deep Margin Elevation (DME) strategies, offering practical solutions for complex class II and deep subgingival scenarios.

• A guest demonstration by Dr. Peter Farkas illustrates copper band placement techniques for predictable margin elevation.

In addition to lectures, this module includes multiple clinical demonstrations:

• Anterior reconstruction with no ferrule using Ribbond

• Posterior reconstruction with no ferrule using Ribbond

• Deep margin elevation techniques

• Copper band isolation and matrix adaptation strategies

Throughout the module, the guiding principle remains structural adhesive thinking — preserving tissue, managing stress, and creating bonded foundations capable of supporting indirect restorations without reliance on rigid posts.

This module bridges philosophy and execution, demonstrating how “hopeless” teeth may be predictably reconstructed within biological and biomechanical limits.

Module 2 Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Comprehend the importance of preserving tooth structure in endodontically treated teeth.

• Understand the biomechanical advantages of bonded foundations without posts.

• Construct strong adhesive interphases in dentin.

• Design fiber-reinforced buildups for anterior and posterior teeth.

• Apply circumferential and vertical fiber reinforcement appropriately.

• Evaluate restorative options for teeth with minimal or no ferrule.

• Understand the goals and challenges of matrix systems in complex restorations.

• Modify matrix bands to create predictable DME outcomes.

• Manage deep subgingival margins with structural and periodontal awareness.

• Perform copper band margin elevation techniques.

• Integrate guest-taught biomimetic reconstruction strategies into clinical workflow.

• Determine when structural reconstruction is predictable — and when it is not.

Teaching Method: Self-Paced/Video/Web Mediated Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus is the owner and creator of the BAARD institute.

Lesson Length: 360 min CE credit: 6 hours (self-instruction)

Module 3 establishes the biomechanical foundation necessary to diagnose and restore compromised teeth predictably.

The module begins with core principles of stress distribution, cuspal flexure, tensile stress concentration, and crack propagation. Participants examine how internal line angles, structural depletion, and cavity design alter force transmission within enamel and dentin.

The framework then expands through Dr. Graham Milicich’s Compression Dome concept, which explains how intact teeth are designed to function primarily under compressive loading. Disruption of occlusal enamel and structural continuity introduces tensile stresses that can lead to six distinct fracture modes — each requiring a different restorative approach.

Participants learn that fracture diagnosis is not binary. Misidentifying the fracture mechanism can lead to inappropriate treatment, failed restorations, persistent pulpal symptoms, and unnecessary endodontic therapy.

The module integrates:

• The compression dome biomechanical model

• Six fracture mechanisms and their clinical presentation

• Restoration design tailored to fracture modality

• The role of composite versus luting resin in stress transfer

• How traditional preparation designs interfere with natural stress distribution

By combining adhesive-biomechanical reasoning with fracture classification, this module equips clinicians to stabilize compromised teeth conservatively while avoiding over-treatment or incorrect reinforcement strategies.

Module 3 Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Explain how intact teeth function primarily under compressive forces.

• Describe the compression dome concept and its clinical implications.

• Identify how occlusal enamel disruption alters stress distribution.

• Recognize and differentiate the six fracture modes of teeth.

• Correlate fracture mechanism with appropriate restorative design.

• Understand how internal line angles increase stress concentration.

• Apply cuspal reduction and structural modification strategically.

• Compare composite resin and luting resin properties in indirect restorations.

• Avoid restorative techniques that may destabilize fracture patterns.

• Recognize how incorrect fracture diagnosis can lead to persistent pulpal symptoms and unnecessary endodontic treatment.

• Integrate biomechanical reasoning into minimally invasive restorative planning.

Teaching Method: Self-Paced/Video/Web Mediated Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus is the owner and creator of the BAARD institute.

Lesson Length: 180 min CE credit: 2.5 hours (self-instruction) 

Module 4 focuses on the advanced management of endodontically treated and severely compromised teeth, integrating biomechanical reasoning with adhesive sequencing strategies.

The module begins by revisiting why structural loss — not loss of vitality — drives fracture risk. Traditional post-and-core paradigms are critically evaluated through an adhesive-biomechanical lens. Emphasis is placed on cuspal coverage, stress redistribution, and structural reinforcement rather than rigid mechanical retention.

A major portion of this module is devoted to Immediate Pre-Endodontic Dentin Sealing (IPDS), presented by Dr. Marco Carvalho. Based on published research and clinical application, IPDS proposes performing dentin hybridization and biobase placement prior to root canal (re)treatment. This approach aims to:

• Protect dentin from chemical degradation

• Preserve sound tooth structure

• Optimize bond strength

• Improve fracture resistance

The module examines how sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, and intracanal medicaments affect dentin substrate integrity — and how pre-endo sealing alters that dynamic.

Clinical sequencing is addressed in depth, including:

• Pulpotomy workflows

• Timing of dentin hybridization

• Coordination with endodontic retreatment

• Fiber reinforcement considerations

• Managing severely broken-down crowns

The module concludes with case discussions and interdisciplinary considerations, emphasizing that structural preservation, seal quality, and stress control must be integrated from the first appointment — not only at final restoration.

This module reinforces a central theme of the course: endodontic treatment and restoration are not separate events — they are part of one biomechanical system.

Module 4 Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Explain why structural depletion is the primary risk factor for fracture in ETT.

• Evaluate the biomechanical limitations of traditional post-and-core strategies.

• Implement cuspal coverage and adhesive buildup strategies to reduce tensile stress.

• Comprehend the rationale and clinical steps of Immediate Pre-Endodontic Dentin Sealing (IPDS).

• Understand how endodontic irrigants affect dentin bond strength.

• Apply dentin hybridization and biobase techniques prior to root canal treatment.

• Evaluate the effect of IPDS on fracture resistance.

• Sequence restorative and endodontic procedures to optimize outcomes.

• Recognize when fiber reinforcement may be indicated in ETT.

• Integrate research-based IPDS principles into daily clinical workflow.

• Avoid unnecessary removal of sound tooth structure during multi-session treatment.

Teaching Method: Self-Paced/Video/Web Mediated
Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus is the owner and creator of the BAARD institute.

Lesson Length: 210 min CE credit: 3.5 hours (self-instruction) 

Module 5 focuses on rubber dam isolation as a foundational requirement for predictable adhesive and biomimetic dentistry.

The module begins with a comprehensive guest lecture by Dr. Calin Pop, who reframes rubber dam isolation not as a cumbersome step, but as a tool for clarity, comfort, and efficiency. Participants learn how rubber dam placement, when properly integrated into workflow, improves precision, patient communication, and treatment acceptance.

Dr. Pop presents advanced strategies for simplifying rubber dam placement, managing complex scenarios, and integrating isolation seamlessly into restorative protocols. Emphasis is placed on transforming rubber dam from an obstacle into a competitive advantage.

The module then transitions into structured, step-by-step instruction covering basic to intermediate isolation techniques. Topics include:

• Clamp selection and modification

• Isolation of severely broken-down teeth

• Managing subgingival margins

• Multi-tooth and quadrant isolation

• Accessory techniques for deep margin elevation

• Isolation strategies for indirect restorations

Case examples demonstrate how proper isolation enhances adhesive durability, reduces contamination risk, and supports complex biomimetic procedures.

This module reinforces a central theme of the course: precision in execution determines predictability. Without reliable isolation, bond optimization and stress management strategies cannot succeed.

Rubber dam is presented not as an accessory — but as infrastructure.

Module 5 Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Explain the clinical advantages of rubber dam isolation for both practitioner and patient.

• Communicate the value of rubber dam effectively to improve case acceptance.

• Implement techniques to increase efficiency in rubber dam placement.

• Select and modify clamps appropriately for complex scenarios.

• Isolate severely broken-down teeth predictably.

• Manage subgingival margins under rubber dam isolation.

• Integrate rubber dam into biomimetic and adhesive workflows.

• Utilize quadrant isolation to expand treatment planning scope.

• Recognize how contamination affects adhesive durability.

• Apply isolation strategies that support deep margin elevation and indirect restoration protocols.

Teaching Method: Self-Paced/Video/Web Mediated
Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus is the owner and creator of the BAARD institute.

Lesson Length: 300 min CE credit: 5 hours (self-instruction) 

This is a collection of live cases both photos and video that are reviewed by Dr. Schiffenhaus. Currently the videos are older and there will be newer videos uploaded very soon.

• 3rd Molar Onlay with Margin Elevation & Large Crack

• Deep Caries - Ribbond - Onlay

• MODL Onlay Full Case Video in Real Time with Narration

• Mx 1st Overlay Full Live Case Narrated Demo & Review