Dr. Leonard Hess, DDS

Dr. Leonard Hess, DDS

Dr. Leonard Hess began teaching continuing education courses in 2005, and the topics include occlusion, smile design, treatment planning, preparation design, and practice integration of complete dentistry.

He’s taught full-day continuing education courses at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s national meeting, The Greater New York Dental Meeting, AACD National Meeting, Pacific Dental Conference, Ontario Dental Association meeting, and The Yankee Dental Conference.

Dr. Hess also has taught courses in Japan, Germany, Poland, China, and Canada.

Dr. Hess is currently serving as the Senior Clinical Director at The Dawson Academy. He also owns Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina.

occlusal muscle

How to Discover Occlusal Muscle Disorders

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion…

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Fixed-Implant-Bridge

Considerations of Treatment Planning a Maxillary Implant Prosthesis

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion…

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stabilize the joints

How to Stabilize the Joints

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion…

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centric relation

How Do You Know If You Achieved Centric Relation?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion…

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load test tmjs

Dentists: Why Should You Load Test the TMJs?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com Properly loading…

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changing vertical dimension

Changing Vertical Dimension: When is it Safe?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com If you…

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How Does the Occlusal Plane Relate to the Anterior Teeth? By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDS Clinical Director, The Dawson Academy The Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com One of the most common mistakes I see in occlusal restorations is also the easiest mistake to observe. It is interference of the posterior teeth with the anterior guidance. A perfected occlusion allows the anterior teeth to contact in centric relation simultaneously and with equal intensity with the posterior teeth. This harmony of contacts occurs with complete seating of the condyles at their most superior position, which is bone braced. This means that there is an ideal distribution of compressive contact starting at the TMJs, and continuing all the way through front tooth contact. This is the contact distribution that we want for centric relation. When the jaw moves from centric relation, in a perfected occlusion only the anterior teeth contact. All posterior teeth distal to the cuspids should immediately separate. This is called “posterior disclusion”. Separation of the posterior teeth should occur, whether the jaw moves forward, left, or right from centric relation. The reason that posterior disclusion is such a desired effect is that the moment the posterior teeth separate, almost all of the elevator muscles shut off. This reduces the horizontal forces against the anterior teeth which are carrying all the forces in protrusive or lateral movements of the mandible. it also reduces the loading forces on the TMJ’s. But even more importantly, it is impossible to wear or overload the posterior teeth if they cannot rub. Keep Reading: How to Use Splints in Your Treatment Plan

How Does the Occlusal Plane Relate to the Anterior Teeth?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com One of…

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anterior teeth

Why Do I Keep Having to Adjust the Anterior Teeth When Restoring?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com One of…

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splints in treatment planning

How to Use Splints in Your Treatment Plan

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com Hi, everybody,…

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clinical failures

Why am I Experiencing Clinical Failures?

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com If we’ve…

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dental fuel

Embracing Growth Through Mistakes: Lessons from Dr. David Rice

By Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS | February 10, 2025

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. David RiceEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH In the world of dentistry, where striving for precision and perfection is common, acknowledging mistakes can feel uncomfortable. Yet, these moments often hold the most significant potential for growth and improvement. Dr. David Rice, founder of igniteDDS, joined Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas on…

medications that interfere with accurate endodontic diagnosis

Medications that Interfere with Accurate Endodontic Diagnosis

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | February 7, 2025

By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Endodontic diagnosis is critical to proceed with a successful treatment plan. Therefore, an accurate pulpal and periapical diagnosis should be made by combining clinical and radiographic examinations. Evaluate Patients Systemically We must evaluate patients systemically…

dental fuel

Embracing the Journey of Growth in Dentistry

By Dr. Gabriela Flores | February 5, 2025

Cultivating Clinical Excellence and Business Acumen Final Advice with Dr. Gabriella Flores Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Gabriela FloresEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Dentistry is a unique profession that merges science, art, and business. As dental practitioners, the journey towards clinical excellence and savvy business management is continuous. It involves constant learning, adapting, and…

self-determined future

Self-Determined Future

By Savanah Craig | February 3, 2025

By: Dr. Savanah Craig Most of us had a very specific plan to get us where we are today. To achieve the goal of becoming a dentist, you have to follow a certain path. For me, becoming a dentist was always the goal. While other kindergarteners drew pictures of astronauts and teachers on their “what…

Simple Tip For Cementation of Crowns on Implant Abutments

Simple Tip For Cementation of Crowns on Implant Abutments

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | January 31, 2025

By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. A challenging part of crown cementation for implant abutments is matching the cement color, particularly in the anterior region to achieve a seamless restoration. For a while, I struggled to match the color of…

dental office assistant handing dentist paper work that a patients work is in a non-covered service state

Are You in a Non-Covered Service State? (What It Means for You)

By Angela Holland | January 29, 2025

What Is a Non-Covered Services State (NCS) in Dental Insurance?Understanding the ADA Guidelines By: Angela Holland Navigating dental insurance can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. One key concept that dental practices and patients alike must understand is what a “non-covered services state” is and how it relates to insurance coverage, specifically when it…

raises are about contribution to the team, not just about time served

Help Your Dental Assistant Understand Raises Are About Contribution – Not Just Time Served

By Ronda Holman | January 27, 2025

By: Ronda Holman In any workplace, the idea that “time served” automatically warrants a raise can create misunderstandings. While tenure shows loyalty, raises should reflect the value added to the dental practice. Helping your dental assistant understand this principle is crucial to maintaining a positive work environment while emphasizing performance and growth. Shift the Conversation:…

prescription medications for geriatric patients

Careful Prescription of Medications for Geriatric Patients

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | January 24, 2025

By: Lee Ann Brady, DMD This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Geriatric patients are more prone to systemic diseases and usually are on medications that can interfere with oral diagnosis and treatment outcomes or have potential side effects. Screen Medications of Geriatric Patients It’s better…

Future proof your operatory

Future Proof Your Operatory

By David Rice | January 22, 2025

By: A-dec With a history steeped in innovation, reliability, and customer care,A-dec® has unveiled cutting-edge technology that makes it easy for dentists to optimize patient care, improve ergonomics, and grow the dental practice. Download the PDF version now Improved Connectivity: A Better Patient Experience The new A-dec Pro delivery system and its A-dec+ software open…

dental fuel

Cultivating Excellence Through Team Dynamics with Dr. Gabriella Flores

By Dr. Gabriela Flores | January 20, 2025

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Gabriela FloresEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH In today’s competitive dental world, creating a successful practice goes beyond technical skills. Success often hinges on mastering team dynamics and building a cohesive, positive work environment. This article, inspired by insights from Dr. Gabriela Flores, a newer practice owner, explores key strategies…