2026 Winter Meeting Speakers

February 6-7, 2026

Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
223 West Las Colinas Boulevard
Irving, Texas 75039

General Session Speakers

The VISTA Technique: A Paradigm Shift in Periodontal and Peri-implant Plastic Regenerative Surgery

Homa Zadeh, DDS, PhD

Dr. Zadeh has earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) Ostrow School of Dentistry. He completed post-doctoral clinical training in periodontology, as well as a PhD degree in immunology, at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) School of Dental Medicine and School of Medicine, respectively. Dr Zadeh served as full time faculty for 28 years, earning tenure status at the USC. He served as director of postdoctoral periodontology program (2012-2019). Dr. Zadeh is internationally recognized for his clinical and scientific expertise. He has lectured nationally and internationally in over 40 countries at prestigious conferences on topics ranging from aesthetics to minimally invasive periodontal and implant surgery, as well as tissue engineering. Dr Zadeh has published over 100 journal articles in peer review journals, reviews, abstracts and book chapters.Dr. Zadeh served as president of the Western Society of Periodontology (WSP) in 2017 and continues to serve as trustee on the board. Dr. Zadeh is the innovator of the VISTA technique recognized around the world as one of the most effective methods for the treatment of soft tissue and bone deficiencies around teeth and implants. He has also innovated many concepts and devices, which have been registered with dozens of patented and developed into products in clinical use in many countries. Dr Zadeh directs the VISTA Institute for Therapeutic Innovations, an Academy of Osseointegration (AO) authorized training center. He maintains a private practice of periodontology and implant surgery in Southern California.

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships: 
Grants/Research Support: BioHorizons/Camlog
Stock Shareholder: VISTA Institute, REGENimmune

Abstract

Periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgery plays a crucial role in enhancing esthetics while also promoting the long-term stability of periodontal and peri-implant tissues. This presentation will provide a comprehensive review of the current evidence on soft tissue and bone phenotype modification therapies (PMT) designed to increase both mucosal and bone thickness.Key strategies for managing gingival and peri-implant recession or dehiscence defects will be explored, with a particular focus on the VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access) technique. The presentation will also highlight VISTA’s applications in treating periodontal and peri-implant intra-osseous defects, as well as its role in alveolar ridge and contour augmentation procedures to optimize both functional and esthetic outcomes.Educational objectives: at the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:*Recognize the significance of periodontal/peri-implant phenotype in long-term stability of periodontal/peri-implant tissues.*Develop clinical decision-making strategies to determine when periodontal/peri-implant phenotype modification and/or periodontal//peri-implant coverage will be indicated and feasible.*Understand the VISTA technique and the range of techniques and materials available for mucosal and bone augmentation to optimize clinical outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the significance of periodontal/peri-implant phenotype in long-term stability of periodontal/peri-implant tissues.
• Develop clinical decision-making strategies to determine when periodontal/peri-implant phenotype modification and/or periodontal//peri-implant coverage will be indicated and feasible.
• Understand the VISTA technique and the range of techniques and materials available for mucosal and bone augmentation to optimize clinical outcomes.

Teaching Method: Lecture

Current Use of the Tunnel Technique: 25 Years of Experience

Edward P. Allen, DDS, PhD

Edward P. Allen, DDS, PhD, Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Periodontics, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, is Founder and Director of the Center for Advanced Dental Education in Dallas, an educational facility where he teaches surgical technique courses.  He has served as President of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. He is the recipient of the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, the President’s Award for Excellence in Dental Education from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Saul Schluger Award for Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. In 2019, he was honored with the AAP Gold Medal Award, the highest award bestowed by the Academy. Dr. Allen serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, has over 100 publications, and has presented numerous lectures and over 200 surgical demonstrations worldwide.

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships:

Abstract

This lecture will review the development of soft tissue grafting techniques including the Free Gingival Graft, the Connective Tissue Graft, and the current Coronally Advanced Tunnel (CAT).  Surgical technique and long-term outcome will be shown for each technique. Modifications of the CAT will be shown for successful treatment in the anterior mandible including sites with deep recession, shallow recession, and shallow vestibule.

Learning Objective

• Describe the evolution of soft tissue grafting techniques.

• Describe the modifications of tunnel technique in mandibular anterior sites to manage the challenges of deep recession, shallow recession and shallow vestibule.

• Explain the lack of significance of keratinized tissue gain in bilaminar techniques.

Teaching Method: Lecture

VISTA Hands-on Workshop

 Seiko Min, DDS, PhD

Dr. Seiko Min received his specialty training in Periodontics and Implant Therapy in both Japan and the United States. He currently serves as Director of the Periodontics Preceptor Program at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. In 2014, he completed the Advanced Periodontology and Implantology Residency Program at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.Dr. Min has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards from the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Osteology Foundation. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications and is an internationally recognized lecturer, best known for his contributions to oral plastic surgery and the development of “Phenotype Modification Therapy.”His research focuses on tissue engineering and clinical studies involving soft-tissue grafting, bone augmentation, and regenerative therapies in periodontics and implant dentistry.

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships: None

Abstract

This course is specifically designed for both general practitioners and specialists who wish to enhance their expertise in soft tissue management utilizing VISTA technique. Here’s an overview of the topics covered: 1.Principle of VISTA technique: Learn the fundamental principles involved in root coverage procedures and phenotype modification therapy around teeth and implants including decision making process. 2.Donor site preparation and graft stability: Gain proficiency in donor site preparation technique including harvesting methods such as free gingival graft, linear incision technique, and VIP-CTG, along with graft stability strategies. 3.Autogenous vs. Alternatives: Understand indications for using autogenous CTG and alternatives materials. 4.Hands-on: VISTA technique protocol: You will practice VISTA technique step by step manner including designing the remote incision, subperiosteal tunneling using VISTA ABC kits, various harvesting, coronally advancement using suture bonding technique, and stabilization of donor tissue.

Learning Objective

Teaching Method: Hands-On Lecture

Winter Meeting Moderator

 Kevin G. Murphy, DDS, MS

Dr. Murphy received his dental degree from the University of Illinois where he also received specialty certificates in both Prosthodontics and Periodontics. Dr. Murphy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is also an Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics at Maryland. He leads the Esthetically Driven Treatment Planning and Periodontal Surgical Therapies course in the Periodontal Graduate Program.Dr. Murphy practiced privately in Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in periodontics and prosthodontics. He currently serves as Director of the Volunteer Services for the Dental Clinic at the Esperanza Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The Esperanza Center provides the immigrant community in Baltimore with medical, dental, legal, and social support services for those in need. Dr. Murphy also serves on the Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation and which provides dental care to children in Saint-Marc, Haiti.He has published numerous articles and textbook chapters on periodontal regeneration, surgical orthodontia, and implant dentistry. He is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships:
None