Recharge - Spear Summit 2026

How AI and Cloud Computing are Reshaping Diagnosis and Design Solutions

AI is a keyword that is being used quite frequently in many industries, but how is this actually affecting us in Dentistry?  Radiographic diagnosis and CAD Design are the most commonly used AI in Dentistry, and both are rapidly evolving.  In this lecture we will discuss how we are using it now, what it's changing, what the future is looking like and how all solutions can help us as dentists deliver more efficient, predictable patient care.

Dr. Mike Skramstad is a digital dentistry innovator and respected authority on CAD/CAM, implantology, and esthetic restorative workflows. As a Spear Faculty member, he leads advanced workshops and helps clinicians integrate cutting-edge technology into practice. He consults with multiple manufacturers and works directly with engineering teams to shape next-generation dental tools. Dr. Skramstad practices in Orono, Minnesota, where he focuses on comprehensive restorative and implant dentistry. He regularly publishes and lectures on materials science and digital techniques. 

Preparation Strategies for Porcelain Veneers: Minimal Reduction for Maximal Success

Successful porcelain veneers depend on thoughtful preparation that respects both esthetics and biology. This presentation will review preparation design principles supported by current evidence, emphasizing how depth, margin placement, and enamel preservation influence outcomes. Practical strategies will be outlined to help clinicians determine when to modify, when to conserve, and how to optimize adhesive performance.

Dr. Effie Habsha is a globally recognized prosthodontist, educator, and advocate for women in dentistry. A faculty member at the University of Toronto and Eastman Institute for Oral Health, she teaches prosthodontics at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Dr. Habsha maintains a private practice in Toronto, focusing on prosthodontics and implant dentistry, and serves on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital. The founder of Women in Dentistry: Work.Life.Balance, she is also a respected international lecturer. Her work champions clinical excellence, mentorship, and equity in dental education.

Comprehensive Treatment Planning Does Not Start with a Scan... It Starts with Questions

Too often, comprehensive treatment planning is thought to begin with technology—a scan, radiographs, or a digital workflow. In reality, it begins much earlier, with the questions we ask. This session will explore how assessing a patient’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional status provides critical prognostic indicators that complement our traditional diagnostic tools. By integrating these dimensions into the planning process, we not only improve case predictability and treatment acceptance, but also elevate the patient experience. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to incorporate meaningful questioning into their workflow and a renewed perspective on what it truly means to plan comprehensively.

Dr. Ricardo Mitrani is a leading voice in implant prosthodontics and esthetic dentistry, with a reputation built over 500 lectures in 30 countries. A member of Spear’s Faculty since 2016, he contributes to seminars, Spear Digest, and Spear Online. Dr. Mitrani, a co-creator of the Lip-Tooth-Ridge classification system used in the treatment of edentulous maxillary arches, maintains a private practice in Mexico City, focusing on prosthodontics and implant rehabilitation. He is known for combining clinical precision with a human-centered approach. His work inspires clinicians to advance both their technical skills and patient care.

The Greatest Generation

It has been more than 40 years since adhesive concepts were introduced into dentistry. Numerous generations of adhesive protocols and techniques have been developed to bring predictability and longevity to our enamel/dentin bonds. Each has contributed to raising the bar in adhesive strength, efficiency and simplicity.  But do the present technology and products represent “The Greatest Generation?” This program will provide an update on what is prevailing on adhesive battlefield!

Dr. Jeff Bonk is an accomplished restorative dentist with advanced training in periodontics, prosthetics, oral surgery, and hospital-based care. As a Spear Resident Faculty member since 2009, Dr. Bonk specializes in educational content related to restorative dentistry. He is in private practice in Illinois and lectures nationally on complex restorative techniques. A Pankey Scholar and mentor, Dr. Bonk is also a member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics and mentors graduate dentists through Loyola Hospital’s general practice residency program.

Against All Odds... Modern Endodontic Clinical Outcomes

This will be a review of modern endodontic clinical outcomes studies as a guide for treatment planning. Dr. Chesler will review most current endodontic outcomes studies for all three phases of treatment (initial RCT, retreatment, and surgery) in an effort to provide an overview of the latest success rates and how success rates are changing with CBCT verses traditional radiographs. 

Dr. Matthew Chesler is a board-certified endodontist and decorated U.S. Navy veteran with advanced training in complex root canal procedures. A former department head at both Pearl Harbor and U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, he completed his endodontic residency at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School and earned a master’s degree from The George Washington University. Dr. Chesler teaches endodontic continuing education across the U.S. and develops coursework for Spear and CDOCS.

Planning the Profile

Seven steps are involved in maximizing facial profile results. This presentation will discuss the steps and why they are essential to a perfect profile.

Learning Objectives:

1. The face, airway, and bite are treated concurrently
2. Multispecialty care is the best care
3. Seven factors control the facial profile
4. TM Joints don’t need surgery to be functional and stable

Dr. Arnett graduated with honors from the University of Southern California dental school and completed a specialty in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. His practice focused on facial reconstruction, combining surgery and research. From 1975 to 1985, he practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery; from 1985 to 2016, his practice was limited exclusively to orthognathic surgery. An international speaker, Arnett has published numerous papers on all aspects of orthognathic surgery. He co-authored Facial and Dental Planning for Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons with Dr. Richard McLaughlin and is the co-founder of FAB software, powered by Nemotec.

His academic roles included assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Loma Linda University; clinical assistant professor at USC; senior lecturer in oral and maxillofacial surgery at UCLA; clinical professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; and visiting professor at the Universidad del Desarrollo School of Dentistry in Santiago, Chile.

Widely recognized for his contributions to orthodontics and surgery, Dr. Arnett received the B.F. and Helen E. Dewel Clinical Orthodontic Award and was honored with the paper of the year by the American Association of Orthodontists for his publication “Facial Keys to Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, parts 1 and 2.” In 2013, induction into the Dawson Academy acknowledged his outstanding contributions to dentistry, followed by his 2015 induction into the Edward H. Angle Society for his work in orthodontics and surgery. Most recently, in 2023, the American Association of Orthodontists awarded him the outstanding contribution award.

Clear Aligners in Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy (IDT): Asset or Liability?

In recent years, clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering patients enhanced esthetics, comfort and convenience. However, the critical question remains: Are clear aligners an asset or a liability for the interdisciplinary team striving to achieve the highest standards of health and esthetics for their patients? This presentation will address that question, focusing on morbidity, predictability, functionality, chair time, treatment time and, of course, the overall excellence of the final interdisciplinary result. Key points will be illustrated with numerous interdisciplinary cases, including complex ones focusing on overall patient beauty and wellness.

Dr. Roblee practiced general restorative dentistry in Dallas before returning to pursue graduate studies in orthodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry. Recognized worldwide for his work in esthetic dentistry, orthodontic techniques and interdisciplinary therapy, Roblee has delivered more than 500 professional presentations across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan.

A diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Roblee is also the author of numerous publications and videos, including the textbook Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach to Optimal Patient Care (Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc.).

In addition to his private practice, he serves as an associate clinical professor at Baylor College of Dentistry in both the restorative and orthodontic departments. Roblee is an active member of several prestigious dental organizations, including the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, where he is a past president.

Immediate Restorations Redefined: Predictability in a Digital Era

Modern immediate implant protocols can save time for both clinicians and patients. To realize these benefits, treatment options must be critically compared, weighing the risks associated with faster procedures. If risks are low and success rates are similar — especially regarding esthetic outcomes — longer treatments may not be justified. Achieving efficiency requires team-based planning to minimize complications. When done correctly, immediate restoration can be the best option. This lecture will cover current strategies for single-tooth and full-arch cases, with a focus on digital tools and how technology can help reduce treatment time and improve interdisciplinary outcomes.

Dr. Paul Leonhard Schuh received his dental degree from the private University Witten/Herdecke in 2012. Before this, he completed a three-year dental technician program in Bamberg, Germany. At the dental clinic of Witten/Herdecke University, he worked as a research associate in the department of prosthodontics and dental technology of Prof. Dr. Andree Piwowarczyk. In 2013, he joined the team of Dr. Wolfgang Bolz and Prof. Dr. Hannes Wachtel at Implaneo Dental Clinic in Munich for a postgraduate program in periodontology and implantology.

Dr. Schuh was a lecturer at the Institute for Periodontology and Implantology Munich (IPI) and has published scientific articles in journals for implant and esthetic dentistry. Since 2014, he has been an associate fellow and an expert of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation (FOR) and is a lecturer of the Dresden International University “Master of Science of Periodontology and Implant Therapy” in cooperation with the German Society of Periodontology. Since 2021, he has been the founder of his own digital dental office, “artedent,” in Munich.

Dr. Schuh is ambassador for the Digital Dentistry Society Germany. He has been an active member of the “Neue Gruppe” since 2020.

The Existing Implant: A Decision Tree to Revise or Remove

 Learn a structured decision-making process to determine whether to maintain, revise, or remove compromised implants for optimal long-term results.

Dr. Kimberly Schlam is a prosthodontist in private practice in Bend, Oregon, where she focuses on patient-centered, interdisciplinary care. Her clinical and research interests include digital workflow integration and patient-reported outcomes in implant prosthetics. A former U.S. Army prosthodontist, Dr. Schlam brings disciplined precision and a collaborative mindset to both her practice and her teaching. At Spear, she leverages her expertise to help dentists refine their digital and restorative strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences.