Dr. Davis Zakis is a dentist specializing in direct aesthetic anterior and posterior restorations, with expertise in non-preparation smile makeovers, complex posterior and anterior restorations, and post-endodontic rehabilitation with full cusp coverage. For more challenging cases, he employs digital design and 3D wax-ups using ExoCad, combining precision with natural aesthetics.

In addition, Dr. Zakis is dedicated to excellence, basing his work on scientific evidence while exploring new techniques and engaging in open discussion with colleagues. Outside the clinic, he enjoys scientific reading, practicing composite restorations at home, and detailed watercolor painting, though he believes the best way to unwind is to connect with nature.

He is currently working on a comprehensive registry in the Netherlands, contributing to advancements in restorative dentistry.

Dan Lazar graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in 2005, and has since completed extensive post-graduate training in prosthetic and restorative dentistry across Romania and Europe.

From 2007 to 2009, he taught in the Restorative Department at the Faculty of Dentistry. Since 2005, he has been practicing in his private clinic in Oradea, Romania.

Driven by a passion for beauty, Dan has developed a deep expertise in dental photography, exploring both the technical and artistic aspects, as well as the aesthetic perception of the smile and anterior region design.

Since 2009, he has been an international lecturer, sharing his knowledge on direct composite restorations, anterior prosthodontics, and dental photography in Romania and abroad.

Dr. Pierre Dimitrov (Sofia, Bulgaria) graduated from the Medical University of Sofia in 2016. He is a member of the clinical team at Denta Consult, a private dental clinic in Sofia, where he specializes in adhesive restorative dentistry and esthetics.

He is an international speaker, presenting at lectures, congresses, and courses on adhesive restorative dentistry, rubber dam isolation, indirect anterior and posterior restorations, and digital dentistry.

Since 2020, Dr. Dimitrov has been a member of the Bio-Emulation group, helping to expand the Bulgarian team and organize the Bio-Emulation Symposium in Sofia (2023), which hosted various international lecturers.

Dr. Dimitrov currently leads the Bio-Emulation CoRE program in Bulgaria, a three-module program in contemporary restorative dentistry that supports young dental talents and helps shape the next generation of the team.

Dr. Claire O’Connor graduated from University College Cork (UCC) in 2006 and completed the Membership exams at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2010. Specializing in minimally invasive, biomimetic adhesive dentistry, she has pursued extensive training to refine her expertise, including a one-year Mastership in the USA (2021) and the Mimétika Programme in Europe (2023).

Her clinical practice focuses on Advanced Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, with a strong emphasis on Rubber Dam Isolation and precision restorative techniques. Dr. O’Connor is committed to staying at the cutting edge of modern dentistry, regularly attending and contributing to professional development courses.

An experienced educator, she delivers hands-on courses and lectures to dentists in Ireland and internationally, sharing practical insights into biomimetic restorative techniques and modern adhesive dentistry. She is the Irish Ambassador for Bio-Emulation, an elite global community of dentists leading innovation in their field.

Dr. Iwata Jun is a highly qualified dental professional with a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree from Kagoshima University, Japan, obtained in 2005, and a PhD from Osaka University, Japan, received in 2009.

After gaining extensive postgraduate expertise in restorative and esthetic dentistry, Dr. Jun established his private practice in Takasago, Hyogo, Japan, in 2016, offering specialised services in prosthodontics.

Since 2010, Dr. Jun has been an active member of the Japan Dental Association, Osaka branch. Additionally, Dr. Jun serves as the director of the "Composite Restoration Practice Course Micerium ENA HRi," sponsored by Forest-One since 2016, demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing dental education.

Dr. Jun's contributions extend beyond clinical practice, as evidenced by authored articles such as "Important Factors to Optimize Clinical Cases through Wax-Up Evaluation," published in October, November, and December 2015, and "Performing Temporary Restorations in the Dental Office," published from January to April 2018 in QDT, a publication by Quintessence, Japan.

He now spends significant amount of his time travelling internationally teaching the techniques that he has mastered over many years.

Dr. Uzer Celik graduated from Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University in 2001. She received a PhD degree in Restorative Dentistry from Ege University in 2007. She has a diverse experience in dental education by giving many theoretical and practical courses in Suleyman Demirel University and Izmir Katip Celebi University. She received the “Associate Professor” title in 2012 and “Professor” title in 2018. She served in various administrative positions at different universities, including Vice Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Head of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Erasmus Coordinator and Farabi Coordinator.

Her research interests include esthetic dentistry, composite restorations, caries risk assessment, adhesion, clinical trials and digital dentistry. She has authored or co-authored many peer-reviewed publications, and has given many presentations at national or international specific meetings. She is a member of International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and Turkish Association of Restorative Dentistry.

Edris Rasta is an experienced dental technician and educator specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry. He holds a Master’s degree in Crown and Bridge Restorations from the Dutch Health Tec Academy and has extensive expertise in zirconia and lithium-disilicate restorations, including advanced layering techniques.

Since 2015, he has worked at the Dental Design Center (Blaricum, Netherlands), training dentists and technicians, and has lectured nationally and internationally on occlusion, function, and aesthetic treatment planning. He is an affiliate of the EAED and an active member of YourDentalExpert.com, mentoring new dentists and sharing his expertise in materials, cementation, and digital smile design.

Dr. Marco Maiolino is a distinguished Italian dentist with over two decades of clinical experience, specializing in endodontics, restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics. He graduated from the University of Perugia in 2001 with highest honors (110/110 cum laude) and has been practicing as a general dentist in Siracusa, Italy, since 2002.

A passionate advocate for patient-centered dentistry, Dr. Maiolino is the co-founder of the “Tomorrow Tooth” group, an educational platform launched in 2015 that now reaches over 70,000 subscribers worldwide. He is also an active member of SIDOC (Italian Society of Restorative Dentistry) and has been a Bioclear speaker since 2017 and certified instructor since 2021, as well as a Zeiss speaker since 2022.

Dr. Maiolino lectures nationally and internationally, sharing his expertise in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, and is recognized for combining cutting-edge techniques with a commitment to patient care.

Dr. Melkers is in private practice in Hanover, NH, but impacts students, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Dr. Melkers is a 1994 graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry & currently serves as Visiting Faculty at Rīga Stradiņš University in Riga, Latvia & as Advisor and Visiting Faculty for The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida, and Lead Educator for RIPE Global.

Dr. Melkers is a Fellow & Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and holds additional Fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American College of Dentists. He maintains a private clinical practice in Hanover, NH, with a focus on comprehensive adult restorative care. Dr. Melkers balances his professional time between clinical practice, teaching, publishing, and research.

Dr. Zsolt Döbrentey is a dentist dedicated to aesthetic and restorative dentistry, with over 11 years of professional experience. His main areas of expertise include direct restorations, incisal edge build-ups, and diastema closure. He graduated from Semmelweis University, where he later worked as a clinical instructor, taking part in both theoretical and hands-on education of dental students.

He is a regular national and international speaker, delivering lectures and hands-on courses in Hungarian and English. Dr. Döbrentey is a founding and board member of the Hungarian Society of Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry. His professional philosophy is based on an aesthetic approach, thoughtful planning, and precise execution — quality above all.

For our contemporary dentistry, re-establish a patient’s lost dental aesthetic appearance is one of the most important topics. Veneers are restorations which are envisioned to correct aesthetic deficiencies, existing abnormalities and discolorations. There are two different types of veneers: direct and indirect laminate veneers. When it comes to the final aesthetic result and longevity, direct veneer restoration, as a definitive treatment plan in aesthetic therapies, have only been a second choice to porcelain veneers.

When the dentist choose the veneer composite as a treatment plan option, this should meet several criteria as: minimally invasive approach, good match of the colour, good finishing and polishing, functional and aesthetic biomimetic.

In all composite restorations is always preferred a smooth and highly glosses surface. The aesthetic considerations and the oral health are the reasons why a properly finished composite veneers restoration are desirable. A multitude of clinical problems such as gingival irritation, higher wear rates and recurrent or secondary caries, plaque accumulation and an overall long-term aesthetic failure are the result of a poorly finished resin veneer with their surface irregularities.

Contouring, finishing and polishing are the most important steps in successfully creating bonded and long term restorations. A clinical challenge has always been achieving a highly polished surface on the composite resin, and new methods have been coming on the scene, day by day, to accomplish this important step.

Dr. Claire O’Connor’s dedication to rubber dam isolation stems from her commitment to achieving optimal restorative outcomes for every patient. In this onsite session, she will take participants through her clinical workflow, starting with the fundamentals of gold-standard isolation and providing practical guidance on the equipment, techniques, and protocols she relies on daily. Throughout the lecture, Dr. O’Connor emphasizes patient comfort and effective communication, ensuring that attendees can implement her methods immediately in their own practice. Whether you are new to rubber dam use or an experienced clinician, this session offers practical tips and advanced strategies to elevate your restorative dentistry.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the history, scientific evidence, and core principles of rubber dam isolation.
• Master essential clinical techniques, including holding and accessory clamps, dam inversion, clamp modification, floss ties, Teflon use, and more.
• Gain insight into Dr. O’Connor’s step-by-step workflow, from initial patient preparation to application and delivery.
• Learn advanced techniques and troubleshooting strategies through real clinical case demonstrations.

Anterior direct composite restorations have become a reliable, minimally invasive solution for achieving natural-looking aesthetic outcomes. This presentation highlights current trends and key techniques that enhance precision, including shade selection, translucency control, morphological design, and modern layering or simplified single-shade approaches.

Practical clinical tips on finishing, polishing, and long-term maintenance will also be discussed. Through concise case examples, participants will gain an updated understanding of how advanced composite materials can deliver predictable, efficient, and highly aesthetic anterior restorations.

Failure visits our practices in many forms and on many materials. In this program we will explore the forces that threaten our success and what options we have to address them. With a balance of hard/technical and soft/communication skills, Dr. Melkers will take attendees on a journey with patient stories and their cases in application. From single tooth to more advanced care, skills will be shared that can be put to use for all levels of clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to recognize critical parafunctional red flags and why they matter
• Appreciate the balance between function, parafunction & aesthetics
• Learn realistic management of destructive forces in restorative dentistry
• Understand how to evaluate destructive vs desirable occlusal contact
• Appreciate the benefits and considerations in altering vertical dimension
• Experience concepts in case application

The most common aesthetic desire among patients is to achieve a harmonious, natural, and beautiful smile. However, creating such a result requires more than improving the shape or color of the teeth: true success lies in careful planning and the balance between function and aesthetics.

This lecture presents a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow that guides the clinician through the entire smile design process – from initial analysis to final execution. We will discuss the principles of smile aesthetics, and the role of wax-ups and mock-ups in planning, patient communication, and outcome visualization. The lecture explores how harmony can be achieved between white and pink aesthetics, and how this can be integrated into a stable functional framework.

A long-lasting and truly aesthetic result is built upon the unity of well-understood function and precisely designed aesthetics. The presentation will outline the analytical steps and protocols that enable predictable and durable smile reconstructions.

This time, the focus will be on indirect restorations: beyond the planning phase, we will take a detailed look at the veneer workflow, emphasizing the coordination between laboratory and clinical procedures, as well as the fine details that ensure a natural, harmonious, and lasting smile.

Through a series of clinical cases, we will demonstrate that while every situation is unique, the key to success remains the same: a well-structured, consistent, and thoughtful workflow – the “Blueprint to Beauty”.

This lecture offers a guided tour through the clinical use of injection moulding restorations in everyday practice. Rather than focusing on techniques alone, the session explores when and why injection moulding can be a valuable tool for minimally invasive and biologically respectful dentistry.

Clinical applications will include the management of black triangles, diastemas, and complex additive restorations, with specific attention to subgingival margins, difficult access areas, and challenging restorative scenarios. Key topics will cover matrix selection, contour control, emergence profile management, and strategies to achieve predictable results even in demanding clinical conditions.

The lecture is grounded in real clinical cases, highlighting how injection moulding restorations can support tooth preservation, simplified workflows, and outcomes designed to age well over time, while doing only what is necessary.