Program Overview

The AAID Chicago Maxicourse is a dental implant training strategically designed to give dentists a thorough training in placing and restoring dental implants.

Get A Solid Foundation To Your Implantology Career

The Chicago AAID Maxicourse is designed to give a thorough understanding of diagnostic and treatment modalities necessary to properly treat patients with dental implants.

AAID Chicago MaxiCourse Course Curriculum

Our top-notch course curriculum includes lectures by some of the world’s leading implantologists, Webinars, Cadaver Training, Hands-on Modules, and so much more.

Module 1

The first module will be centered around the ideal approach to patient care in implantology. We walk through fundamentals of diagnostics and treatment planning for optimal success. We will present high level prosthodontic principles, including biomechanical and bio-aesthetic guidelines, radiographic analysis, and risk management.

September 18-20, 2026
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID

Module 2

In our second module, the participants will gain insight into the medical evaluation of the patient for implant therapy according to latest literature. We will review oral surgical principles, minimally traumatic extractions, flap design, and suture techniques.

October 23-25, 2026
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Slaton Hoffner

Module 3

Participants will be introduced to the main event: implant surgery! We will review implant surgical principles in detail for basic implant surgery. We will also build on our grafting module by discussing advanced grafting such as onlay veneer grafting at the time of implant placement and guided bone regeneration.

November 20-22, 2026
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID

Module 4

This module will be heavily focused on sinus augmentation to facilitate implant placement in the proper prosthetic position. We will review the different techniques, armamentarium, and complications.

December 4-6, 2026
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
David Chong, DDS

Module 5

This module will be divided into two separate concepts. The first will focus on techniques involving bone manipulation to facilitate implant placement. These include osteotomes, ridge splits, condensation of bone, osseodensification burs, etc. The second concept will help the participants set the state for full arch implant treatment planning. We will take a deep dive into removable prosthetics that are implant supported and implant retained.

January 8-10, 2027
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Bernee Dunson, DDS

Module 6

This module will be dedicated to full arch protocols. We will go into detail about the different protocols for surgery and prosthetics. Beginning with diagnosis, then moving into the prosthetic plan. Then taking a deep dive into surgical approaches. Concluding with the steps necessary to restore the case successfully.

February 5-7, 2027
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Chris Barrett, DDS

Module 7

This module will be dedicated to a comprehensive review of key concepts in preparation for the credentialing exam. In addition, we will cover long-term implant maintenance and the diagnosis of peri-implant disease. Treatment modalities for peri-implantitis will be discussed in detail.

March 12-14, 2027
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID

Module 8

The most important module of the program is the cadaver module. This module provides the opportunity to integrate all key principles and techniques acquired throughout the MaxiCourse. Working with fresh-frozen specimens, participants will refine their tactile skills on actual human tissue. This weekend will also include a comprehensive review of critical anatomy.

April 16-18, 2027
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID

*This module will take place in Texas.

Module 9

During the final module, we will review for the exam and take associate fellow exam.

May 21-23, 2027
Chris Petrush, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Frank Caputo, DDS, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. John Minichetti

Meet Our Course Directors

Dr. Frank Caputo

Dr. Frank A. Caputo, general dentist, board-certified oral implantologist, always places patient comfort first. His approach to dentistry is comprehensive and tailored for each patient. Dr. Caputo earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Marquette University. Following his passion for implant dentistry, Dr. Caputo has completed over 800 hours of continuing education dedicated to implant and restorative dentistry. He has successfully passed the rigorous examination process within the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and American Board of Oral Implantology and Implant Dentistry. In addition to practicing, Dr. Caputo dedicates a portion of his time educating aspiring implantologists across the country in a hands-on clinical environment. When he’s not practicing dentistry or educating, Dr. Caputo is spending quality time with his wife and son.

Dr. Christopher Petrush

Dr. Christopher Petrush grew up in New York where he attended Rennselear Polytechnic Institute. After graduating from Dental School at New York University, he moved to San Francisco and completed a residency program at UCSF. Dr. Petrush is a Diplomate of the ABOI, the highest level of credentialing possible in the field of implant dentistry. He has lectured Nationally and Internationally on the topic of bone grafting. He is a guest speaker for the AAID Las Vegas Maxicourse and is currently a Western District officer for the AAID.

Top-Notch Faculty

The Chicago AAID Maxicourse is instructed by World-Class Dental Implantologists

Dr. Bart Silverman

Dr. Bart Silverman is in private practice limited to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in New City, N.Y. and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology. He has been lecturing in the field of implant dentistry for over 25 years. Dr. Silverman is an attending Physician at Westchester County Medical Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Clinical Associate Professor at New York Medical College, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery New York University School of Dentistry and Surgical Director of NYU Post Grad Continuing Education Dental Implant Program. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Roseman School of Dentistry. Director of Roseman University Maxicourse in Implant Dentistry. Director BWS Dental Seminars. Faculty of Implant Pathways and New York, Chicago, Rutgers, Asia Dental Implant Maxicourses.

Dr. John Minichetti

Dr. John Minichetti has years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and prosthetic reconstruction. Dr. Minichetti graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he finished first in his class. He then completed a postdoctoral specialized training program at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including those for oral medicine, pharmacology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dr. Minichetti has been practicing and teaching implant dentistry for over 25 years and has lectured and instructed worldwide. He is a fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) , The International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics, and The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Dr. Minichetti is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry.

Dr. Slaton Hoffner

Dr. Hoffner practices the full spectrum of dental anesthesia, from sedation to intubated general anesthesia, on a wide array of patients; pediatric to the elderly, those who are sick, have special needs requirements, and those who are healthy, but have extreme dental phobia or a severe gag reflex.

Dr. Hoffner is a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He has lectured nationally and taught various anesthesia-related courses to post-doctoral students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Hoffner enjoys cooking with his wife, helping raise their two sons, being outdoors with his boxer pup (Eleanor), boating, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Hoffner is BLS, ACLS, PALS, and board certified.

Dr. Michael Scherer

Dr. Michael Scherer is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, a Clinical Instructor at University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and maintains a practice limited to prosthodontics and implant dentistry in Sonora, California. He is a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, has published articles, books, and in-person and online courses related to implant dentistry, clinical prosthodontics, and digital technology with a special emphasis on full-arch reconstruction. As an avid technology & computer hobbyist, Dr. Scherer’s involvement in digital implant dentistry has led him to develop and pioneer new approaches with 3D printing, CAD/CAM surgical systems, implement interactive CBCT implant planning, and outside of the box radiographic imaging and digital design concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Will the Course Take Place?

All modules (with the exception of our cadaver module) will take place at the Academy of General Dentistry located at 560 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661.

Do you offer student discounts?

Yes. We offer a special dental student rate and recent graduate discounts, as well as military and group rate discounts. Please reach out to Julia directly before registering if you’re a dental student at julia@aaidchicagomaxicourse.com

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. We offer special dental student rates, recent graduate discounts, group rates for two or more, as well as military discounts.

How many CE hours will I receive?

You will receive 300 hours of CE credit.

Register Now For the 2026-2027 aAID MaxiCourse

Make the first step to becoming the world’s leading dental implantologist. Register for the AAID Chicago MaxiCourse now.