IDEA Course Review

November 23, 2009

Spent the weekend in Foster City, CA (just outside of San Francisco) at the IDEA  educational facility attending Otto Prandtner’s course on Achieving Esthetics with Implants -

IDEA is the manifestation of Dr. Bob Lamb’s concept for a “pure” continuing education experience. There is no corporate sponsorship of the courses, and no company representatives are allowed on campus.  The training facility is first-rate, combining a small, intimate presentation room featuring top-notch A/V equipment with a state-of-the-art laboratory setting complete with Kavo benches and Global microscopes.  And, did I mention the virtual four-star on-site “restaurant” which caters every meal for the participants during the course including evening hors-douvres and a nice selection of wines with dinner?  The staff does a great job of anticipating every one’s needs and assisting with any special requests.  You really feel like a pampered guest.

Which is good because if you’re thinking about attending a course, be prepared to live – and work –  on campus…

Our day began with the shuttle picking us up at the hotel promptly at 7:25am.  A short drive to the IDEA facility, and we were sitting down to a wonderful breakfast followed by the morning lecture.

Let me say that Otto Prandtner is one of the best technicians I have ever seen.  Some of his case presentations were truly magnificent, and demonstrated not only world-class artistic ability, but also a complete understanding of the all the processes involved in achieving the results including tissue management, surgical techniques and every facet of the laboratory techniques. He is also an incredibly nice guy, which make him a refreshing voice when juxtaposed against some of the egomaniacs who currently dominate the lecture circuit.

That being said – the morning lecture lasted for 4 hours –  without a break.  Lunch followed, and then we were in the laboratory until we broke for dinner around 7:45pm.

That’s a long day.

And, Saturday wasn’t much different.

Tomorrow, I will post a more detailed review of the informational aspect of the course.  In the meantime, please know that I would highly recommend an IDEA course for anyone interested in learning from the best of the best.  For more info, click here.

© 2009, Jeff Saylors. All rights reserved.