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Division of Operative
Dentistry
Department of Comprehensive Dentistry &
Biomaterials
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Alan
Ripps, DMD, M.Ed.
Head, Division of Operative Dentistry
Professor
LSUHSC School of Dentistry
Department of Comprehensive Dentistry &
Biomaterials
1100 Florida Ave.,
Box 137
New Orleans, LA 70119
Tel: 504-941-8261
(Office)
Fax: 504-941-8265
E-mail: aripps@lsuhsc.ed
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Operative Dentistry
is the branch of dentistry that treats caries
and other defects found in the dentition. We are
concerned not only with repairing the defects
caused by this disease but also preventing the
disease. To accomplish this goal, students must
have an understanding of the caries process and
the environment affecting its progress. Not only
do we instill knowledge of this condition, but
we are also responsible for treating the defects
created by this disease. We have three goals.
First, we want to remove the infected or carious
tooth material, or defect, in the tooth. Second,
we want to build the tooth back into function.
Third, we would like the tooth to be restored to
its original condition as if no treatment had
been performed.
Our division is the first to instruct dental
students in the development of hand skills
needed to perform delicate procedures. In our
first course, students are taught the basic
principles of cavity design and restoration
techniques to prepare them for clinical
comprehensive dentistry. Students learn
procedures necessary to restore teeth with
amalgam, cast gold, composite resins and
porcelain. Current bonding systems and adhesive
dentistry skills are developed. The students use
both extracted and plastic teeth to learn these
skills. The preclinical laboratory portions of
our program are taught in our simulation clinic,
which provides the student with a clinical
setting so they will know what to expect in the
patient clinic.
In the second year,
students are introduced to treating real
patients with minor- to moderate-sized lesions.
They use amalgam and composite resins as
treatment materials during this year. Students
are introduced to more difficult skills during
their third year. We strive to stay ahead with
new technology such as CAD/CAM techniques to
produce porcelain restorations, diode lasers for
managing tissue retraction for certain
procedures, and new restorative materials as
they are developed.
Our faculty members, who
bring all their experiences from varied
backgrounds, contribute to the development of
well-educated and up-to-date dentists rather
than just technicians. Their knowledge in
various aspects of dentistry helps relate the
discipline of operative dentistry to all areas
of dentistry.
View rosters of
full-time
and
part-time
faculty members
in the Division of Operative Dentistry. |
