Speakers and Topics
Dr. Tarek Sharkas
DDS, MDS, Cert Prostho, FRCD(C)
9:00AM - 10:30AM
TBD
TBD
10:30AM - 12:00PM
Dr. Tarek Sharkas
9:00AM - 10:30AM
"The Tale of Two Implants" Why One Failed and One Succeeded
AGD Subject Code
Course Descripition
In this lecture, I present two full-mouth implant rehabilitation cases—comparable in complexity, yet with drastically different outcomes—that illustrate how biological and mechanical factors intertwine in implant prosthodontics.
The first case highlights a complete full-arch restoration where strategic implant placement, optimal load distribution, and a prosthesis tailored to the patient’s anatomy resulted in long-term stability. Years later, the implants remain intact, the prosthesis functions without complication, and the patient enjoys restored confidence and quality of life.
The second case is a stark contrast and remains an unfolding clinical challenge. The patient developed severe xerostomia (dry mouth) and an underlying bone disease currently under investigation. These systemic and oral conditions triggered progressive implant loss, rampant recurrent caries, and rapid deterioration of the remaining dentition and prostheses. Despite multiple interventions, the patient continues to lose implants one after another, with profound emotional impact—she reports crying daily over her declining oral health.
By examining these two cases side-by-side, attendees will see how even technically well-executed prosthodontic work can succumb to uncontrolled biological risk factors. The discussion will focus on prevention, early detection, and patient-specific treatment planning to improve long-term success in complex implant cases.
Instructor Bio
Tarek Sharkas is a Canadian prosthodontist and entrepreneur whose work bridges advanced dentistry, robotics engineering, and product innovation. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, he is the founder of Dintoid and the creator of the Elbrus Magma robot—a humanoid platform designed for both healthcare and hobbyist applications.
Launched in 2019, the Elbrus Magma project has evolved through multiple design iterations, integrating high-torque servos, AI-assisted walking gait, and advanced sensors including lidar, gyroscopes, and range finders. Tarek’s approach combines affordability, modularity, and performance, with specialized versions tailored for professional environments such as dental sterilization bays and customizable setups for enthusiasts.
Alongside his robotics work, Tarek is the inventor of the CBI Tray, a patented dental tray system for crown, bridge, and implant procedures, developed under Dentoid’s product line.
Tarek’s engineering portfolio includes teleoperation systems, such as the Magic Hand glove and puppet-style controllers, enabling precise real-time robot manipulation. He is also collaborating with AI specialists to implement reinforcement learning for optimizing humanoid robot walking gaits.
Balancing a full-time dental career with his role as a technology innovator, Tarek applies the precision and problem-solving skills of dentistry to the complex challenges of robotics design. His multidisciplinary expertise allows him to create solutions that are both technically advanced and user-oriented.
Through his combined work in healthcare and engineering, Tarek is advancing practical robotics for real-world applications while contributing inventive solutions to dentistry—embodying a rare intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
TBD
10:30AM - 12:00PM
TBD
AGD Subject Code
Course Descripition
TBD
Instructor Bio
TBD
Provider:
Toronto Implant Academy (TIA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. 9-1-2025 to 8-31-2029.
Provider ID# 355116
