Diane Daubert, BS, MS, PhD; Frank Roberts, DDS, PhD; I-Chung (Johnny) Wang, DDS, MPH, MS; Jeffrey S. McLean, PhD; Kristopher A. Kerns, PhD MPH; Ralf Schuler, DDS, PhD, MSD; Sul Ki Hong, DDS; Sumita Jain, PhD; Yung-Ting (Lizzy) Hsu, DDS, MDSc, MS, PhD
Lecture
Course Description:
Research Circle:
The morning session begins with an update on current scientific understanding of periodontal health and disease. The participant will gain an up‑to‑date understanding of periodontal health, the importance of early gingivitis intervention, and why patients respond differently to plaque. Learn about key pathogens such as P. gingivalis and how localized inflammation can impact other sites, reinforcing comprehensive assessment and prevention.
Comprehensive Therapy:
The remainder of the morning will focus on practical, clinically relevant strategies for managing complex cases and delivering predictable implant care. The participants will learn practical strategies for managing complex cases and improving implant outcomes through better diagnosis, treatment planning, and case sequencing. This session covers essential principles of implant maintenance, including risk assessment, early detection, non‑surgical management, and when to refer.
Advanced Clinical Strategies:
The afternoon session will highlight advanced approaches to soft tissue management, periodontal regeneration, and peri-implant disease treatment. The participants will explore advanced soft tissue, regenerative, and peri‑implant therapies. Participants will gain practical guidance on contemporary mucogingival therapy, including selection of autogenous grafts, soft tissue substitutes, and free gingival grafting techniques to improve long term periodontal and peri-implant stability. Updates in guided tissue regeneration will review current biologic principles, materials, and clinical techniques for predictable outcomes. The program concludes with a practice-focused review of peri-implantitis, emphasizing risk factors, early diagnosis, and evidence-based non-surgical and surgical treatment strategies for everyday clinical use.
Course Objectives:
As a result of attending this program, you will be able to:
- Incorporate current scientific insights on key periodontal pathogens into everyday diagnosis, prevention, and patient education.
- Use an interdisciplinary approach to plan and sequence complex periodontal and implant cases.
- Select appropriate soft tissue and regenerative treatments to enhance periodontal and peri‑implant stability.
- Select suitable patients and develop effective treatment plans for periodontal regeneration.
- Implement evidence‑based implant maintenance protocols, including early detection and non‑surgical management of peri‑implant disease, and know when referral is needed.
- Apply practical strategies to optimize the management of peri‑implant diseases and support long‑term implant success.
Instructors
Jeffrey S. McLean, PhD moved to the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2014 and is currently a Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the School of Dentistry with a joint appointment in Oral Health Sciences as well as an adjunct position in the Department of Microbiology at UW. Dr McLean is the Director of the UW Clinical Oral Microbiome Research Center) COMRC and the Interim Director of the UW Microbial Interactions and Microbiome Center. Dr. McLean received his MSc at the University of Guelph in Canada and PhD at the University of Southern California. Dr. McLean’s research career began at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA (2000-2007). He then established a research program at the non-profit J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, CA in 2007. For the past 20+ years, his research has been primarily devoted to developing innovative methodologies, tools and new genomic based approaches to study microbial interactions within microbial communities. Currently, he is funded as a PI on multiple NIH awards to characterize the microbial processes that lead to oral diseases and maintain the health of the human oral microbiome. Recent funded clinical studies from the lab revealed the variation in human inflammatory responses to oral plaque bacteria leading to gingivitis and are now being further investigated through an NIH funded award to Dr McLean as PI and co-Investigators in UW Periodontics that is a registered clinical trial.
Sumita Jain, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Periodontics, University of Washington. She has a background in Microbiology with a PhD earned in 2000. She went on to do a Post-doctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School/ Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Cambridge, MA. Her research work entailed working with several bacterial species associated with different diseases, and she was drawn to the research conducted in Dr. Richard P. Darveau’s lab at the University of Washington on bacterial-host interactions between Porphyromonas gingivalis and the host innate immune system. Dr. Jain joined Dr. Darveau’s group as a Senior Fellow, moving on to Research Scientist and Research faculty.
Kristopher A. Kerns, PhD, MPH is an Acting Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics, Acting Associate Director of the Clinical Oral Microbiome Research Center (COMRC), and recent NCATS/ITHS KL2 Scholar focusing on translational clinical research. Dr. Kerns’ research focuses on translational oral microbiology and mucosal immunology, with a particular emphasis on leveraging parallel multi-omic approaches and advanced bioinformatics to investigate host–microbiome interactions in distant clinically healthy sites in patients with active periodontal inflammation at the individual tooth level.
Sul Ki Hong, DDS earned his DDS from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil and completed his specialty training in periodontics at Nova Southeastern University.
He currently serves as an associate clinical professor and the clinical director of the Graduate Periodontal Clinic.
His work is driven by a commitment to teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education. He participates in a collaborative seminar alongside residents from periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics and pediatric dentistry, fostering an environment where shared learning and comprehensive patient care go hand in hand.
Diane Daubert, BS, MS, PhD is a Professor of Clinical Practice in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Washington. She received her BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Washington, and has worked in the Department of Periodontics for over 35 years. Dr. Daubert’s research interests involve the investigation of the effect of different methods of implant debridement on titanium surface properties and the effect of titanium particles on the peri-implant microbiome. She is also involved in investigation of the host response to gingivitis. Dr. Daubert designs and carries out clinical and translational research. She plays a vital role in pre-doctoral and graduate periodontal education along with mentoring students in their research. She is the author of numerous manuscripts that have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and lectures both nationally and internationally.
Ralf Schuler, DDS, PhD, MSD is the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Periodontics and an Associate Professor of Clinical Practice at the University of Washington in Seattle. He earned his dental degree in 1991 from the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg in Germany and later served as a Clinical Instructor in Prosthodontics at the University of Cologne. After completing his Dr. Med. Dent. dissertation, he practiced restorative dentistry in Erlangen before relocating to Seattle in 2000 to pursue advanced periodontal and implant training at the University of Washington.
Licensed in both Washington State and Germany, Dr. Schuler has authored numerous peer reviewed publications and lectures nationally and internationally, including engagements in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, and Canada. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Seattle–King County Dental Society, the Washington State Society of Periodontists, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Academy of Osseointegration.
I-Chung (Johnny) Wang, DDS, MPH, MS received his dental degree from Chung Shan Medical and Dental University in Taiwan, his Masters of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, and his Certificate in Periodontics and Masters of Science also from UAB. Dr. Wang is a Clinical Associate Professor in Periodontics, the Chief of Periodontics at the University of Washington Medical Center, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. His research includes quantifying the effects of systemic health on periodontal status and the clinical outcomes of immediate and delayed implant placement and loading. He also sits on the Curriculum Committee and Student Progress Committee. Dr. Wang’s role on the RIDE team is as faculty liaison for educational technology. He works with the course directors to ensure equivalency of education for RIDE students at remote locations, and participates in the calibration of preceptors at RIDE community rotation sites.
Yung-Ting (Lizzy) Hsu, DDS, MDSc, MS, PhD is a tenured Associate Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Washington. She teaches at both the predoctoral and postdoctoral levels and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her research focuses on the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, as well as the prevention and treatment of peri-implant disease and sinus augmentation. Dr. Hsu’s work has been recognized with several prestigious honors from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). She currently serves as Chair of the Clinical Innovation Committee of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) and as a member of multiple research and grant review committees for the AAP and AO. She serves on the editorial boards of six leading journals and is an Associate Editor of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. Dr. Hsu is a dual board-certified periodontist and a Diplomate of both the American and Taiwanese Boards of Periodontology. Dr. Hsu earned her DDS and MDSc in Periodontics from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, a Certificate and MS in Periodontics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a PhD from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Frank A Roberts, DDS, PhD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Periodontics and the Associate Dean of Regional and Global Affairs at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He serves as the Director of the nationally recognized Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program. This dental student track prepares graduates for practice in rural and underserved communities in Washington State and the US Northwest. He also serves as the Chief of Periodontics at the Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Roberts teaches in both the pre- and post-doctoral dental programs, and his research involves understanding the molecular mechanisms of tooth enamel development, oral health in chronic neutropenia, and biology and imaging of the dental implant. Dr. Roberts completed his dental training at the University of Tennessee at Memphis and his periodontal training and PhD in molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Roberts specializes in teaching complex basic science concepts to healthcare professionals.
Disclosures:
- The faculty of the UW School of Dentistry Department of Periodontics have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- The staff of the University of Washington Office of Continuing Dental Education have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Course Logistics
DATE:
Friday, April 10, 2026
LOCATION:
Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98155
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for dental professionals interested in various areas of periodontics.
TIMES:
Registration and Continental Breakfast: 8:00am – 8:30am
Course: 8:30am – 4:30pm
TUITION – price includes lunch
Until April 8, 2026 (after, $50 more)
$350/Dentist
$200/Team member (hygienist, dental assistant, etc.)
$315/Current Dental Alumni Member
CREDITS:
7 hours
* This course is eligible for a 10% discount if you are a current member of the UW Dental Alumni Association.
Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standard V., everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests and this information will be made available to participants at the start of the course.
As a continuing education provider, University of Washington Continuing Dental Education is responsible for ensuring the content, quality and scientific integrity of all continuing dental education activities for which credit is provided. The School is also responsible for taking steps to protect against and/or disclose any conflict of interest of the faculty/instructors presenting those courses.
Cancellation and Refunds
For this in-person lecture, a registration refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee, will be issued for cancellations received by Thursday, April 9, 2026. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, April 8, 2026- however we will accept walk-in registrations (based on space availability) the day of the class, Friday, April 10, 2026 with an additional $50 late fee. NO REFUNDS requests will be accepted after Thursday, April 9, 2026. Cancellations must be received in email to dentalce@uw.edu The cancellation request must include: the name of the course, name of the person registered, name of the person requesting the cancellation, and the reason for the cancellation.
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Dental education institutions have an obligation to disseminate new knowledge related to dental practice. In so doing, some presentations may include controversial materials or commercial references. Sponsorship of a continuing education course by the University of Washington does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.
The University of Washington Continuing Dental Education cautions continuing dental education participants that there are potential risks of using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures into the practice of dentistry, especially when the continuing education course has not provided supervised clinical experience and/or competency tests in the techniques or procedures.
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University of Washington
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The University of Washington is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP).
The University of Washington is a member of the Association for Continuing Dental Education.
University of Washington designates this activity for 7 continuing education credits.