2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5
A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M

2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M

Investigation
Beyond Suspicion

As a member of the club, you have access to all of academic programs.

11 sessions of livestream, lectures and hand-on
45 CEUs

West Coast Study Club is a southern California affiliate of the world-renowned Seattle Study Club network. Established in 1999, the club joined the Seattle Study Club network in 2019.

West Coast Study Club is a southern California affiliate of the world-renowned Seattle Study Club network. Established in 1999, the club joined the Seattle Study Club network in 2019.

introduction

Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Kim often lecture together. This was at the 2016 ICOI Winter meeting in San Diego, CA, where the two presented on the synergy of interdisciplinary approach in implant dentistry.

Seattle Study Club - Doing Dentistry Together ®

This fall, our club will be starting the fifth year of its journey as an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club. This is a particularly exciting year as we are represented by two co-directors! 

We bring together 11 exciting programs over 10 months. We will focus on clinical periodontics as the foundation for the complex, and interdisciplinary dentistry that we carry out on a daily basis. To that end, we have invited some of the most talented periodontists in southern California over 4 evening programs. We are so happy to announce that Dr. Gerard Chiche will be overseeing a hands-on workshop program on esthetic dentistry in December. In June we will, as a group, celebrate in the annual symposium where we hope to see our members blossom and present cases and techniques that we work hard to develop and perfect.

See you all at the meetings!

Very best,

Jin Y. Kim, DDS, MPH, MS, FACD & Gianmarco O’Brien, DDS 
Co-directors of West Coast Study Club

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2021-2022 Academic Program for West Coast Study Club

The New Academic Year starts in September 2024, and will finish in June 2025.

2024-2025 MAIN PROGRAM-AT-A-GLANCE

Total CE Credits offered for the MAIN PROGRAM: 38.0 hour units
Open to members only – Spouse or significant other are invited to the Annual Dinner in June​

Format

CE Credits

Venue

Full-day event

7 CEU

US Dental Lecture Room, Cerritos CA

Evening program

2 CEU

Vatech Lecture Room, Cypress CA

Full-day event

7 CEU

US Dental Lecture Room, Cerritos CA

December 14, 2024

Chef. Erin Sealy.

Wine Pairing Dinner.

US Dental Lecture Room, Cerritos CA

Full-day event

7 CEU

Dr. Kim’s Office, Diamond Bar CA

Evening program

2 CEU

Vatech Lecture Room, Cypress CA

Evening program

2 CEU

Vatech Lecture Room, Cypress CA

Evening program

2 CEU

Vatech Lecture Room, Cypress CA

Evening program

2 CEU

Dr. Kim’s Office, Diamond Bar CA

Full-day event

7 CEU

Dr. Kim’s Office, Diamond Bar CA

Full-day event

7 CEU

Vatech Lecture Room, Cypress CA

CAD/CAM Biomimetic Restorations:
Theory, Application and Efficiency

Matt Nejad

DDS

  

September

Saturday,
September 7, 2024

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full-day event
At US Dental Facility

This one-day program provides an introduction to biomimetic dentistry, focusing on the unique advantages of indirect biomimetic restorations. Participants will learn what sets these restorations apart from traditional indirect ceramic restorations, including their ability to closely mimic the natural properties of teeth. 
The curriculum covers key concepts of the biomimetic indirect workflow and explores how integrating CAD/ CAM technology enhances the precision and efficiency of dental restorations. Detailed recommendations on CAD/CAM equipment, settings and parameters, material selection, design strategies, and characterization will be covered. Case presentations will demonstrate the exceptional possibilities achievable with in-office production of CAD/CAM Biomimetic restorations, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to apply these advanced techniques in their practices.

Learning Objectives

  1. Define the principles of biomimetic dentistry and explain how they apply to indirect restorations.
  2. Identify the distinctions between biomimetic indirect restorations and traditional indirect ceramic restorations.
  3. Describe the key concepts of the biomimetic indirect workflow.
  4. Demonstrate how CAD/CAM technology can be integrated to enhance the precision and efficiency of biomimetic restorations.
  5. Select appropriate CAD/CAM equipment, materials, and settings that optimize the design and production of biomimetic restorations.
  6. Apply design strategies and characterization techniques to create detailed and aesthetically pleasing biomimetic restorations.
  7. Analyze case studies to understand the practical applications and benefits of CAD/CAM in biomimetic dentistry.

This program was generously supported by

us_dental_logo_g
Be the Sherlock Holmes of Interdisciplinary Dentistry
- Investigation under Microscope.

Mary Chien

DDS, MS

  

October

Thursday,
October 24, 2024

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening program
At Vatech Lecture Room

Subject

Patients seek dental treatment for pain in their mouth. But is it as simple as just a toothache or a cracked tooth? There could be multiple facets of pain that many dentists are not familiar to dealt with, yet mistakenly diagnosed and treated by endodontic means, but only to have these so-now-being-labelled ‘difficult’ patients coming back again and again without any resolution. It’s most frustrating not only to the dental team, but to the patients too.
This interactive presentation will give the audience a guideline in proper diagnosis and treatment of different types of pain, whether endodontic or non-endodontic in origin. It’s a presentation of everything else other than drill, shape and pack. A series of case studies will be discussed to high-light the different scenarios in real world dentistry through the microscopic lens of an endodontist.

Learning Objectives

  • Diagnosis and treatment of endodontic and non-endodontic pain.
  • Contemporary  endodontist’s role in interdisciplinary dentistry.
  • Achieve predictable outcomes.
  • Bonus tricks in improving patient’s dental expereince.
Hands on Resin Radiance:
Mastering the Fusion of Functionality and Esthetics

Dimple Desai

DDS

  

December

Saturday,
December 14, 2024

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Full-day event
At US Dental Facility

Subject

Course Objectives

Discover the art of transforming teeth in a conservative manner with resin. Learn how to select and manipulate direct resin to achieve the perfect proportion and symmetry. Step by step, you will be guided through tooth preparation, proper isolation and sequential layering of composite resin and tints. Learn how to create correct contours, line angles, primary and secondary anatomy, culminating in a mesmerizing final polish.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify the conservative and esthetic approach of using direct resin to create a proportional and symmetrical tooth
  2. Follow a step-by-step procedure to master the transformation of a resin into an esthetic and symmetrical tooth.
  3. Demonstrate proper tooth preparation techniques and correct isolation methods.
  4. Learn the sequential layering process with various shades of composite resin and tints. 
  5. Acquire skills in achieving correct contours, line angles and primary and secondary anatomy for an esthetic outcome.
  6. Learn how to perfectly polish direct resin with the correct polishers
Clinical Photography Workshop
- Investigation under Microscope.

Gianmarco O’Brien

DDS

  

January

Saturday,
January 18, 2025

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full-day event
At Dr. Kim’s Diamond Bar Office

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Esthetics Immediate Tooth Replacement:
Lessons learned over 28 years

Joseph Kan

DDS, MS

  

February

Thursday,
February 20, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening program

This one-day program provides an introduction to biomimetintistry, focusing on the unique advantages of indirect biomimetic restorations. Participants will learn what sets these restorations apart from traditional indirect ceramic restorations, including their ability to closely mimic the natural properties of teeth. The curriculum covers key concepts of the biomimetic indirect workflow and explores how integrating CAD/ CAM technology enhances the precision and efficiency of dental restorations. Detailed recommendations on CAD/CAM equipment, settings and parameters, material selection, design strategies, and characterization will be covered. Case presentations will demonstrate the exceptional possibilities achievable with in-office production of CAD/CAM Biomimetic restorations, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to apply these advanced techniques in their practices.

Learning Objectives

  1. 1. Define the principles of biomimetic dentistry and explain how they apply to indirect restorations.
  2. Identify the distinctions between biomimetic indirect restorations and traditional indirect ceramic restorations.
  3. Describe the key concepts of the biomimetic indirect workflow.
  4. Demonstrate how CAD/CAM technology can be integrated to enhance the precision and efficiency of biomimetic restorations.
  5. Select appropriate CAD/CAM equipment, materials, and settings that optimize the design and production of biomimetic restorations.
  6. Apply design strategies and characterization techniques to create detailed and aesthetically pleasing biomimetic restorations.
  7. Analyze case studies to understand the practical applications and benefits of CAD/CAM in biomimetic dentistry.
INTERDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT PLANNING
With WCSC Specialist Mentors

March

Thursday, March 20, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening program

Gianmarco O’Brien

DDS

Prosthodontist

Dr. Gianmarco O’Brien is from San Francisco, California. In 1996, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Combined Sciences at Santa Clara University. 
After college, Dr. O’Brien worked at MicroDental Laboratories as a dental technician. He earned his D.D.S. from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2003. He was inducted as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon and Tau Kappa Omega Dental Honor Societies, as well as the Phi Kappa Phi National University Honor Society which is reserved for the top three overall graduates of each class. Following dental school, Dr. O’Brien pursued training in the dental specialty of Prosthodontics. He was accepted into the Advanced Graduate Prosthodontics Program at UCLA School of Dentistry and completed his residency earning his specialty certificate. Dr. O’Brien has published in the field of prosthodontics internationally and lectured locally in California. As a Prosthodontist, Dr. O’Brien has expertise in working with dental phobic patients, medically compromised patients and has a reputation for creating aesthetic oral reconstructions utilizing dental implants, crowns, veneers and all types of removable dentures. Dr. O’Brien is a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Orange County Dental Society.

Doug Baum

DDS, MS

Board-Certified Orthodontist

Dr. Doug Baum received his undergraduate degree from Wabash College on a presidential scholarship. He then attended Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. Upon completion of dental school,
Dr. Baum was commissioned in the US Navy Dental Corps and was awarded an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (“AEGD”) residency at Naval Dental Center Southwest, San Diego. Upon completion of his “AEGD” residency, Dr. Baum was placed on operational duty with the United States Marines, Camp Pendleton. While at Camp Pendleton, Dr. Baum was head of operative dentistry-School of Infantry and was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps achievement medal for his exemplary service and care of his Marines and Navy sailors. After practicing general dentistry for five years, Dr. Baum was given the opportunity to become a specialist in Orthodontics. He returned to his dental training roots and attended Indiana School of Dentistry to obtain his orthodontic specialty training and a Master of Science degree in dentistry. While attending orthodontic residency, Dr. Baum was awarded a Delta Dental grant for his research. Dr. Baum is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics which less than 50% of all practicing orthodontists have obtained.

Mastering 2D and CBCT Imaging:
A Comprehensive Skill Update

Setareh Lavasani

DDS, MS

  

April

Thursday,
April 17, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening program

This course offers a comprehensive update on 2D and 3D radiographic interpretation, focusing on various jaw pathologies such as cysts, tumors, soft tissue calcifications, and both benign and malignant lesions. 
It aims to enhance participants’ ability to differentiate these conditions radiographically through an interactive lecture format that encourages active participation and critical thinking. This educational experience is designed to deepen understanding and improve diagnostic accuracy in identifying complex jaw pathologies.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the specific scenarios in which Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) enhances diagnostic accuracy and identify appropriate selection criteria for its use.
  • Effectively identify and describe typical radiographic features associated with various types of jaw pathologies, including cysts, neoplastic conditions, and fibro- osseous lesions.
  • Accurately diagnose commonly observed soft tissue radiopacities using both 2D and 3D imaging techniques.
Implant Case Review & Planning
For Live Surgery on May 31, 2025

Jin Kim

DDS, MPH, FACD

  

May #1

Thursday,
May 22, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening program

This one-day program provides an introduction to biomimetintistry, focusing on the unique advantages of indirect biomimetic restorations. Participants will learn what sets these restorations apart from traditional indirect ceramic restorations, including their ability to closely mimic the natural properties of teeth. 
The curriculum covers key concepts of the biomimetic indirect workflow and explores how integrating CAD/ CAM technology enhances the precision and efficiency of dental restorations. Detailed recommendations on CAD/CAM equipment, settings and parameters, material selection, design strategies, and characterization will be covered. Case presentations will demonstrate the exceptional possibilities achievable with in-office production of CAD/CAM Biomimetic restorations, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to apply these advanced techniques in their practices.

Learning Objectives

  • Review of each case considered for live surgery on the “WCSC Surgery Day” on 5/31/2025
  • Surgical and restorative planning of each case
  • Digital evaluation including CBCT and IOS
  • Digital planning using software such as ExoPlan, R2Gate and Blue Sky Bio Plan

May #2

Saturday, May 31, 2025

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Full-day event

CELEBRATION OF PATIENT CARE & PHILANTHROPY
A Day of Clinical Care, Learning, - and Giving Back to our Community
“The WCSC Live Surgery Day”

We work in partnership with a Southern
California Philantrophy organization, SmileOnU

smile_on_u_logo
The West Coast Symposium
LECTURES AND CASE PRESENTATIONS

June 14, 2025

Full-day event

This is our last event for the academic where the
West Coast Study Club members rise and shine!
Started in 2022, this full-day educational program consist of lectures on techniques, new information and case reviews presented entirely by the study club members. In 2022 we had 12 extraordinary lecture presentations by our own experts. This year will not be any less. Some of the cases presented are interdisciplinary cases collaborated within the club by different specialists and generalists alike.

Annual Membership Fee

Includes membership in West Coast Study Club for
2024-2025 season that includes:

  • Attendance at all regular meetings (11 sessions)
  • Includes the 2024 WCSC Symposium
  • Member benefits of Seattle Study Club
  • Subscription to The Seattle Study Club Journal
  • Spouse (or guest) attendance at Annual Dinner
  • A total of 45 CEU (for 11 sessions) 

The Membership Fees:

  • Regular : $3,250.00
  • Members – 2 or more years : $2,950.00
  • 2023, 2024 graduates : $995.00

* $200 rebate for bringing in new members 

For rebate question or any other membership related questions,
please contact Dr. Ellen Oh at skellenohdds@gmail.com

Other Important Dates

Our members are encouraged to attend the following Symposia

The WCSC Symposium in June is in Brea California, and is one of our
regular meetings. Our members are encouraged to bring guests to this event.

The SSC Symposia require separate registrations. https://symposium.seattlestudyclub.com/

22~25

Jan. 2025

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne,
Miami, FL