Fundamentals & Applied
From foundations to confident practice: a full day that builds the core principles of diagnosis and treatment planning, then applies them through hands-on, case-based decision-making.
Presented by Dr. Peter McDermott, BA, MA, DDS, MSc (Prosthodontics), FRCD(C)
Co-developed by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
This full-day course, co-developed by Western University and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, offers a comprehensive exploration of diagnostic principles and treatment planning in dentistry. Participants will first build a strong foundation in core concepts, followed by hands-on application through case-based scenarios. The course emphasizes critical thinking and clinical decision-making, providing opportunities to practice formulating accurate diagnoses and developing staged, patient-centered treatment plans. Ideal for dental professionals seeking to refine their diagnostic acumen and planning strategies in a collaborative online learning environment.
Fri, Nov 13, 2026, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (1-hour lunch). The morning covers the foundational concepts of diagnosis and treatment planning; the afternoon applies them through hands-on, case-based practice. The complete day earns 8 RCDSO Category 1 points.
The morning session offers a focused examination of the core principles of diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry, laying the groundwork for clinical decision-making through an exploration of foundational concepts — the base the afternoon builds on.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
The core subject areas explored across the session.
Leave with a clearer, more consistent framework for reaching a diagnosis, identifying treatment options, documenting your reasoning, and involving the patient in the consent process at every phase of care.
Delivered in the afternoon of the full-day course, the Applied session builds on the morning’s fundamentals — putting the core principles of diagnosis and treatment planning into practice through hands-on, case-based scenarios. It emphasizes critical thinking and clinical decision-making, giving participants the opportunity to practise formulating accurate diagnoses and developing staged, patient-centred treatment plans in a collaborative online learning environment.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Applied, case-based practice that turns the fundamentals into confident clinical decisions.
Leave able to apply, document, and defend a staged, patient-centred treatment plan — practised through realistic, case-based scenarios and grounded in professional, legal, and ethical standards.
Web portal opens at 8:45 am. Please plan to be online for registration between 8:45 and 8:55 am.
Dental Professional
Dr. Peter McDermott is a Canadian board-certified prosthodontist and is currently an Assistant Professor and the Assistant Director, Quality Improvement in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He completed his specialty training at the University of Toronto in 2005.
He is also a Consultant for the RCDSO in the Quality Department and a Course Provider for the College.
Reserve your seat for the full-day Fundamentals + Applied course. Please visit the website for the most current information and terms and conditions.
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