The most recent ZAGA Course in Zygomatic Implant Education took place from September 3rd to 6th, 2024, in the vibrant city of Barcelona. This four-day ZAGA Center headquarters course brought together 26 eager-to-learn participants and featured distinguished experts, including Dr. Carlos Aparicio, Dr. Adi Lorean from ZAGA Center Tel Aviv, and Dr. Samintharaj Kumar, founder of ZAGA Center in Singapore. These professionals shared years of experience with the ZAGA Concept, pterygomaxillary implants, and zygomatic complications management. As a result, the attendees highly praised these invaluable insights, reflecting a remarkable 99.6% overall satisfaction rate.
We were honored to have the support of our partners: Straumann, Bontempi, Dental 3D Models, and JK Dental Group. Thanks to their collaboration, our eager participants had the opportunity to practice dental implant placement using high-quality Straumann implants during practical sessions with dental 3D models and cadavers. The innovative dental 3D models with simulated blood, offered a truly immersive experience that captured the participants’ attention. JK Dental Group ensured precision by supplying magnifying loupes for hands-on exercises, while Bontempi provided the ZAGA Kit Instrument Cassettes used during the cadaver sessions.
Days 1 & 2: Gaining Mastery of the ZAGA Concept with Dr. Carlos Aparicio
The course began with two days of in-depth lectures on the ZAGA Concept delivered by Dr. Carlos Aparicio. These lectures provided theoretical groundwork with a thorough comprehension of the fundamental principles of zygomatic implant placement, followed by a strong focus on the practical applications of zygomatic implants. Dr. Aparicio’s extensive experience, including English-to-Russian translation, ensured the participants could fully engage and benefit from the course content.
Day 3: Expanding Horizons with Pterygomaxillary Implants and Zygomatic Complications Management
On the third day, building on the success of the last edition, we had the privilege of providing the session on Pterygomaxillary Implants, this time led by Dr. Lorean. This lecture delivered a well-rounded approach, blending theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training, allowing participants to enhance their skills and understanding in this specialized field.
Additionally, Dr. Kumar gave an insightful session on Zygomatic Complications, during which attendees explored potential challenges that may arise during surgical procedures or in the post-operative phase following implant placement and learned strategies to manage these situations effectively.
Both speakers collaborated with Dr. Aparicio during the hands-on workshop, providing valuable insights and guiding attendees through the practical aspects. They effectively addressed the attendants’ questions and clarified any uncertainties. Additionally, they interacted with the group during the “Coffee and Questions,” where participants actively engaged in discussions and sought solutions to their doubts regarding advanced dental implant treatments.
Social Event & Diploma Ceremony
One of the course highlights was the social event held on the evening of Day 3. Attendees and faculty gathered on a beautiful rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Sagrada Familia, indulging in authentic Spanish tapas and cava. The informal setting encouraged the group to connect, exchange experiences, and form solid professional bonds. The evening also featured a special diploma ceremony, making it truly unforgettable.
During the course, participants were eager to engage in a social media contest, sharing their photos and videos with followers and friends. The competition motivated everyone to capture and showcase their learning journey. The most creative post was announced during the event: Dr. Edward Lee was awarded a voucher for a customized ZAGA 3D dental model for one of his future surgeries and a bottle of Spanish vermouth from a local winery.
Day 4: Hands-On Cadaver Training
On the last day of the ZAGA Course, participants had the unique opportunity to practice all the theoretical concepts they had learned during the past days during the hands-on training session with cryopreserved cadaver heads. This immersive experience took place at the Faculty of Medicine at Universitat de Barcelona, providing an ideal setting for advanced learning.
Guided by the expert leadership of Dr. Aparicio, Dr. Lorean, and Dr. Kumar, the attendees practiced placing both zygomatic and pterygoid implants. The seminar allowed them to reinforce their theoretical knowledge by applying it in a real-world context while receiving personalized feedback and guidance from these distinguished mentors. The use of cryopreserved cadaver heads gave participants a realistic, tactile experience, closely simulating live surgery and enhancing their skills.
Contributing to the ZAGA Social Program
To continually enhance the ZAGA Course, during the 4-day journey, we offered participants a unique opportunity to give back to the community through the ZAGA Social program. This initiative helps edentulous patients facing financial challenges access zygomatic rehabilitation and supports dental students eager to learn about zygomatic implant techniques. As part of this initiative, attendees were invited to donate in exchange for Dr. Carlos Aparicio’s latest book, “Advanced Zygomatic Implants: The ZAGA Concept”, with the opportunity to have their copy personally signed by Dr. Aparicio.
We sincerely thank Dr. Aleksei Goncharov, Dr. Filipp Gorelov, Dr. Oleg Tukhvatullin, Dr. Aleksandr Romantsov, Dr. Javier Arturo Paz, Dr. Kerem Turgut Atasoy, Dr. Naruto Otawa, Dr. Dimitrev Ilya, Dr. Athanasios Tampouris, Dr. Caliniuc Catalin Vasile, Dr. Adrianne Golly, Dr. Misagh Habibi, Dr. Leonel Santos and Dr. Edward Jh Lee for their valuable contributions to the social initiative. The impressive total amount raised was 3391€, benefiting the ZAGA Social program, supporting edentulous patients needing fixed teeth, and providing educational resources to dental students.
99.6% on the ZAGA course satisfaction survey
United States, Japan, Australia, Greece, Poland, Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada. The varied backgrounds and expertise of the participants enhanced the educational experience, fostering a global network of dental professionals committed to honing their skills in zygomatic implantology.
To continuously enhance the quality of our courses, we collect feedback from all participants through anonymous surveys. The course feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- Satisfaction with theory sessions: 99,1%
- Satisfaction with hands-on cadaver sessions: 99.6%
- Satisfaction with hands-on 3D model sessions: 98.6%
- Satisfaction with pterygoid implant sessions: 96.8%
- Overall satisfaction: 99.6%
ZAGA Course Participant Testimonial
Explore the valuable insights shared by Dr. Adrianne Golly, Dr. Misagh Habibi, Dr. Cosmin Paduraru and Dr. Philipp Gorelov during the last ZAGA Cadaver Course. Discover what captured his interest and his deep dedication to applying these insights in his clinical practice.
ZAGA Course Speakers Testimonial
Check out the thoughts of our esteemed speakers from the ZAGA Cadaver Course, as they share their insights on advanced zygomatic and pterygoid implants. Learn from the experience of Dr. Carlos Aparicio, Dr. Adi Lorean, and Dr. Samintharaj Kumar!
