Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Suturing Techniques/Principles

Lectures and Hands-on workshop
Course Fee: $2,000      30-day early registration: $1,800           Registration limited
CDE Credits: 8

Friday, December 12, 2025 at UCLA School of Dentistry
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an autogenous matrix derived from the concentration of the patient’s blood platelets. A simplified chairside procedure results in the production of a fibrin membrane that is capable of stimulating the release of many important growth factors involved during wound healing processes that take place after surgery. Surgical procedures in dentistry are becoming much more commonplace, where all dentists must be well-versed in basic and advanced suturing techniques. Whether performing a simple interrupted suture after draining a tooth abscess, or releasing the periosteum to close a large incision after alveolar ridge augmentation, many of the principles of tissue handling, instrumentation, and possible complications are the same. This course will review medical and local factors that can affect wound healing and review principles of suturing. Specific hands-on workshops will also be included to learn flap design, basic and advanced suturing techniques, focusing on tension-free closure, and choosing appropriate suture materials. This course will provide lectures and a hands-on laboratory session to become knowledgeable in the use of the L-PRF technology and will make the participant more comfortable and confident in their suturing abilities, allowing them to incorporate more surgical procedures into their daily practice.

Learning Topics

• Blood draw technique
• Biological principles of L-PRF
• Case selection and planning
• Surgical techniques
• PRF preparation techniques
• Management of complications and post-operative care
• Use and creation of PRF from start to finish
• Review wound healing and principles of suturing
• Choosing the best suture size and material
• Interrupted vs. continuous suturing; horizontal and vertical mattress suturing; figure-of-eight; sling suturing, and others
• Suturing techniques for extraction sockets, bone grafting, implants, soft tissue grafting

Workshop Exercises

• Growth Factors in Implant Dentistry
• Soft tissue management
• Complications and management
• Optimizing outcome

Instructor

Tara Aghaloo, DDS, MD, PhD
Professor, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, UCLA School of Dentistry

Learning Objectives

• Understand the biological principles of L-PRF
• Define key aspects of growth factors in Implant Dentistry
• Demonstrate knowledge in the creation and uses of PRF
• Understand the key components of soft tissue management
• Execute proper case selection and planning
• Be able to do blood draw with proper technique
• Define key components of PRF preparation techniques
• Recognize and manage complications and post-operative care
• Define key components and principles of wound healing and suturing
• Understand and demonstrate how to choose the best suture size and material
• Recognize and define Interrupted vs. continuous suturing; horizontal and vertical mattress suturing; figure-of-eight; sling suturing, and others
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding among suturing techniques for extraction sockets, bone grafting, implants, soft tissue grafting

speakers/instructors and topics are subject to change without prior notice

Policies - Cancellation and Refund

UCLA School of Dentistry, Continuing Dental Education is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.