Nathaniel Lawson DMD PhD is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. He has served as an investigator on over 75 research grants, published over 200 articles, abstracts, book chapters, and periodicals related to dental materials. His research interests are the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials and clinical evaluation of new dental materials. He was the 2016 recipient of the ADA Stanford New Investigator Award, the 2017 3M Innovative Research Fellowship, and the 2020 Mentor of the Year Award from the American Association of Dental Research. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of dental materials. He also works as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.
Adhesive bonding has become essential for the success of modern indirect restorations including zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain, and resin-based materials. However, the increasing number of restorative materials, primers, surface treatments, and resin cements can make selecting the proper bonding protocol confusing in everyday practice. This course simplifies adhesive bonding into a practical, evidence-based approach clinicians can immediately implement clinically. Participants will learn how to identify restorative materials, properly prepare restoration surfaces, select appropriate primers and cements, and avoid common causes of debonding and restoration failure. Clinical protocols and recommendations will be presented using research findings and clinical experience from the UAB School of Dentistry.
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:
Differentiate the bonding requirements for zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain, and resin based indirect restorations
Review evidence-based protocols for restoration surface treatment, primer selection, and adhesive cementation
Discuss clinical techniques to improve bond durability and reduce common bonding failures