HKUx: Digital Biomaterials

The course Digital Biomaterials compiles four modules introducing the most cutting-edge digital and computer technologies in dentistry including big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital workflow that support clinical dental diagnostics, and enhance the efficiency of fabricating durable dental restorations. Learners will also be introduced to the properties of the most commonly used dental materials such as titanium, various ceramics and composite biomaterials.. Furthermore, adhesion of dissimilar materials to tooth structures will also be explained.

The learning objectives of the four modules in Digital Biomaterials are as follows:

Module 1

• Define what digital dentistry is and what it includes.
• Examine the clinical implications of dental imaging, 3D-stereophotogrammetry, intraoral scanner and cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT).
• Compare and contrast CAD/CAM with conventional techniques in dentistry.
• Understand the role of digital dentistry in areas of orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS).
• Examine commonly used digital techniques in dentistry such as impression taking, shade matching, radiography, and 3D printing.
• Appreciate the role of digital technology in shaping the future of dentistry .

Module 2

• Understand the basic science behind applications of titanium in dentistry and what matters on the titanium surface.
• Appraise the special properties and implications of ceramics in dental materials.
• Learn the surface treatment methods of zirconia.
• Compare and contrast the advantages and shortcomings of zirconia against titanium.
• Understand the clinical purpose, principles and techniques to treat surfaces (grit blasting and acid-etching).
• Understand the applications of silicon and related compounds in dentistry.

Module 3

• Identify and list computer technologies used in dentistry.
• Describe the digital workflow in dental applications.
• Discuss the computer technologies applied in the field of digital orthodontics.
• Apprehend and justify the use of big data and artificial intelligence technology in dentistry - is it the future of dentistry?

Module 4

• Understand the design and chemistry of fibre-reinforced composite materials.
• Compare and contrast fibre-reinforced composites with conventional biomaterials.
• Define and classify the whole spectrum of dental cements.
• Examine the properties, chemistry and applications of tricalcium silicate-based cements in endodontology.
• Appraise the compositions, indications and applications of dentin bonding materials and systems.

Digital Biomaterials compiles four Modules covering four key areas: Digital Dentistry, All About Titanium, Computer Technologies in Dentistry and Modern Composites and Cements. These areas include hot topics of today’s dental materials science research and development. Please view and download the syllabus for more details.

| Lecture topic | Speaker
---|---|---
Week 1 / Module 1 - Digital Dentistry
1.1 | Digital Imaging |
Lecture Video 1.1.1 | 3D Digital Stereophotogrammetry | Dr. Walter Yu Hang Lam
Lecture Video 1.1.2 | Intraoral Scanner | Dr. Walter Yu Hang Lam
Lecture Video 1.1.3 | An Introduction to Oral Radiology | Prof. Michael Marc Bornstein
Lecture Video 1.1.4 | The Basic Principles of CBCT | Prof. Michael Marc Bornstein
Lecture Video 1.1.5 | Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) | Dr. Andy Wai Kan Yeung
Check Point 1.1 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
1.2 | Digital Technologies |
Lecture Video 1.2.1 | Orthodontics Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | Dr. John Yung Chuan Wu
Lecture Video 1.2.2 | Digital Dentistry in the Field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Dr. Winnie Wing Shan Choi
Lecture Video 1.2.3 | Digital Probing | Dr. Dominic King Lun Ho
Lecture Video 1.2.4 | Shade Matching | Dr. Walter Yu Hang Lam
Lecture Video 1.2.5 | 3D Printing in Dentistry | Dr. Will Wei Qiao
Check Point 1.2 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
1.3 | Silicon and your life |
Lecture Video 1.3.1 | Silicon and Silicon Compounds in Dentistry | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Check Point 1.3 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
Week 2 / Module 2 - All About Titanium
2.1 | Surface Treatment and Analysis |
Lecture Video 2.1.1 | An Introduction to Surface Treatment Methods | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Lecture Video 2.1.2 | Surface Treatment Method: Acid Etching | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Lecture Video 2.1.3 | Introduction to Spectroscopy | Prof. Will Palin
Lecture Video 2.1.4 | Surface Analysis: What is a Surface? | Prof. Edwin Kukk
Lecture Video 2.1.5 | Methods to Study the Surfaces: ESCA | Prof. Edwin Kukk
Check Point 2.1 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
2.2 | Titanium and Its Application |
Lecture Video 2.2.1 | Introduction to Dental Materials: Metals | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Lecture Video 2.2.2 | Introduction of Materials used in Implants | Dr Nikos Mattheos
Lecture Video 2.2.3 | What Does the Future Hold for Titanium and Its Alloys | Prof. Niklaus Peter Lang
Lecture Video 2.2.4 | Titanium and Its Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Dr. Justin Paul Curtin
Lecture Video 2.2.5 | ESCA Study of Titanium | Prof. Edwin Kukk & Dr. Sari Granroth
Check Point 2.2 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
Week 3 / Module 3 - Computer Technologies in Dentistry
3.1 | Virtual Dentistry |
Lecture Video 3.1.1 | Creation of Virtual Patient Model | Dr. Walter Yu Hang Lam
Lecture Video 3.1.2 | A Finite Element Study on Dental Bond Strength Tests | Dr Xiaozhuang Jin
Check Point 3.1 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
3.2 | Big Data in saliva |
Lecture Video 3.2.1 | Big Data in saliva | Dr YuKi Chan
Check Point 3.2 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
3.3 | CAD/CAM and Ceramics |
Lecture Video 3.3.1 | CAD/CAM Technology in Crown Fabrication - An Introduction | Dr. Henry Wai Kuen Luk
Lecture Video 3.3.2 | An introduction to Dental Materials: Ceramics, Zirconia and Alumina | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Lecture Video 3.3.3 | Introduction of Ceramic Materials Used in Restorative Dentistry | Dr. Edmond Ho Nang Pow
Lecture Video 3.3.4 | The Development and Advantages of Glass Ceramics | Prof. Timo Närhi
Lecture Video 3.3.5 | Dental Material Choice: Zirconia vs Titanium | Prof. Niklaus Peter Lang
Check Point 3.3 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
3.4 | Artificial Intelligence |
Lecture Video 3.4.1 | Artificial Intelligence in Dental Prosthesis Design (Part 1) | Mr. Ding Hao
Lecture Video 3.4.2 | Artificial Intelligence in Dental Prosthesis Design (Part 2) | Mr. Ding Hao
Check Point 3.4 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
Week 4 / Module 4 - Modern Composites and Cements
4.1 | Modern Composites |
Lecture Video 4.1.1 | Choice of Dental Fillings: Silver or Composites | Prof. Damien Walmsley
Lecture Video 4.1.2 | An Overview of Fiber-Reinforced Composite in Dentistry | Prof. Pekka Vallittu
Lecture Video 4.1.3 | Fibre-Reinforced Composite: Chemistry, Properties, Fibre Types and Orientation | Prof. Pekka Vallittu
Lecture Video 4.1.4 | Applications of Fibre-Reinforced Composite in Dentistry | Prof. Pekka Vallittu
Check Point 4.1 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
4.2 | Dental Cements |
Lecture Video 4.2.1 | An Introduction to Dental Cements | Prof. Jukka Pekka Matinlinna
Lecture Video 4.2.2 | Introduction to Glass Ionomer Cements and Resin-modified Galss Ionomer Cements | Prof. Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Lecture Video 4.2.3 | Tricalcium Silicate-based Endodontic Cements - Properties and Modifications | Prof. Josette Camilleri
Lecture Video 4.2.4 | Tricalcium Silicate-based Endodontic Cements - Radiopacifier | Prof. Josette Camilleri
Lecture Video 4.2.5 | Tricalcium Silicate-based Endodontic Cements - Modifications in Mixing Liquids and Additives | Prof. Josette Camilleri
Lecture Video 4.2.6 | Tricalcium Silicate-based Endodontic Cements -Hydraulic Properties and Bioactivities | Prof. Josette Camilleri
Check Point 4.2 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
4.3 | Dental Adhesions |
Lecture Video 4.3.1 | Classification and Composition of Resin Dental Adhesives | Dr. Manikandan Ekambaram
Lecture Video 4.3.2 | Resin Adhesion to Tooth Tissues | Dr. Manikandan Ekambaram
Lecture Video 4.3.3 | Indications of Resin Dental Adhesives | Dr. Manikandan Ekambaram
Lecture Video 4.3.4 | Dental Restorative Materials in Paediatric Dentistry | Prof. Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Lecture Video 4.3.5 | Acid Etching: Bonding to Enamel and Dentine | Dr. Hamdi Hosni Hamama
Lecture Video 4.3.6 | The Challenge of Zirconia as a Dental Material: Surface Treatment | Prof. Timo Närhi
Check Point 4.3 | Check Point Practice Quiz Questions (Ungraded Assessment) |
| Conclusion Quiz |
Module 1 Conclusion Quiz | Conclusion Quiz Questions (Graded Assessment) |
Module 2 Conclusion Quiz | Conclusion Quiz Questions (Graded Assessment) |
Module 3 Conclusion Quiz | Conclusion Quiz Questions (Graded Assessment) |
Module 3 Conclusion Quiz | Conclusion Quiz Questions (Graded Assessment) |

“This course has helped me immensely to attain theoretical knowledge on the subject. It is what I need - a subject that bridged my career and revolving my business development."

“The course videos were amazing and were effective with quizzes and readings. Generally a great good learning experience.”

“This is an interesting and engaging course on dental materials and modern technology. Appreciated what I gained from the learning for my future professional endeavors in dentistry.”