ZAGA Course in New York: An Immersive Educational Experience

October 23, 2024

From October 16 to 18, 2024, New York City hosted a remarkable ZAGA Cadaver Course, attracting dental specialists interested in improving their surgical techniques. This three-day intensive course, led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio and Dr. Jay Neugarten at The New York Center for Orthognathic and Maxillofacial Surgery, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of advanced zygomatic implant procedures following the renowned Zygoma Anatomy Guided Approach (ZAGA).

We would like to thank Straumann US, H&H Instruments, and BiLumix for joining us again for another course.

Mastering Complex Zygomatic Cases with Hands-On Experience

Throughout the event, participants engaged in a range of tasks designed to enhance their surgical skills and knowledge. The hands-on sessions, featuring the latest Straumann-ZAGA implants, allowed attendees to practice placing Straumann-ZAGA Round and Flat Zygomatic Implants on 3D patient models. In addition, participants had the unique opportunity to perform surgeries on cryopreserved human heads, closely simulating real-world conditions.

The hands-on surgical procedures demonstrated the application of the ZAGA philosophy, highlighting the importance of patient-specific approaches to achieve predictable and long-lasting results.

Interactive Learning and Case Discussions

A key element of the course was the collaborative atmosphere it fostered. Participants took part in interactive discussions and case reviews, diving deep into the complexities of zygomatic implantology, including intra and extra-sinus approaches. The course also covered the ORIS Success Code, a protocol developed by Dr. Aparicio to guide professionals in delivering consistently successful outcomes for patients with severely resorbed maxillae.

To further enhance the ZAGA Course, we introduced an opportunity for participants to participate in the ZAGA Social program. This initiative supports edentulous patients who face financial challenges in accessing zygomatic rehabilitation, as well as dental students eager to learn about zygomatic implant techniques. Participants were invited to make a voluntary donation in exchange for a copy of Dr. Carlos Aparicio’s latest book, Advanced Zygomatic Implants: The ZAGA Concept.

Building Connections and Strengthening Expertise

Beyond the technical aspects, the course provided an excellent opportunity for participants to network with peers and leading experts in the field. The shared lunches, coffee breaks, special social dinner, and the diploma ceremony on the final evening created a relaxed environment where participants could further discuss cases, exchange knowledge, and forge lasting professional connections.

The ZAGA Cadaver Course participants had the valuable opportunity to receive guidance from Dr. Guy McLellan, from ZAGA Center Cardiff, who assisted during the training. The following day, on October 19th, the First Global Zygomatic Complications Symposium took place in New York, where Dr. McLellan was a distinguished speaker. The symposium was highly successful, offering attendees in-depth knowledge on managing complications related to zygomatic implants.

Final Thoughts: Advancing Zygomatic Implantology

The ZAGA Zygomatic Implant Course in New York delivered an unparalleled educational experience, combining theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and real-world case discussions. It continues to be a cornerstone event for dental professionals aiming to refine their skills in managing extreme maxillary resorption using zygomatic implants.

After completing this successful course, participants are better equipped to apply the ZAGA approach in their practices, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. At the end of the course, all participants expressed that they would highly recommend the ZAGA Course, giving it an overall rating of 10/10. Followed by:

Theory Sessions: 9,9/10
Hands-on 3D Models: 9,75/10
Hands-on Cadavers: 9,7/10

My expectations for this course were to gain an excellent foundation in assessing patients for zygomatic implants: including indications, contraindications, complications, and management of complications, ultimately leading to being able to perform the surgery. I feel that all my expectations were not only met but exceeded, especially thanks to the hands-on experience. I now feel much more confident in my ability to provide this treatment to patients in the future.

Dr. Luke J Zambetti

Participant in the ZAGA Cadaver Course in NYC

Future ZAGA Zygomatic Implant Courses

The success of this recent course paves the way for future editions:

Barcelona, January 21^st – 24^th, 2025: Led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio and Dr. Adi Lorean, focusing on zygomatic implants. The last seats are available! Sign up here.
Sydney, March 31^st – April 3^rd, 2025: Led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio, Dr. Khaled Zoud & Dr. Fadi Yassmin, including surgical hands-on exercises on cryopreserved donor heads. Sign up here.
Barcelona, June 2^nd – 4^th, 2025: Led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio, this Cadaver Course will consist of theoretical sessions and practical hands-on exercises on dental 3D models. A ZAGA Course and Edentulism 2025 package is also available. Sign up here.
Barcelona, September 2^nd – 5^th, 2025: Led by Dr. Carlos Aparicio and Dr. Adi Lorean, focusing on zygomatic implants and pterygoid technique and including a surgical hands-on exercise on cryopreserved donor heads. Coming soon.

Keep an eye out for the latest updates and insights from ZAGA Centers as we continue to shape the future of dental implantology. Stay connected by joining our ZAGA Circle WhatsApp group!

The Next Available ZAGA Course

ZAGA CADAVER COURSE - Barcelona

January 21^st– 24^th, 2025

Dr Carlos Aparicio & Dr Adi Lorean

This course includes a surgical hands-on exercise on cryopreserved donor heads.

ZAGA Course in New York: An Immersive Educational Experience

Mastering Complex Zygomatic Cases with Hands-On Experience

Interactive Learning and Case Discussions

Building Connections and Strengthening Expertise​

Final Thoughts: Advancing Zygomatic Implantology

Future ZAGA Zygomatic Implant Courses

The Next Available ZAGA Course

ZAGA CADAVER COURSE - Barcelona

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Building Connections and Strengthening Expertise