2026 Cranham Cosmetic Dentistry Series
Cosmetic excellence isn’t a bolt‑on service—it’s a philosophy baked into comprehensive care. In 2026, we’re bringing you a focused lineup that blends timeless functional principles, contemporary cosmetic principles with state of the art digital workflows. Each session is practical, clinically grounded, and designed to help you diagnose precisely, plan digitally, manage tissue intelligently, and deliver esthetics that last.
Whether you’re refining soft‑tissue control, aligning teeth to improve airway and function, mastering composites, or making smarter choices with ceramics and implants—this series gives you a clear path to esthetic excellence inside a thriving general practice.
At‑a‑Glance Schedule
- Jan 8 · 8:00–10:00 EST — Free 2‑Hour Marketing Open Webinar
Creating a Thriving Cosmetic Practice—Within Your General Practice · Dr. John Cranham - Mar 13 — How “Perio” Supports Restorative/Cosmetic Excellence · Dr. James Kohner
- Apr 3 — Goal‑Oriented Orthodontics for the Restorative Dentist: Function, Aesthetics, Airway · Dr. L. Douglas Knight
- May 8 — Digitally Driven Cosmetic Aesthetic Excellence · Dr. John Cranham & Special Guests
- Jun 12 — Cosmetic Dentistry Unplugged: Building a Brand, a Practice, a Philosophy · Dr. Adamo Notarantonio
- Sep 18 — Mastering Anterior Esthetic Composite Restorations: Materials & Techniques · Dr. Bob Margeas & Dr. Marcos Vargas
- Oct 9 — The 4 Keys to Thrive as an Independent Dentist in a DSO & PPO World · Kirk Behrendt
- Nov 6 — Lithium Disilicate & Zirconia: Clinical & Science‑Based Essentials · Dr. Taiseer Sulaiman
- Dec 11 — Restoring Dental Implants in the Esthetic Zone · Dr. Jonathan Esquivel
Format: Live online sessions. Recording access for series subscribers (DPM).
Jan 8 · 8:00–10:00 EST (Free)
Creating a Thriving Cosmetic Practice-Within Your General Practice
Presenter: John Cranham, DDS
What you’ll learn – A practical roadmap to incorporate esthetics into comprehensive care—without turning your practice upside down. – Marketing that aligns with function, biology, and minimally invasive principles. – How to position your brand and case acceptance for predictable growth in 2026.
Open to all — perfect preview of the full series.
Mar 13
How “Perio” Supports Restorative / Cosmetic Excellence
Cranham/Culp Lecture Series 2026 Guest: James Kohner, DDS
Synopsis
Perio done right makes restorative predictable. Learn to manage bone and gingival morphology to optimize anterior planning and esthetic outcomes. We’ll cover biologic width, gummy smiles, and when to remove versus add tissue. Posterior problem‑solving includes deep margins and reliable impressions—so everyday restorative gets easier.
Learning Objectives – Understand when and why bone (not only soft tissue) must be reshaped. – Read diagnostic clues on radiographs that guide esthetic surgery. – Identify causes of red tissue around crown margins—and how to prevent them. – Diagnose esthetic/functional crown lengthening needs, including gummy smile cases.
About Dr. Kohner
A periodontist for 35+ years, Dr. Kohner (Denver, CO) teaches how periodontal procedures directly elevate restorative and esthetic results via lectures and hands‑on courses across North America.
Apr 3
Goal‑Oriented Orthodontics for the Restorative Dentist: Function, Aesthetics, and Airway
Presenter: L. Douglas Knight, DMD
Overview
Using the FACE (Functional and Cosmetic Excellence) philosophy, Dr. Knight demonstrates how orthodontics, planned with airway and function in mind, amplifies restorative stability and esthetic outcomes. Expect case‑based pearls you can apply immediately.
Learning Objectives – Define goal‑oriented objectives integrating function, stability, and restorability. – Apply ortho to enhance dental‑facial harmony and smile design. – Recognize airway considerations that influence treatment planning. – Coordinate interdisciplinary care for predictable, long‑term results.
About Dr. Knight
Roth/Williams graduate; Diplomate of the ABO; Fellow of the AGD; U.S. Director, Roth Williams International Society of Orthodontists; author of FACE Book: Functional and Cosmetic Dentistry; active clinician and national lecturer.
May 8
Digitally Driven Cosmetic Aesthetic Excellence
Presenter: John Cranham, DDS & Special Guests
Aesthetic dentistry isn’t an add‑on—it’s integrated comprehensive care. This immersive program marries diagnosis, digital planning, occlusion, soft‑tissue health, and minimally invasive protocols to produce durable, natural esthetics—and helps you shift from a disease‑driven model to an esthetic, comprehensive philosophy.
Key Learning Objectives – Capture exceptional photography and precise scans. – Use virtual articulation to harmonize esthetics and function. – Diagnose disharmony and plan comprehensively. – Execute minimal/no‑prep veneer protocols with precision. – Manage gingival architecture for contour and biology. – Communicate outcomes with digital smile design tools.
About Dr. Cranham
International educator and author in complete dentistry and digital workflows; founder of Cranham‑Culp Digital Dental; Digital Coordinator at the Pankey Institute; former Clinical Director, Dawson Academy.
Jun 12
Cosmetic Dentistry Unplugged — Building a Brand, a Practice, a Philosophy
Presenter: Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FICOI, FAACD
Overview
A candid look at the evolution of responsible esthetics: preparation design, composite artistry, rubber dam isolation, and the power of photography—for clinical excellence, communication, and marketing.
Learning Objectives 1. Apply principles of minimally invasive and responsible esthetics. 2. Integrate dental photography to elevate outcomes and communication. 3. Leverage photography for branding and marketing.
About Dr. Notarantonio
AACD Accredited (2011) and Fellow (2018); 2024–25 AACD President; Kois Center faculty; widely published and internationally recognized speaker; co‑founder of the imPRES Lecture Series (with Dr. Amanda Seay).
Sep 18
Mastering Anterior Esthetic Composite Restorations: Materials & Techniques
Presenters: Bob Margeas, DDS & Marcos Vargas, DDS, MS
Composite resins—done right—deliver invisible esthetics with productivity. We’ll review materials, shade selection, prep design for optical blending, and step‑by‑step placement, contour, and polish.
Objectives
1. Select the ideal composite shade in ≤15 seconds.
2. Prepare cavities for optical blending and esthetics.
3. Layer single/multi‑shade restorations predictably
4. Contour & polish for lifelike anatomy, texture, and gloss.
About Dr. Vargas
DDS (Cayetano Heredia, Lima); AEGD (Eastman); MS & Certificate in Operative Dentistry (Iowa); Professor, Family Dentistry (University of Iowa); 30 years of publications and hands‑on CE; private practice limited to restorative/esthetic dentistry.
About Dr. Margeas
AEGD (Iowa); Board‑certified by the American Board of Operative Dentistry; Diplomate, American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry; Fellow (AGD, ASDA, ITI); Editor‑in‑Chief, Inside Dentistry; extensive publications and international lectures; private practice in Des Moines, IA.
Oct 9
The 4 Keys to Thrive as an Independent Dentist in a DSO & PPO World
Presenter: Kirk Behrendt
Course Description
Independent practices can absolutely win—when they think differently. Learn the four keys that protect profitability, build patient loyalty, and create a healthier, more aligned practice.
Learning Objectives – See the real challenges in today’s market—and the opportunities inside them. – Make the critical mindset shifts top practices share. – Implement practical strategies for a profitable, healthy practice. – Build alignment, systems, and culture that generate momentum and freedom.
About Kirk
Founder/CEO, ACT Dental; featured speaker at major U.S. dental meetings; ACT named to the Inc. 5000; widely recognized motivator and practice strategist.
Nov 6
Lithium Disilicate & Zirconia: Clinical & Science‑Based Essentials—What Every Clinician Must Know
Presenter: Taiseer Sulaiman, DDS, PhD, FICD
Synopsis
Cut through the noise with clinically relevant evidence on contemporary ceramics. We’ll compare lithium disilicate and monolithic zirconia (by generation), including mechanical/optical properties, antagonist wear, and best practices for adjustment, finishing, and polishing—plus new retrospective survival data.
Attendees Will Learn 1. Mechanical/optical properties of lithium disilicate and zirconia—and clinical implications. 2. Ideal prep designs and cementation protocols for each ceramic. 3. How to evaluate projected clinical success using the latest research.
About Dr. Sulaiman
Tenured Associate Professor & Director, Advanced Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials, UNC Adams School of Dentistry; PhD (University of Turku/UNC collaboration); 90+ peer‑reviewed publications; clinical & scientific ambassador for Dental Advisor; member, AARD & AOD; international lecturer.
December 11
Restoring Dental Implants in the Esthetic Zone — Modern Prosthetic Strategies to Mitigate Biologic Risk
Presenter: Jonathan Esquivel, DDS
Overview
Today’s patients expect functional, esthetic implant restorations. Success hinges on mastering peri‑implant biology and prosthetic design—especially at the soft‑tissue/restorative interface. Learn material selection, abutment design, and tissue conditioning strategies that enhance predictability and reduce biologic risk.
Course Objectives – Plan for prosthetic, biologic, and esthetic stability in the esthetic zone. – Anticipate and manage pitfalls in implant therapy. – Understand the emergence profile zones and their link to peri‑implant health.
About Dr. Esquivel
Prosthodontist (New Orleans); former Associate Professor & Director of Implant Dentistry (LSU); multiple teaching awards, including the Golden Apple; widely published and internationally invited speaker.
Registration & Access (DPM)
- Brand: Dental Practice Mastery (Digital Modern)
- Format: Live virtual sessions with replay for subscribers.
- Who Should Attend: Restorative dentists and teams committed to esthetic excellence integrated with function and biology.