The German chemist M. H. Klaproth discovered zirconium dioxide in 1789 although this "miracle material" with its outstanding properties has only been re-discovered in the last few decades.
The Zirconia was introduced into the Dental World in the early nineties. Its implementation has evolved very quickly to the manufacturing process with computer's help. Zircon is very efficient and very useful for the ceramic industry in dentistry.
Many studies in the dental literature look at the effect of different surface treatment methods, on the flexure strength of zirconia where polished zirconia has been used as control. However, zirconia is subjected to different types of surface stress as a result of the CAD/CAM milling procedure and also to stress produced by the laboratory procedures in daily use.
The aim of this Open forum is to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment methods and in particular the effect of the quality of "mimic" CAD/CAM zirconia blocks on the market, the flexure strength of zirconia frameworks, proper preparation and proper bonding. "ALL ZIRCONIA are not alike, and this explain the high frequency of failures occurring. Practitioners think that zirconia is zirconia, and again this is not TRUE." Dr. Ziad Salameh DDS, MSc, PhD.
Delegates will interact with the panel participant (all on stage) and post their questions and comments. They will have the answers from the researchers', clinical and industry point of view.

AGENDA:
1. Truth of the product? 10 min - manufacturer presentation.
2. Truth of the preparation? 10 min - clinical presentation.
3. Truth of the result? 10 min - research presentation.

Q/A interactive session following the above topics with equally active participation.

PANEL PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Andreas Kurbad, Germany; Dr. Peter Gehrke, Germany; Dr. Atef Shaker, Egypt; Ralph Riquier, Germany; Dr. Ilan Preiss, UK; Prof. Georges Tehini, Lebanon

LEADER: Dr. Nadim Aboujaoude, Lebanon

MODERATOR: Dr. Munir Silwadi

ACADEMIC PANEL: Boston University, Sharjah University, Ajman University, Moscow University, Belgrade University, N&A