Applying Biofunction in Practice.

Overview

The second session focuses on the first phase of biofunctional treatment. After a short review of Session 1, it introduces the interdisciplinary approach and covers every step of stabilizing occlusion with splint therapy: from fabrication methods to occlusal adjustment, and from physiotherapy and cranio-cervical integration to muscle deprogramming.

The second pillar of the session is case discussion. Participants bring a case in which they have started, or plan to start, splint therapy; the case is discussed under Dr. Melih Şengül's guidance, next steps are defined, and progress is reassessed in Session 3.

Learning objectives

• Review and reinforce the core biofunctional principles covered in Session 1.
• Learn the interdisciplinary approach that supports biofunctional treatment plans.
• Apply the principles of splint therapy, including patient-specific splint fabrication.
• Learn occlusal adjustment and muscle deprogramming techniques.
• Identify and address overload and pain factors in the masticatory system.
• Integrate cranio-cervical relationships into occlusal treatment to provide holistic patient care.
• Incorporate physiotherapy as part of the biofunctional treatment approach.
• Plan and manage patient appointments effectively throughout Phase 1.
• Learn occlusal stabilization exercises.
• Present cases, receive participant feedback and benefit from Dr. Melih Şengül's guidance.

Program

The session lasts two days; topics are covered in the order below.

1. Review of Session 1
2. Treatment phase 1
   • Introduction to the interdisciplinary approach
   • Splint therapy: stabilizing the occlusion
     • Splint fabrication methods
     • Principles and techniques of occlusal adjustment
     • Appointment planning
     • Integrating physiotherapy
     • The cranio-cervical relationship and its integration into treatment
     • Muscle deprogramming (retraining the muscles)
     • Detecting and relieving overload in the masticatory system
     • Identifying and resolving sources of pain and occlusal disharmony
     • Restoring temporomandibular rotational movement
     • Occlusal stabilization exercises
3. Case discussions
   • Participants bring the diagnostic models and images of a case in which they have started, or plan to start, splint therapy
   • Cases are discussed under Dr. Melih Şengül's guidance and next steps are defined
   • Case progress is reassessed in Session 3

Guest speakers will also take part in the sessions; the daily schedule may be extended.

A course day

1. 09:30–10:00Coffee and breakfast
2. 10:00–11:30Lesson
3. 11:30–12:00Coffee break
4. 12:00–14:00Lesson
5. 14:00–15:00Lunch
6. 15:00–17:00Lesson
7. 17:00–17:30Coffee break
8. 17:30–19:00Lesson

Dates and venues

All sessions take place in Istanbul.

• İstanbulNextKozyatağı HiltonOctober 24 – 25, 2026

Instructor

Dr. Melih Şengül

Biofunctional Dentist, Prosthodontist, Dental Technician, Assistant Professor

About Dr. Melih Şengül