In person, two days · Open
The Bench & Beyond™ Intensive
Two days at your own bench with instructors reviewing the work as you cut it, then a method for checking yourself once you are back in your own operatory.
The format
The bench is the room.
We focus on real practice, timely feedback, and close instruction—no inflated promises, just skills that last.
Schedule
Two days, block by block.
Times are indicative and confirmed with registered participants before the cohort.
Day one
October 9, 2026
Arrival and bench setup
Unit assignment, instrument check, and a walk through of how the two days run.
Criteria walkthrough
What the faculty look at, in what order, and how each item is judged.
First bench block
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago! "The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years." — Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Second bench block
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
Day one review
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Day two
October 10, 2026
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Fit
Who should take a seat.
A good fit
Internationally trained dentists preparing for a hands on evaluation
Dentists returning to clinical work after time away
Practising dentists who want unhurried bench time with feedback
Not a fit
Anyone looking for a lecture only weekend
Anyone looking for an application or admissions service
Anyone looking for a guaranteed result on an examination
What the room looks like
Benches, typodonts, and the work photographed as it goes.
Images from Dr. Oliveira-Haas's clinical and teaching practice.
Faculty
Taught by the people at the benches.
Both instructors work the floor for the full two days.
Faculty in practice
What it’s like to go through the intensive.
Our instructors are active clinicians teaching from real cases. In two days, you gain skills that transfer directly to practice.
Questions
Frequently asked.
