Luís H. Schlichting receives the Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award from The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
ECU School of Dental Medicine assistant professor Luís Henrique Schlichting has been honored with a 2018 Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award in the clinical report category from The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry for “Simplified treatment of severe dental erosion with ultrathin CAD-CAM composite occlusal veneers and anterior bilaminar veneers,” an article he co-authored with Tayane Holz Resende, Kátia Rodrigues Reis from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Pascal Magne from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Luís Henrique Schlichting
In the article Schlichting and his co-authors showcase how CAD/CAM technology combined with adhesive dentistry make it possible to fabricate a new class of restorative design: the ultrathin occlusal veneers. This innovative approach would shift perspective, the way moderate and severe dental erosion is treated.
Traditionally, clinicians remove additional and significant amount of sound tooth structure in order to place full coverage crowns. This process increases the chances of periodontal (concerning the gums surrounding the tooth) complications (because margins usually are placed below the gumline) as well as increases the chances of endodontic (dental pulp) involvement.
Schlichting’s approach involves the fabrication and bonding of ultrathin CAD-CAM occlusal veneers to patient’s teeth allowing only strategic reduction of sound dental structure or even no preparation. There is no need of extending the preparation in order to hide margins or to obtain retention form.
“It’s like in a road with damaged pavement, when an asphaltic resurfacing will recover the original traffic conditions being highly cost-effective” he explains. The thickness of these composite resin or ceramic restorations when bonded will make them virtually imperceptible and the final appearance much more natural when compared to dental crowns.
Dr. Schlichting joined the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Department of General Dentistry in March of 2015. His work focuses on ultraconservative approaches based on biomimetic restorative dentistry. He teaches operative dentistry for first year DMD students in the school’s clinical simulation lab as well as other classes in the clinics. He is also co-author of the textbook Routes for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry: Mastery for Beginners and Experts.
The Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award is presented annually to writers of the most outstanding articles — in three categories: research/clinical sciences article, clinical report and technical article — published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry as determined by the publication’s editorial council. This award honors Dr. Hickey’s distinguished career as editor of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistryand his contributions to dental education, research, and administration.