You mean I won’t be subjected to lecture after lecture? Funny right? No, there will be time set for discussions after each presentation. Join the discourse and/or debate topics moderated by speakers.  Choose which “convergence” topics you want to join – and then all topics will be discussed in the general session led by volunteer attendees.  

Questions/Answers/….…. From effects of nocturnal bruxism, to an update on pediatric SDB to truth about the use of awake parameters in the diagnosis or treatment considerations of sleep disturbed breathing, to the role of oral appliance therapy in pain and trigeminal signaling, the effects of nasal resistance and loop gain…and more…..

What is a “Sleep Convergence” and what is the purpose of the Annual Melbourne Sleep Convergence?

The Allentown Forum was an incredibly wonderful educational experience many of us participated in several years ago.  About thirty dentists met annually.   We spent several days in my office seeing patients.  We spent two days in a rented black box theatre where we had speakers from within and brought in speakers.  No one was paid.  We shared ideas, concepts, and costs.  It was unparalleled education in the absence of agendas or egos.  

Dr. Barry Glassman Seminars took on that model – educating small groups of dentists who want to learn in an unbiased, evidence-based environment in the absence of ego.  Our attendees are led to the path of critical thinking and encouraged to challenge empirically derived myths as well as those who present new concepts.  

This Convergence is built on that model.  Our speakers were chosen not only for their expertise in sleep and pain, but also because they are top notch educators who understand and are excited about this model of learning.  

Each lecture will have adequate time for open discussion.

1. There will be two full sessions of “convergence” meetings where we meet in smaller groups on specific topics monitored by our speakers.   An attendee will be chosen to lead a discussion of the topics discussed in a general session.

2. All attendees will receive a link that includes:

1. A pre course learning exercise program

2. Suggested pre course reading

3. The literature referenced in all the presentations.

4. The PDFs of the presentations will be made available following the convergence.

3. There will be a pre convergence and post convergence zoom meeting.   The pre convergence meeting will review the convergence subjects and start the process to have each attendee choose their subjects.  The post convergence meeting will review all the topics discussed in the general meeting.

MORE USEFUL INFORMATION:

• There will be a full breakfast and lunch included.  This allows discussions to continue through lunch and allowing for more time for the convergence.

• There will be a discounted dinner available for purchase at the hotel on Saturday night for those who will be staying over and leaving Sunday.   

• There will be only 60 attendees and ample handheld mics to allow for high level interaction with each speaker and each presentation.

• The topics are current and call for in depth discussion.  The discussions will encourage the critical thinking that is clinically relevant as it will require the thought process that leads to better clinical decision making.  

• There will be a pre convergence meeting where you will meet the speakers and review the possible convergence topics.

• You will receive a pre convergence learning exercise for your own use to increase the value of the educational experience.

• All the literature referenced in the course AND MORE will be available to you through a hosted website link.