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Jack L. Ferracane

Light interactions with dental composites: Only of interest for color?

Lecture Description: 

New dental composites materials claim deeper depths of cure and enhanced optical characteristics as compared with previous formulations. The formulation of the material, specifically its monomer and filler composition, significantly controls light transport, affecting both its esthetic appearance and its degree of polymerization. Models of light transport and actual measurements of material properties have revealed the inefficiency of the curing process and highlight the complex nature of the interaction between light and structure for various types of dental composites. This presentation will explore these relationships.

Objective: 

1. Identify compositional factors that affect light transport through dental composites.
2. Explain how degree of conversion and depth of cure in dental composites is affected by its composition and the characteristics of the curing light source.

About presenter: 

His current position is Professor and Chair of Restorative Dentistry, and Division Director of Biomaterials and Biomechanics at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ferracane received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biological Materials from Northwestern University. He is a founding fellow and past-President of the Academy of Dental Materials. He is a past-President of the Dental Materials Group of the International Association for Dental Research. He serves on the editorial board of ten journals, and is Associate Editor of the Journal of Dental Research and Odontology. He has authored a textbook entitled “Materials in Dentistry. Principles and Applications,” now in its second edition. He has published and lectured extensively on dental materials, including dental composites, adhesives, amalgam, and practice-based dental research. His current research interests are in dental composites and the use of bioactive glasses in resin-based dental materials. He also is actively involved in the establishment and operation of networks designed to conduct dental clinical research in the private practice setting. His research is funded by the NIH/NIDCR as well as private industry. He has provided continuing education at annual meetings of the ADA, British Dental Association, California Dental Association, Chicago Midwinter, Midwest Dental Conference, Oregon Dental Conference, Pacific NW Dental Conference, Southwest Dental Conference, Yankee Dental Congress, and to other professional dental organizations.