2021 Ski Meeting Recap

The 2021 SouthWestern Society Ski Meeting in Vail, Colorado was a blast! We have fought to keep the tradition alive and unbroken for 42 years. COVID can’t stop the flow! The snow conditions were epic and Vail is world-famous for a reason. Although attendance was limited, those who made it reported: “This is the best meeting ever!” and “Attending this meeting is my favorite part of my job!”

A huge shout-out to all of the sponsors who particularly made this Ski Meeting possible:

• Biolase

• D4C

• Kinder Krowns

• Magnify

• NuSmile

• Pro-Fi 20/20

The meeting started off with none other than the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry President, Dr. LaRee Johnson. Her lecture, “Predictable Pulp Therapy and Zippy Zirconia Preps” was fabulous. Her lecture was followed by a hands-on workshop made possible by NuSmile. Thank you NuSmile! Incredible takeaways include a reattachment technique of fractured incisors, super-fast and reliable zirconia crown preps, pulp therapy, and visual aids to help in treatment plan presentation, conversion, and compliance. Awesome lecture- Thank you Dr. Johnson!

On Tuesday, our very own SWSPD Vice-President, Dr. Ben Curtis delivered, “Integrating an All-Tissue Laser into your Pediatric Oral Care,” presented by Biolase. His presentation included practical implementation of both soft- and hard-tissue lasers in the pediatric dental clinic. Hands-on practice was performed on extracted teeth, chicken wings and cow tongue- yum! Key takeaways included tooth preparation and soft tissue procedures including frenectomy, excision and biopsy, crown lengthening, and impacted tooth exposure among many others. A big “Thank You” to Biolase for providing their lasers and making this lecture possible.

Wednesday morning brought SWSPD’s dedicated and loyal tax, accounting, and financial specialist Mr. Chris Sands. He hails from Atlanta, GA and is a founding partner of the firm Pro-Fi 20/20. They provide free tax and accounting services for your SWSPD and risk life and limb to sponsor our annual Ski Meeting- sweet! Chris’ lecture entitled, “New Administration, New Taxes: Your 2021 Survival Guide,” was discussed by attendee’s and referred to the rest of the week! His tips included: retaining at least 1.5 months’ worth of business expenses in cash on hand, and “Profit is a Choice”- how to battle “Parkinson’s Law” by utilizing auto-savings and multiple accounts. Remember, that “Growth Diversifies your Risk,” commercial real estate super-charges your practice, and don’t forget that all debt is paid off with AFTER-tax money!

Brandon Richardson, sponsored by Kinder Krowns, lectured on “Digital Dentistry for Pediatrics and Special Needs Patients.” This lecture brought an incredible view of providing customized pre-fabricated zirconia crowns for delivery in the operating room setting. Our special needs patients bring unique restorative challenges and this look provides a new option to customize your patient care. For questions or discuss your patient needs please contact Brandon Richardson directly at brandon@kinderkrowns.com.

Thursday morning brought an insightful lecture by the Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Program Director, Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Carolyn Kerins. Dr. Kerins’ lecture entitled, “Advances in Pediatric Medicine: New Drugs and Techniques,” included case studies in Craniofacial techniques, smart pills (fully traceable for targeted endoscopy), pain management and sleep apnea. A presented case report indicated that in some cases delayed Craniofacial surgeries can lead to decreased scar formation.

That evening, our long-term and beloved Ski Meeting attendee, Dr. Cavan Brunsden lectured on “Functional Facial Development.” This practical approach to integrating interceptive orthodontics and oral-myofunctional therapy in the pediatric dental office was extremely insightful. This meeting has hosted many lectures over the treatment of tongue-tie, Craniofacial growth and development, and its impact on tongue-tie. Dr. Brunsden put everything together in a way to integrate these aspects successfully. I personally found several take-aways to place into our practice.

Friday capped the meeting with our AAPD President, Dr. Jessica Lee. She began the lecture with an AAPD update and applauded our SWSPD’s dedication to host an in-person meeting. This update included the effort of our Academy to get PPE and OR access to its members. Thank you AAPD! Also, she included the AAPD’s efforts to get our patients back in the office as there have been zero reported patient to dentist COVID transmissions! Her lecture continued with “Management of Permanent Tooth Dental Trauma in Children.” She covered advanced treatment including auto-transplantation and the importance of bone preservation in areas of trauma. These techniques included “decoronation” of severely ankylosed teeth. A helpful insight is to always manage expectations… correlate RCT/worst case scenario at the time of trauma.

The 2022 Ski Meeting is back in Vail, Colorado! The dates are January 30- February 4th. Vail properties have indicated a return to full capacity which means it’s time to register. Our world-class speakers will again compliment the world class resort and mountain! Go to swspd.org to register NOW. Make plans and See You On the Mountain!

Ryan Roberts, DDS MS
SWSPD Ski Meeting Chairman