zebris dental St. Nicholas Symposium

Function in the Era of Digital Dentistry – Insights and Perspectives

Short biography:

Prof. Dr. Alfons Hugger, born in 1966 in Düsseldorf, is Executive Senior Consultant at the Department of Prosthodontics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, and President of the German Society for Functional Diagnostics and Therapy (DGFDT). After graduating in dentistry from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, he received his doctorate in 1991 and habilitation in 1999. Appointed Adjunct Professor in 2004, he is a certified specialist in functional diagnostics, therapy, and prosthodontics (DGPro). Prof. Hugger is recognized as one of Germany’s leading experts in temporomandibular and functional disorders. In addition to his clinical role, he is an experienced academic teacher and earned a Master of Medical Education (MME) from Heidelberg University in 2010. His research and clinical focus areas include functional dentistry, prosthodontics, and dental education.

Digital Functional Analysis and Occlusal Therapy

Short biography:

Prof. Dr. Bernd Kordaß, born in 1959 in Hamm, is Professor at the University of Greifswald and Vice President of the German Society for Computerized Dentistry (DGCZ). He studied dentistry at the University of Düsseldorf from 1978 to 1984 and obtained his doctorate in 1986. After serving as a research associate and later senior physician at the West German Jaw Clinic, he completed his habilitation in 1994 on the correlation between MRI and computer-assisted condylar path recordings. In 1997, he was appointed to Greifswald, where he has since headed divisions including Community Dentistry, Dental Radiology, and Digital Dentistry – Occlusal and Masticatory Function Therapy. His research focuses on digital dentistry, functional imaging, instrument-based functional analysis, and dental informatics.

Splint Therapy in Function and Dental Sleep Medicine – Precise and Efficient with zebris

Short biography:

Dr. Justus Hauschild, born in 1969 in Munich, studied dentistry at Hannover Medical School, completing his state examination in 1993. After serving as a research associate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at MHH (Prof. J.-E. Hausamen) and earning his doctorate in 1996, he worked as a military dentist and later as an associate dentist before establishing his private practice in Altwarmbüchen near Hannover in 1999. Dr. Hauschild specializes in dental sleep medicine and functional diagnostics/therapy (CMD, TMJ disorders). He is among the few practitioners in Germany certified both in dental sleep medicine and as a DGFDT specialist. He is an award-winning speaker and has received the DGFDT Congress Award (2019, 2022).

Is the JMA-Optic Worth It for the “Everyday” Dentist? Absolutely!

Short biography:

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Daniel Hellmann is a dentist and master dental technician with recognized expertise in functional diagnostics and therapy. After studying dentistry at the University of Düsseldorf (2002–2008) and earning his doctorate from Heidelberg University in 2011, he completed his habilitation there in 2017 and transferred to the University of Würzburg in 2018. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Director of the Academy for Advanced Dental Training in Karlsruhe. Previously, he was Senior Consultant at the Department of Prosthodontics, University Hospital Würzburg. A certified DGFDT specialist since 2014, his research focuses on functional dentistry and the interdisciplinary relationship between the masticatory system, posture, and motor control. Since 2024, he has practiced privately in Oberkochen.

Digital Motion Data as the Foundation for Prosthetic Rehabilitation – Practical Experience with the zebris JMA-Optic (with Dr. Sebastian Ruge)

Short biography:

ZA Franz Krautschick graduated in dentistry from the University of Greifswald. Since 2020, he has been practicing in a private clinic and, since 2022, has also been a research associate and clinical instructor at the University of Greifswald. His clinical focus lies in digital dentistry, particularly digital motion tracking. He is currently pursuing a doctorate on digitally fabricated splints using digital axiography.

Digital Motion Data as the Foundation for Prosthetic Rehabilitation – Practical Experience with the zebris JMA-Optic (with ZA Franz Krautschick)

Short biography:

Dr. Sebastian Ruge is Senior Research Associate at the Department of Digital Dentistry – Occlusion and Masticatory Function Therapy, University Medicine Greifswald. He earned his doctorate in 2014 with a thesis on quantifying functional occlusion using digital techniques. His background in dentistry and computer science informs his research on digital workflows, CAD/CAM integration, instrument-based functional analysis, and virtual articulation.

Using the Jaw Relation Determination Module in General Dental Practice

Short biography:

Dr. Susette Schweigert-Gabler completed her dental studies at the Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg from 2008 to 2013. After working as an associate in private practice, she became managing dentist of a medical care center (MVZ) from 2016 to 2018. Since September 2018, she has been practicing at the Zahnarztpraxis Weststadt in Karlsruhe. Her clinical focus lies in functional therapy, the management of temporomandibular disorders, and dental sleep medicine. She is a member of the German Society of Dental Sleep Medicine (DGZS) and is actively involved in the implementation of digital concepts for functional diagnostics.

Using the JMA-Optic in Daily Practice – Tips and Tricks

Short biography:

Dr. Pascal Bru is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in Druelle Balsac, Aveyron, France. He graduated from the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Toulouse and holds a postgraduate diploma in Occlusodontics and Prosthodontics from Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University. He is a member of the Collège National d’Occlusodontie, Secretary of the interdisciplinary “Groupe du Sommeil 12” on dental sleep medicine, and a frequent lecturer for the French Dental Association. His professional focus is on functional dentistry, occlusal diagnostics, and the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders.

Digitalizing Jaw Relation Recording for Edentulous Implant-Supported Rehabilitation

Short biography:

Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Akça is a tenured Professor of Prosthodontics at Hacettepe University in Ankara, where he is active in both teaching and research. In addition, he maintains a private practice focused on integrating digital technologies into everyday dental care. His research areas include dental implantology and digital dentistry—particularly intraoral scanning, photogrammetry, and jaw-tracking technologies. He has authored over 80 international publications with more than 2,300 citations (h-index: 31, Clarivate). Prof. Akça serves on the editorial boards of leading journals including JOMI, Journal of Dentistry, and Medical Engineering & Physics. He is active in the ITI internationally, serves as a Global Key Opinion Leader for 3Shape, coordinates the 3Shape Academy Turkey, and is an international lecturer for zebris Dental and a certified trainer for Imetric Photogrammetry.

Virtual patient on the bench! Integrating the zebris data in the dental lab protocols

Short biography:

CDT Ionut Pitu has been a dental technician since 1997 and has owned his own laboratory in Romania since 1999. For more than a decade, he has specialized in digital dentistry—from simple crown and bridge design to complex interdisciplinary restorations requiring a deep understanding of both clinical and laboratory workflows. Since 2019, he has lectured and taught courses on digital technology, focusing on 3Shape, digital dentures, surgical guides, and digital jaw motion analysis. He is a certified trainer for the zebris system (Schütz Dental) and a speaker for Ivoclar’s digital denture system. Pitu collaborates closely with clinicians and surgeons on full-arch implant cases using the “start at the end” digital workflow concept. He is currently studying dentistry at Apollonia University in Iași, where he also trains students and clinicians in digital occlusion and technology.

Fast & Safe in exocad (Before and After zebris)

Short biography:

Master Dental Technician Florian Birkholz is co-founder of the dental laboratory Birkholz & Mohns in Oranienburg, established in 2016. He completed his training as a dental technician in 2008 and has been a member of the examination board for the dental technician trade since 2019. After completing the CMD Curriculum in 2022, he deepened his specialization in functional dentistry. Since 2023, he has been a lecturer in the CMD Curriculum Berlin and actively supports professional training for dental technicians and clinicians. Starting in 2025, he will also be an Independent Certified Trainer for exocad (DentalCAD Level III & Exoplan).

zebris: The Path to Reliable Prosthetics

Short biography:

Master Dental Technician Fabian Völker is Managing Partner of Heidlindemann Dental GmbH in Marburg. From 2006 to 2019, he worked as Product Manager for Digital Workflow at Schütz Dental, where he was instrumental in introducing and training on the zebris system for instrument-based functional analysis. Since 2019, he has led one of Hesse’s most innovative dental laboratories, focusing on digital workflows and functional prosthetics. Völker is a sought-after lecturer on digital jaw registration, CMD analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration between clinics and laboratories.

Reliable Centric Relation and Occlusion with Tracing Registration in Complete Dentures and Implantology (with ZT Arbnor Saraci, Augsburg)

Short biography:

ZTM Norbert Wichnalek is a master dental technician and owner of a laboratory in Augsburg, which he founded in 1994. After qualifying as a dental technician in 1987 and earning his master’s degree in 1993, he established a training lab in 1996 and taught practical dental technology at the Augsburg Vocational School until 2014. Since 2012, he has been a pioneer in applying plasma technology in dental technology and serves as a DEGUZ lecturer for Environmental Dental Technology. With over 170 national and international publications and numerous product developments, Wichnalek is one of the leading figures in his field. His work focuses on metal-free restorations, biocompatible materials, and dental solutions “in harmony with the human being.”

Reliable Centric Relation and Occlusion with Tracing Registration in Complete Dentures and Implantology (with ZTM Norbert Wichnalek)

Short biography:

ZT Arbnor Saraci was born in 1995 in Kosovo and raised in Italy. After completing his dental technician training with Zahntechnik Wichnalek in Augsburg in 2016, he gained international experience at the Novadent International Training Center in Manila under Shoji Sasaki. In 2018, he completed the DEGUZ Environmental Dental Technology Curriculum. His work has been recognized with several awards, including first place in the Zirkonzahn – 10 Years Prettau Zirconia competition and the VITA Excellence Award 2025. Since 2019, he has served on the editorial board of dental diary and, since 2020, as a lecturer for VITA. In 2025, he became a Key Opinion Leader and lecturer for imes-icore and co-founded HIGHFIELD.DESIGN in Augsburg. His focus lies on aesthetic, digital, and biocompatible dental technology, complemented by his passion for photography and visual presentation.

From Diagnosis to Design – Integrating the JMA-Optic System into Functional Occlusion

Short Bio:

Dr. Zardasht N. Bradosty is a distinguished specialist in Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry with over 18 years of clinical and academic experience. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Blueprint Empire, holds a PhD in Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, and serves as a lecturer at Hawler Medical University.

Internationally recognized for his expertise in porcelain veneers, indirect restorations, and full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Bradosty is a passionate educator and international speaker. Through his acclaimed Comprehensive Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry (CARD) program and other advanced courses, he has trained and mentored numerous dental professionals.

With a philosophy that combines scientific accuracy, digital innovation, and artistic precision, Dr. Bradosty continues to shape the future of modern restorative dentistry. His academic research on ultra-translucent zirconia veneers reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between scientific evidence and clinical artistry.

Learning from Mistakes – Paths Toward Improved Functional Therapy and Prosthetics Error Management Between Innovation and Routine

Short Bio:

Dr. Jürgen Reitz is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of craniomandibular dysfunctions (CMD). After his academic tenure at the University of Marburg, he co-founded the first CMD Clinic in Germany and worked for many years as a CMD expert in Hamburg. Since 2004, he has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Greifswald and is an active speaker in the fields of functional diagnostics and computer-assisted CMD analysis.

Legal Possibilities and Requirements for Using the JMA-Optic System in Dental Laboratories

Short Bio:

Dr. Ulrich Wegmann studied chemistry and dentistry at the University of Bonn. From 1978 to 2014, he served as a lecturer and senior physician in the Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics, and Dental Materials Science – with a focus on implant prosthetics, functional analysis, and CMD therapy. Since 2014, he has run his own practice and leads Dent-Ed (Dental Education, Training and Consulting).

As an internationally sought-after speaker, Dr. Wegmann has been active at congresses and training events worldwide for many years, and advises universities, dental practices, and companies across Europe, Asia, and the Arab region.

Splint Design in the zebris Ecosystem: Emphasis on Positioning and Sleep Splints

Short Bio

Benedikt Zillner is the Dental Product Manager at zebris Medical and holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Engineering. Since 2022, he has been part of the zebris team, focusing on the development of innovative dental technologies.

With his solid technical expertise, he supports the implementation of modern solutions in digital functional diagnostics and prosthetics. He is a key contact for users, providing trainings, webinars, and guidance on the effective use of the JMA-Optic system and its integration into digital workflows.

From Assessment to Intervention: A Practical Clinical Approach to Managing Bruxism

Short Bio:

Prof. Ye Cao serves as Chief Physician, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. She is the Director of the Clinical Orofacial Function Diagnosis & Treatment Center as well as the Oral Physiology Research Laboratory.
Her clinical and research expertise focuses on functional occlusion, the reconstruction of complex occlusal conditions, and the management of orofacial pain—particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism.
 

Presentation of innovations and new features of the digital facebow

Short Bio:

Wolfgang Brunner is the CEO and co-founder of zebris Medical GmbH, a company specialized in biomechanical measurement technology for medicine, dentistry, sports, and veterinary applications. With a background in biomedical engineering and over 30 years of industry experience, he has played a key role in the development of innovative systems for motion analysis, pressure distribution, and functional diagnostics.
Under his leadership, zebris has become a global technology partner for clinical research, rehabilitation, and digital dentistry—renowned for its capacitive sensor technology and interdisciplinary solutions.