NINTH DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY
SEPTEMBER 2026 MEETING
Date: September 1, 2026
Time: 6:30 P.M. – Social Hour
7:00 P.M. – Dinner
Location: Pappas Delta Blues
19901 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX 77598
Speaker: Gary Burton
Topic: Digital Dentures
Cost for non-members: $50
*Presentation of Budget for 2026-2027*
This seminar is eligible for 1-hour TSBDE-approved credit. Reservations should be made by
Friday August 28, 2026 by utilizing the survey link:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
President – Dr. Allison Dillon
President-Elect – Dr. Ann Seelbach
Secretary-Treasurer – Dr. Annie Scruggs
MEETING DETAILS
TOPIC: Digital technology is evolving rapidly within prosthetic dentistry, and these
advancements help balance function, esthetics, and longevity better than ever. They also allow
for new and innovative workflows that improve practice efficiencies. However, given this ever-
changing landscape, clinicians may find it difficult to fully understand and utilize all of the tools
available. The goal of this program is to outline how digital dentistry can be applied through use
of CBCT planning, guided surgery, digital impressions, and digital prosthetic design and
manufacturing. Further, we will discuss how these technologies connect to one another and
clearly define what is possible from what is practical. Upon completion of this program,
participants will understand: the benefits and drawbacks of commonly used digital technologies
and how implementing digital technology as part of your restorative technique can decrease
patient visits and reduce chair time.
SPEAKER: Gary Burton, CDT, received his degree in applied sciences from TSTC Waco in 1981.
After working for Calcitek for eight years, Gary went into dental laboratory ownership. This was
followed by a long career with Astratech/Dentsply Sirona as a Technical Advisor where he was
responsible for employee training, product development, problem solving, chairside support for
conversions, as well as assisting Doctors and labs with challenging cases. From 2018 to 2022,
Gary was employed by Zest Dental Solutions as Clinical Support where he continued to help and
assist Doctors and Laboratories with challenging full arch cases. This included chairside support
and conversions of prostheses. Gary is experienced at case design and planning of cases. Gary
continued his career with Dentsply Sirona from 2022 to 2024 as Training Manager for the Lab
division. This role consisted of training new employees and consulting with dentists and
laboratories on analog and digital products, as well as case support. Gary is now the owner of a
digital print denture lab in Houston, Texas. Since 1981, Gary has accumulated well over 1000
hours of continuing education and has worked primarily with dental implants, attachments, and
materials, including subperiosteal implants, ramus frame, blades and root form implants and
the restorations associated with each of these. Gary lectures nationally and internationally to
universities, study clubs, dental organizations, and dental laboratory associations.
SUMMARY OF MAY MEETING:
The final meeting of the year was called to order 7:17pm by President Dr. Gilberto Garcia. 20
active members were in attendance. 2 retired members were in attendance. One guest dentist
was in attendance. This meeting’s food was provided by Clint with Astra Implants.
“Delegates report” was provided by Dr. Garcia. Dr. Lindskog and Dr. Garcia attended as NDDS
delegates this year for TDA annual meeting. TDA has budget deficit as membership numbers
have decreased. This resulted in several votes. State dues will increase by $50. TDA will
decrease annual journal quantity or go completely digital. The assigned local society is typically
based on location, but members can request change in district. However, there will be a certain
timeline to switch or members risk paying additional dues. There was a vote regarding
redistricting in El Paso area that was voted down. Finally, the Peer Review Committee is being
sunseted due to “inactivity.”
Dr. Meredith Scott reminded members of Summer CE clinic on Friday, June 5, 2026. Pamphlets
were provided at welcome table. The speaker is Dr. Robert Ritter. You can now pay for the CE
meeting via CC or check.
Installation of 2026-2027 NDDS officers occurred. Dr. Annie Scruggs, our new Secretary-
Treasurer was unable to attend tonight. She will take the oath at the next meeting. Dr. Ann
Seelbach and Dr. Allison Dillon took their respective oaths. Dr Gilberto Garcia was gifted an oak
plaque and thanked for his four years of service for NDDS. Dr. Garcia thanked Dr. Welch for his
nomination and support over the years.
Dr. Dillon introduced our speaker for the evening, Dr. Rodrigo Neiva. Dr. Neiva will be practicing
in our area at Grace Perio on Thursdays and Fridays. Grace Perio is formerly Dr. Crofchek’s office.
He also practices in Galveston and Midtown areas. Dr. Neiva has a background in both private
practice and professorial roles.
Dr. Neiva spoke on traditional autogenous graft procedures and limitations, such as limited
source of palatal tissue, morbidity, bleeding, color match, etc. An alternative procedure is use of
acellular dermal matrix, aka cadaver skin. This is different than alloderm, as it is not as
hydrophobic and avoids potential antibiotic reaction. An example case was presented that
allowed for generalized deepening of the vestibule and thickening of the tissue. Note, it often
requires a second procedure to revise and/or advance the marginal finish.
Another alternative is absorbable scaffolds, such as the “Oasis Volumax.” This is a cross-linked
collagen matrix. It can be utilized as a tenting procedure to create space and allow both bone
and soft tissue to thicken. This only works in concavities, and a case of a buccal defect on an
implant was presented.
The meeting closed at 8:25pm. The next regular meeting will occur in September 2026. NDDS
Board Members will meet in August 2026 to prepare for new year.
SUMMARY OF BOARD MEETING:
The Ninth District Board Meeting took place on August 4 with six board members present. Many
topics were discussed which included a review of the budget, sponsorship opportunities,
meeting schedule and locations, and an updated method of correspondence with members
which includes RSVP links for members to utilize. The following dates are set for the 2026-2027
NDDS meetings:
∙September 1, 2026
∙November 3, 2026
∙January 5, 2027
∙March 2, 2027- TDA President will attend.
∙May 18, 2027
∙Summer Clinic: Date is TBA
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! We will review and discuss the proposed budget
for 2026-2027 at this meeting. Attached is a copy of the budget. Please review and come with
any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you on September 1!
