Zygomatic Implant Course in New York City 2026
From September 29 to October 2, 2026, the Zygomatic Implant Course was held in New York. The course focused primarily on zygomatic and pterygoid implants. The Remote Anchorage Solutions Course was led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio (creator of the ZAGA Concept) and Dr. Jay Neugarten (certified ZAGA Center New York City).
The course took place at NYCOMS, the headquarters of the ZAGA Center New York City, and on the final day for the hands-on cadaver training, participants gathered at Fusion Solutions.
It is important to note that this ZAGA Cadaver Course includes live surgery observation, a distinctive feature of the ZAGA Courses in New York.
Faculty
Dr. Carlos Aparicio – ZACA Concept creator
He teaches the ZAGA Theory modules and supervises the hands-on sessions, both 3D models and cryopreserved cadaver heads.
Dr. Jay Neugarten – Head of ZAGA Center New York City
He teaches the pterygoid implants session, lead the live surgery, and supervises the hands-on sessions alongside Dr. Aparicio.
DAY 1 | ZAGA Concept and Surgical Foundations
The ZAGA Course began with introductions from all participants, so that the instructors get to know them better and tailor the course to the attendees’ needs. The day focused primarily on the ZAGA Theory, explaining why a solid foundation in anatomy-guided procedures must be established before working on a model. There was also a presentation by Straumann, during which the company introduced the Implant System by Straumann. Sponsors StellaLife, H&H, and Innobyte were also on site, showcasing their latest products to attendees.
To wrap up the day, participants were given their first introduction to what would later become zygomatic implant surgery, using 3D models provided by Dental 3D Models.
DAY 2 | Advanced Theory, Live Surgery Preparation, and Diploma Ceremony
The second day of the ZAGA Cadaver Course began with the second part of the theory on the Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach, featuring evidence-based protocols. In the afternoon, surgical planning was carried out in preparation for the actual surgery the following day.
In the evening, attendees had the opportunity to visit The Kimberly Hotel, where the Social Event & Diploma Ceremony took place. It was an evening where they were able to enjoy a pleasant dinner and network outside the classroom.
DAY 3 | Live Surgery, Complications and Pterygoid Implants
First thing in the morning, all participants had the opportunity to observe a zygomatic implant surgery live; the procedure lasted about three full hours. This zygomatic live surgery observation is exclusive to the ZAGA Courses held in New York.
When the surgery ended, the participants attended two very important sessions: “Complications” and “Pterygomatillary Implants Theory,” taught by Dr. Jay Neugarten.
In the afternoon, they practiced again with 3D models, this time using the mandibular models from the cadaver heads they would be practicing on the following day.
The Case Behind the Live Surgery
Before and after panoramic X-ray of the patient treated during the live surgery observation at the ZAGA Course New York 2026
The patient operated on during the live surgery had spent years trying to recover her smile: multiple failed implants, bone grafts that had not held, and a complete upper denture she never fully trusted. What affected her most was not the dental work itself, but everything around it — holding back a laugh, avoiding certain foods, stepping back from social situations.
She had done her research, read about the ZAGA approach and the ZAGA Global Network, and arrived informed and asking the right questions. She was not looking for another temporary fix.
When conventional implants are no longer an option, the solution lies beyond the deficient upper jaw. Zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone and pterygoid implants in the dense bone at the back of the upper jaw, near the base of the skull. Together they provide stable support across the entire arch, often without further grafting, making a fixed full-arch rehabilitation possible even after previous failures.
“This morning I woke up and I didn’t have to look for my teeth. I got so emotional.” – Patient Testimonial
DAY 4 | Cadaver Lab at Fusion Solutions
The final day is devoted exclusively to hands-on cadaver training. Attendees were divided into pairs, with each pair working on their assigned cryopreserved cadaver head. All participants were able to apply the zygomatic implant technique they had learned during the previous days. The surgical training helps solidify the foundations of everything covered during the course.
Participant Feedback and Results of the ZAGA Course Satisfaction Survey
In each edition, we ask participants for feedback, and we’re always proud to see the results we get. These are the honest reviews from ZAGA Course attendees:
- Overall satisfaction: 10/10
- Satisfaction with theory sessions: 10/10
- Satisfaction with hands-on cadaver sessions: 9.92/10
- Satisfaction with hands-on 3D model sessions: 10/10
- Satisfaction with pterygoid implant sessions: 9.83/10
- Satisfaction with live surgery observation: 9.92/10
The next ZAGA Cadaver Course will be held in Barcelona
The next ZAGA course will be held in Barcelona from January 26 to 29, 2027. The speakers will be Dr. Carlos Aparicio and Dr. Adi Lorean from the ZAGA Center in Tel Aviv.
This edition of the course includes ZAGA theory, pterygoid implants, and hands-on sessions with 3D models and cryopreserved heads.
