TOOTH WORKSHOP 2021
14-17 September, 2021
The Training OFA static and OFA dynamic Techniques, Hands-on (TOOTH) workshop is an in-depth course including seminar lectures, and a hands-on training in static and dynamic Occlusal Fingerprint Analyses (OFA). These approaches allow the investigation of the occlusal dental macrowear in relation to functional morphology, for the understanding of diet and feeding behavior, as well as adaptive mechanisms of the masticatory system and orofacial disorders. Preliminarily, moulding, casting and 3D scanning techniques for the generation of dental replicas are taught.
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The hands-on workshop is held at the University of Zürich in hybrid in presence/online format for selected participants (see details here)
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The seminar lecture by PD Dr. Ottmar Kullmer is online and open to all (see details here).
MOULDING AND SCANNING TECHNIQUES
The OFA analysis requires high-resolution, accurate surface models of the teeth. The participants will learn how to produce high-resolution dental casts from human teeth using a non-reflective casting material which will then allow gathering high-quality virtual models. The participants will be provided with the materials for producing the casts.
3D surface scans will be generated using Polymetric 3D surface scanner (https://www.iem.uzh.ch/en/institute/facilities/imaging.html)
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
PD DR. OTTMAR KULLMER
Head of Division of Palaeoanthropology, Senckenberg Research Institute
Dr. Kullmer is a renowned pioneer in the field of digital hard tissue morphometrics of dental macrowear patterns. He has developed the Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis (OFA) (Kullmer et al. 2019, AJPA 139:600–5), therefore representing the foremost expert in the field, mastering concepts of dental function, as well as the technical aspects of dental morphometrics. He is an enthusiastic teacher and has trained numerous students and researchers in both the static and dynamic OFA protocols.
CHRISTINE HEMM
Technical Assistant, Senckenberg Research Institute
Ms. Hemm is technical assistant at the Senckenberg Institute in Frankfurt. Her roles in the virtual imaging lab are varied including 3D digitization, virtual image editing, analyses and reconstruction, and morphometrics. Her vast technical expertise will be essential for a smooth course of the entire event since she can proficiently assist the participants while learning moulding and casting techniques, as well as the OFA static and dynamic protocols.
DR. CHRISTOPHER SILVESTER
University College London, Institute of Archaeology
Dr. Silvester proficiently applies the OFA techniques having acquired ample experience over the course of his PhD program. He is particularly familiar with the freeware GOM software which allows performing the static OFA analysis. Dr. Silvester will also be teaching moulding techniques, which he regularly practices for his research work having taken impressions of over 200 archaeological specimens for his PhD project.
ROGER SEILER, DR. MED. DENT. DR. PHIL.
Research Associate, University of Zurich, Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, Paleopathology and Mummy Studies Group
Dr. Seiler is a specialist in the investigation of ancient oro-facial pathologies and paleoradiology. As a highly experienced clinician and scientist, he will introduce concepts such as dental hard tissue loss (abrasion, attrition, and erosion) on the workshop's first day. Also, he will present a novel technique for the direct digitization of dental casts, which he has recently co-developed.
MARTIN HÄUSLER, PD DR. SC. NAT., DR. MED.
Head Evolutionary Morphology Group, University of Zürich, Institute of Evolutionary Medicine
Dr. Haeusler is the Head of the IEM Evolutionary Morphology Group, and is the reference person for the Polymetric 3D Scanner PT-M4 owned by the IEM. As a proficient operator, he will teach the participants how to obtain high-resolution 3D surface scans.
SPONSORS
TOOTH WORKSHOP ORGANIZERS
We are passionate about dental function and morphology, and keen to establish new research collaborations. We want to expand our network within the dental field at large, exchanging knowledge, methods and data with other dental experts from the various fields of science and medicine. To this end, we have been granted funds by the Graduate Campus of the University of Zurich for organizing the TOOTH workshop.
DR. CINZIA FORNAI
University of Zürich, Institute of Evolutionary Medicine
Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry - VieSID
Expert evolutionary anthropologist and morphometrician, has worked in the field of dental anthropology for over a decade and longs to expand her methodological toolkit including approaches suitable for the functional interpretation of dental form such as OFA. Currently, she is the scientific coordinator of the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry research center. In particular, she aims at investigating the effect of diet and civilization on the modern human masticatory system, and unraveling the evolutionary origin of orofacial pathologies. Her interests extend to clinical aspects facilitating the advancement of modern dentistry to ultimately benefit patients.
