Nabil Ouatik

Dr. Nabil Ouatik practices pediatric dentistry in Ottawa and Montréal, Canada, focusing on the prevention and management of early childhood caries. He maintains an affiliation with the Gatineau Hospital and Lakeshore General Hospital. Additionally, he is a part-time clinical lecturer at the Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Title 1: SMART, SDF, Hall: Why Do We See a Trend Towards Biological Approaches in Pediatric Dentistry?

Abstract 1: Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases for children in most countries. We are now entering an era of change, where the caries challenge will increasingly be addressed using the latest tools and evidence. There has been unprecedented interest in the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in pediatric dentistry ever since it has become available in North America. An abundance of scientific literature has shown that it is very effective at combating dental caries. This talk will walk through the scientific evidence, which helped SDF earn the coveted FDA designation of "Breakthrough Therapy". Non-invasive options like SDF, SMART and Hall have the potential to modify current approaches in pediatric dentistry, dentistry for persons with special health care needs, and public health dentistry. Equally important, in pediatric dental practice, these therapies have the potential to offer more effective treatment and improve patient satisfaction.

Title 2: Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: Can They Replace Proven Techniques?

Abstract 2: During the last ten years, improvements in ceramic manufacturing techniques have allowed the introduction of serially produced prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZC) specifically for the restoration of anterior and posterior primary teeth. These full zirconia crowns are increasingly popular, because of their esthetic edge. The higher cost per unit and the more elaborate operative technique to execute this treatment are noted. Nevertheless, trained providers are reportedly able to execute this treatment at a speed that is equivalent to existing treatments such as composite strip crowns and stainless steel crowns. Like all emerging techniques, it is found that this type of treatment does not have a very long clinical track record compared to proven techniques and that it only has been the topic of a few scientific publications.