Webinar: Interdisciplinary Prosthodontics: Advancing Prosthodontics Care by Working with Other Oral Health Care Professionals at the University of Manitoba.

The Royal College of Dentists of Canada would like to invite you to the next session of our monthly webinar series on February 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

This presentation will explore complex prosthodontic rehabilitation in medically and surgically challenging patients, highlighting the critical role of patient-centred, interdisciplinary care. Through case-based discussions, we will examine rehabilitation following head and neck cancer treatment and the management of large alveolar defects, focusing on conservative strategies, surgical–prosthodontic coordination, and implant-supported solutions. Together, these sessions emphasize not only on the restoration of function and esthetics, but also the importance of psychosocial well-being, dignity, and long-term quality of life in complex clinical care.

Dr. Vijay Reesu – Challenges in Rehabilitation of Large Alveolar Defects.

Alveolar defects can arise from congenital conditions, traumatic injuries, surgical interventions (especially after cancer resections), or diseases. The rehabilitation of these defects presents challenges on both the surgical and prosthodontic fronts. Careful management and an integrated approach involving interdisciplinary care to restore both functional and esthetic outcomes for the patient are needed. The Maxillofacial prosthodontist contributes to all facets of patient care, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation. Surgical intervention in maxillofacial cases can cause loss of teeth, loss of hard and soft tissues and result in significantly altered anatomy. Prosthodontic rehabilitation for such patients can be challenging, requiring pre-surgical planning at a time-sensitive point in the patient rehabilitation process. Particularly for young patients, a planned surgical reconstruction of missing soft and bony tissues, in combination with prosthetic restoration of missing teeth may be desirable. However, if surgical reconstructions are not properly planned and executed, irresolvable prosthetic difficulties may arise from poorly contoured, bulky tissues or a lack of suitable bone volume for the placement of implants.

We present a case that demonstrates the challenges in the rehabilitation process of maxillofacial defects. Prosthodontic rehabilitation involved restoration of the defects with implant supported prosthesis. The unpredictable nature of the defects and the uncertainty of recurrence have made the job of the prosthodontist more challenging.

Learning objectives

• Identify common etiologies and anatomical challenges associated with large alveolar defects and their impact on prosthodontic rehabilitation.
• Describe the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and pre-surgical planning in optimizing functional and esthetic outcomes for patients with maxillofacial defects.
• Apply principles of implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation in managing complex alveolar defects, including considerations related to altered anatomy and disease recurrence.

Dr. Bruna Vallerini – Prosthodontics Care Guided by Psychosocial Needs in a Medically Complex Patient with Head and Neck Cancer.

Prosthodontics rehabilitation plays a critical role in the care of patients treated for advanced head and neck cancer, where oral function, biological risk, and quality of life are closely interconnected. This session highlights common oral sequelae associated with radiotherapy and reviews conservative, minimally invasive prosthodontic strategies suited to medically complex and high-risk situations. Through a case-based perspective, the discussion emphasizes the importance of patient-centred decision-making and illustrates how treatment planning can extend beyond functional restoration to support dignity, self-confidence, and psychosocial well-being, particularly in the context of disease recurrence.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common oral and prosthodontic challenges associated with radiotherapy sequelae in patients with head and neck cancer.
• Describe conservative, minimally invasive restorative and prosthodontic strategies for medically complex and high-risk patients.
• Recognize the role of psychosocial considerations in prosthodontic treatment planning and patient-centred care.

This webinar will be moderated by Dr. Igor Pesun.

COST:
RCDC Fellow/Member – FREE
Dental specialist: non-member – $50 (please proceed to register and we will contact you for payment)

Speakers

Webinars