Module 1 establishes the philosophy, objectives, and clinical foundation that guide the BAARD approach to direct composite dentistry. 

Participants are introduced to the principles of minimally invasive adhesive restorative dentistry, learning how evidence-based decision making, biomimetic philosophy, and meticulous adhesive protocols contribute to long-term restorative success. Through clinical examples, the biologic and mechanical goals of restorative treatment are explored, with emphasis on preserving healthy tooth structure, maintaining pulp vitality, and improving restoration longevity.

The lecture also introduces the role of adhesive bonding, isolation, restoration design, and material selection in creating predictable clinical outcomes while comparing the indications and limitations of direct composite restorations and indirect ceramic restorations.

By establishing the biologic and biomechanical principles that underpin modern adhesive dentistry, this module provides the decision-making framework for the biomechanics, material science, adhesive protocols, and restorative techniques presented throughout the remainder of the course.

Module 1 Objectives

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

• Describe the core principles of the BAARD philosophy of minimally invasive adhesive restorative dentistry.
• Explain the biologic and restorative goals that guide treatment planning for direct composite restorations.
• Discuss why preservation of healthy tooth structure and pulp vitality should be prioritized during restorative treatment.
• Recognize the relationship between adhesive technique, rubber dam isolation, and the prevention of postoperative sensitivity.
• Understand how restoration design influences long-term tooth survival and restorative success.
• Compare traditional mechanical restorative concepts with modern biomimetic adhesive principles.
• Identify the advantages and limitations of direct composite restorations relative to indirect ceramic restorations.
• Describe the primary clinical factors that influence the decision between direct composite restorations and indirect cuspal coverage.
• Appreciate the importance of evidence-based clinical decision making in restorative dentistry.
• Prepare for the subsequent modules covering biomechanics, material science, adhesive dentistry, and clinical restorative techniques.

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 establishes the scientific foundation for predictable direct composite dentistry by exploring the biomechanics of tooth structure and the material science of modern restorative composites. 

Participants examine how cavity preparation affects tooth strength, how adhesive bonding restores structural integrity, and why restorative design influences stress distribution, fracture resistance, and long-term clinical success. The module introduces key engineering concepts—including tensile and compressive forces, fatigue failure, biomimetic design, and the biomechanical relationship between enamel, dentin, composite resin, and glass ceramics.

The second half of the module focuses on the material science that governs composite performance. Participants learn how properties such as modulus of elasticity, filler content, polymerization shrinkage stress, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and fiber reinforcement influence restoration longevity and clinical decision making. Contemporary restorative materials, including fiber-reinforced composites, are discussed with emphasis on evidence-based material selection and appropriate clinical applications.

By integrating biomechanics with restorative material science, this module provides clinicians with the scientific framework needed to design restorations that preserve tooth structure, improve fracture resistance, and maximize long-term restorative success.

Module 2 Objectives

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

• Explain how tooth biomechanics influence restorative design and long-term tooth survival.
• Describe the biomechanical relationship between enamel, dentin, composite resin, and ceramic restorative materials.
• Understand how adhesive bonding restores structural integrity and improves fracture resistance.
• Explain the effects of polymerization shrinkage stress and material properties on restorative performance.
• Compare the mechanical properties of modern restorative composites and their influence on clinical outcomes.
• Discuss the role of modulus of elasticity, filler content, flexural strength, and fracture toughness in composite material selection.
• Recognize the indications and limitations of fiber-reinforced composite materials.
• Apply biomechanical and material science principles to improve restorative design, material selection, and long-term clinical success.

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 integrates adhesive science, polymerization stress management, composite layering principles, and pulp biology into a comprehensive clinical workflow for achieving predictable direct composite restorations. 

Participants begin by developing a thorough understanding of modern adhesive dentistry, including dentin bonding, bond maturation, selective enamel etching, MDP-based adhesive systems, resin coating, contamination management, and evidence-based adhesive protocols designed to maximize bond durability while minimizing postoperative sensitivity.

The module then explores the biomechanical principles of C-factor and polymerization shrinkage stress, demonstrating how cavity configuration, incremental layering, and resin coating influence adhesive integrity and long-term restorative success. Evidence-based layering strategies and fiber reinforcement concepts are presented to help clinicians preserve bond strength and improve fracture resistance.

The final portion of the module focuses on pulp biology and the diagnosis and management of postoperative sensitivity. Participants learn the biologic mechanisms responsible for postoperative discomfort, methods for evaluating pulp vitality, differentiating adhesive failures from cracked tooth syndrome and occlusal trauma, and evidence-based strategies for preserving pulp vitality while minimizing restorative complications.

By integrating adhesive science, restorative biomechanics, and pulpal biology, this module provides clinicians with a predictable, biologically based approach to reducing postoperative sensitivity, improving bond durability, and maximizing the longevity of direct composite restorations.

Module 3 Objectives

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

• Apply evidence-based adhesive protocols to maximize bond durability and minimize postoperative sensitivity.
• Differentiate between total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems and understand their clinical indications.
• Explain the biologic principles of dentin bonding, bond maturation, and resin coating.
• Describe how C-factor and polymerization shrinkage stress influence adhesive interfaces and restorative longevity.
• Select appropriate composite layering strategies based on cavity configuration and biomechanical principles.
• Understand the role of fiber reinforcement in stress distribution and restoration durability.
• Explain the biologic mechanisms responsible for postoperative sensitivity following adhesive restorative procedures.
• Differentiate postoperative sensitivity caused by adhesive failure, occlusal trauma, dentin hypersensitivity, and cracked tooth syndrome.
• Utilize evidence-based diagnostic methods to evaluate pulp vitality and determine appropriate treatment.
• Apply biologically based restorative protocols that preserve pulp vitality, reduce restorative complications, and improve long-term clinical success.

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: 3.0 hours (self-instruction) 

Module 4 translates the biologic, biomechanical, and adhesive principles established in the previous modules into predictable clinical techniques for direct composite restorations. 

Participants begin by learning evidence-based principles of cavity preparation design, adhesive operative protocols, and composite layering strategies for posterior and anterior restorations. Practical workflows are presented for defect-oriented preparation design, margin refinement, resin placement, proximal wall construction, occlusal anatomy development, and finishing procedures that improve restorative longevity while preserving healthy tooth structure.

The remainder of the module consists of detailed, step-by-step clinical demonstrations performed on typodonts that illustrate the complete restorative workflow. Participants observe horizontal and oblique layering techniques, Class I restorations, conservative and more complex Class II restorations, matrix placement, proximal contact development, finishing and rebonding protocols, and esthetic Class IV composite restorations using predictable layering sequences.

By integrating evidence-based operative principles with real-time clinical demonstrations, this module provides clinicians with practical restorative techniques that can be immediately incorporated into everyday practice to improve efficiency, simplify complex restorative procedures, and produce durable, esthetic direct composite restorations.

Module 4 Objectives

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

• Apply evidence-based principles of adhesive cavity preparation and restorative design.
• Select appropriate composite layering techniques based on cavity configuration and restorative objectives.
• Construct predictable proximal walls, contacts, and marginal ridges for Class II restorations.
• Utilize horizontal and oblique layering techniques to optimize composite adaptation, anatomy, and polymerization stress management.
• Develop functional occlusal anatomy while minimizing finishing and occlusal adjustment.
• Perform efficient finishing, polishing, and rebonding procedures to improve restoration longevity and surface integrity.
• Restore Class I, Class II, and Class IV direct composite restorations using predictable, step-by-step clinical workflows.
• Select appropriate matrix systems and restorative techniques based on defect size and clinical complexity.
• Apply esthetic layering principles for anterior composite restorations that optimize form, function, and appearance.
• Integrate the biologic, biomechanical, and adhesive principles learned throughout the course into a comprehensive restorative workflow that produces predictable long-term clinical outcomes.

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: 4.5 hours (self-instruction) 

Module 5 explores the contemporary science and clinical application of selective caries removal, demonstrating how modern adhesive dentistry allows clinicians to preserve pulp vitality while restoring deep carious lesions predictably and conservatively. 

Participants begin by reviewing the biologic principles of dental caries, pulp preservation, and evidence supporting selective caries removal over traditional complete excavation. The module examines remaining dentin thickness, caries detection, adhesive bonding to affected dentin, the Peripheral Seal Concept, and evidence-based protocols that maximize long-term pulp survival while minimizing unnecessary tissue removal.

The remainder of the module translates these principles into clinical practice through narrated live patient cases and restorative demonstrations. Participants observe the diagnosis and management of moderate and deep carious lesions, the use of caries detector dye during selective excavation, management of subgingival caries, and complete restorative workflows using modern adhesive techniques and direct composite restorations. Clinical decision-making is emphasized throughout each case, allowing participants to understand not only the techniques employed but also the rationale behind every restorative decision.

By integrating contemporary caries science with real-world clinical demonstrations, this module provides clinicians with a practical, biologically based approach to managing deep carious lesions while preserving tooth structure, maintaining pulp vitality, and improving long-term restorative success.

Module 5 Objectives

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

• Explain the biologic principles supporting selective caries removal for deep carious lesions.
• Differentiate infected dentin, affected dentin, and sound dentin during caries excavation.
• Describe the relationship between remaining dentin thickness, adhesive sealing, and long-term pulp vitality.
• Apply the Peripheral Seal Concept to maximize adhesive success while preserving healthy tooth structure.
• Utilize caries detection methods, including caries detector dye, to guide conservative caries removal.
• Develop evidence-based treatment plans for moderate, deep, and subgingival carious lesions.
• Recognize clinical situations in which selective caries removal improves pulp preservation compared with complete excavation.
• Apply adhesive restorative protocols following selective caries removal to optimize sealing and restoration longevity.
• Observe and evaluate complete clinical workflows for selective caries removal through narrated live patient demonstrations.
• Integrate biologically based caries management principles into everyday restorative practice to improve long-term tooth survival.

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: 3 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) 

The Live Case Review section is a growing library of narrated clinical cases that brings the principles taught throughout the course into real-world practice. Dr. Steve Schiffenhaus will periodically add new cases covering a wide range of restorative challenges, treatment planning decisions, and adhesive restorative techniques. 

This section includes a combination of comprehensive long-form case reviews, shorter narrated clinical demonstrations, and, in the future, image-based case discussions that highlight diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical execution, and long-term outcomes. For convenience, narrated live cases found throughout the course modules are also compiled here, allowing participants to easily revisit specific procedures and restorative concepts.

Whether you're looking to reinforce a particular technique or observe how evidence-based principles are applied in complex clinical situations, this continually expanding library serves as an ongoing clinical resource long after you've completed the course.