Leading Experts of Soft Tissue Regeneration

VISTA Institute Flagship Event

October 1–4, 2026
VISTA Institute & Hilton Woodland Hills, CA

Leading Experts of Soft Tissue Regeneration

A four-day symposium bringing together leading global experts in periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue regeneration, combining two days of evidence-based lectures with two days of hands-on workshops.

Register
Course Brochure
Itinerary
Questions? Call (818) 914-4036
General-session registration is open for in-person and remote attendance. Vanessa Frazao’s Saturday Workshop has a few seats left, all other workshops are fully at capacity.
In-Person & Remote
16 CE Units
Four-Day Symposium
Global Faculty of Experts
Hands-On Workshops

Course Description

Advancing the science of soft tissue regeneration

Soft tissue regeneration is necessary to manage a variety of periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue defects. It is now recognized that soft tissue deficiencies not only can lead to diminished esthetics, but can also influence the stability of periodontal and peri-implant tissues.

A variety of techniques have been developed to manage these soft tissue deficiencies. This symposium features leading global experts in soft tissue regeneration, who will address the modalities available for managing soft tissue deficiencies around teeth and implants. The four-day event pairs two days of immersive, evidence-based lectures with two days of hands-on workshops led by these experts.

Educational Objectives

What you’ll be able to do by the end of the program

01 Discuss therapeutic approaches including phenotype modification therapy (PMT), keratinized tissue augmentation, and root coverage therapy
02 Become familiar with periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgery techniques, including VISTA, coronally advanced flap (CAF), intrasulcular tunneling, TCAF, and free gingival grafting
03 Develop a strategy to utilize various sources of autogenous tissue
04 Recognize choices of soft tissue substitutes, such as acellular dermal matrix and collagen matrix
05 Understand the role of biologics in soft tissue regeneration
06 Gain appreciation for oral plastic surgery versus traditional macro surgery
07 Acquire practical experience with soft tissue regeneration therapies in hands-on simulated workshops

Program at a Glance

Four days across two Woodland Hills locations

General-session registration remains open. Vanessa Frazão’s Saturday workshop is still available; all other hands-on workshops are sold out.

Thursday, Oct 1

Hands-On Workshops

8:00 AM-5:00 PM
VISTA Institute
Sold out

Friday, Oct 2

General Sessions

8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Hilton Woodland Hills
In person and remote

Saturday, Oct 3

General Sessions + Workshop

Lectures at the Hilton; added 1:00-5:00 PM workshop at VISTA Institute (still available)

Sunday, Oct 4

Hands-On Workshops

8:00 AM-5:00 PM
VISTA Institute
Sold out

Workshop Schedule

Hands-on sessions led by the visiting faculty

DayTimeSpeakerWorkshopRegistration
Thursday, Oct 18:00 AM–12:00 PMVanessa FrazãoTunnel Technique for Treatment of Mandibular Anterior RecessionSold out
Thursday, Oct 11:00–5:00 PMMarcus HürzelerThe Pink Factor: Mastering Soft Tissue for Implant SuccessSold out
Saturday, Oct 31:00–5:00 PMVanessa FrazãoTunnel Technique for Treatment of Mandibular Anterior Recession (added session)Available
Sunday, Oct 48:00 AM–12:00 PMGiovanni ZucchelliAdvanced Flap Management of Implant ComplicationsSold out
Sunday, Oct 41:00–5:00 PMLorenzo TavelliTCAF for Management of Implant ComplicationsSold out

Vanessa Frazão’s Saturday workshop is still available; all other hands-on workshops are sold out. The Saturday, Oct 3 session with Vanessa Frazão runs alongside the afternoon general sessions; registered workshop attendees receive a recording of the missed general sessions.

Speakers

A global faculty of leading experts in soft tissue regeneration

Dr. Vanessa Frazão

Vanessa Frazão
Periodontist & Implantologist
Brazilian periodontist and implantologist specializing in soft-tissue management, mucogingival surgery, and esthetic implant procedures.
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Brazilian periodontist and implantologist with a master’s degree in periodontology and a doctorate in molecular biochemistry. She coordinates the Specialization Program in Periodontology and the Course in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Plastic Surgery, with a clinical and academic focus on soft tissue management, mucogingival surgery, and esthetic implant procedures.

Dr. Giovanni Zucchelli

Giovanni Zucchelli, DDS, PhD
Professor of Periodontology & Implantology, University of Bologna
University of Bologna professor and innovator of several soft-tissue plastic surgery techniques, with more than 100 indexed publications.
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Professor of Periodontology and Implantology at the University of Bologna, Italy, since 2000, where he graduated in dentistry in 1988. He has received numerous awards for clinical research in periodontology in Europe and the United States, is the innovator of several soft tissue plastic surgical techniques, and has authored more than 100 publications indexed in PubMed. He is a frequent speaker at major international conferences and has taught theoretical and live-surgery courses worldwide.

Dr. Marcus Hürzeler

Marcus Hürzeler
Implant Dentistry, Periodontology & Tissue Regeneration
International lecturer and author of more than 150 publications in implant dentistry, periodontology, and tissue regeneration. He co-founded the Hürzeler/Zuhr Education Center and helped develop the Socket Shield technique.
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Author of more than 150 scientific publications in implant dentistry, periodontology, and tissue regeneration, and a regular lecturer at national and international events. He co-founded the Hürzeler/Zuhr Education Center with Dr. Zuhr, where they teach concepts and philosophy in state-of-the-art dentistry, and together with his working partners developed the Socket Shield technique.

Dr. Lorenzo Tavelli

Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhD
Periodontist & Assistant Professor, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Harvard assistant professor and board-certified periodontist specializing in microsurgical and minimally invasive soft-tissue grafting. He has published more than 120 papers and received the 2024 ITI André Schroeder Research Prize.
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Periodontist, clinical researcher, and assistant professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. A graduate of the University of Milan, he completed his residency and Master of Science in Periodontics at the University of Michigan and is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. His research and clinical work focus on microsurgical and minimally invasive soft tissue grafting around teeth and implants, integrating high-frequency Doppler ultrasonography and wound-healing biomarkers to assess graft perfusion. He has published over 120 papers, serves as Associate Editor for leading journals, and received the 2024 ITI André Schroeder Research Prize among other honors from the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Alfonso Gil

Alfonso Gil, DDS, MS
Periodontology & Implant Dentistry
Periodontist and implant dentist with advanced specialty training from USC and UCLA, combining a strong academic foundation with broad clinical expertise.
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Earned his DDS with highest honors from the University of the Basque Country, followed by a Master of Science and Advanced Periodontology-Implantology Specialization Certificate from USC and a Specialization Certificate in Advanced Surgical Implant Dentistry from UCLA. Combines a strong academic foundation with extensive clinical specialization across multiple fields of dentistry.

Dr. Guo-Hao (Alex) Lin

Guo-Hao (Alex) Lin, DDS
Associate Professor & Program Director, UCSF Dental Center
UCSF associate professor, postgraduate program director, and board-certified periodontist whose research spans implant therapy, evidence-based dentistry, and augmented intelligence.
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Associate Professor of Clinical Orofacial Sciences and Director of the Postgraduate Periodontics Residency Program, having joined UCSF Dental Center in 2017, where his patient care is limited to periodontics and dental implants. He is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, where he also serves as an oral board examiner. He has received multiple awards from the American Academy of Periodontology and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications focused on evidence-based dentistry, implant-related clinical research, and the integration of augmented intelligence in periodontics.

Dr. Seiko Min

Seiko Min, DDS, PhD
Assistant Professor, UTHealth Houston
UTHealth Houston assistant professor and board-certified periodontist known internationally for soft-tissue management and emerging technologies in periodontology and implant dentistry.
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Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery, currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and director of the Periodontology Preceptorship Program. He completed post-doctoral periodontology training and a Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology at USC Ostrow School of Dentistry, after earning his DDS and a PhD in bone biology at Nihon University, Tokyo. He is an internationally renowned lecturer best known for his work in soft tissue management and new technologies in periodontology and implant dentistry.

Dr. Navid Sharifzadeh

Navid Sharifzadeh, DDS, MS
Periodontology & Implant Surgery
Board-certified periodontist focused on soft-tissue management around natural teeth and implants, with extensive experience in research, teaching, and clinical education.
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Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery who earned his DDS in 2003 and later completed advanced training and a Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology at USC. His main focus is soft tissue management around implants and natural teeth, and he has authored several book chapters and articles on implant esthetics and periodontal surgery. He serves as visiting part-time faculty in periodontology and is an active member of the European and American Academies of Osseointegration and the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Homa Zadeh

Homa Zadeh, DDS, PhD
Periodontist & Developer of the VISTA Technique
Internationally recognized periodontist and creator of the VISTA technique. He has published more than 100 papers and lectured in over 30 countries.
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Internationally recognized periodontist, researcher, and innovator, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery. He earned his DDS from USC and completed specialty training in periodontology and a PhD in immunology at the University of Connecticut Health Center, later serving as tenured associate professor and Chair of the Periodontology Section at USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry. He is the creator of the VISTA technique for treating gingival recession, has lectured in over 30 countries, has published more than 100 papers, and directed the USC International Periodontal and Implant Symposium.

Lecture Topics

What the faculty will cover

Alfonso Gil

Perio-Prosthetic Decision Making for Peri-Implant Esthetic Complications

Implant esthetic complications are rarely a soft tissue problem alone. Implant position, adjacent attachment, and restorative contour set the bar for what surgery can achieve. This lecture presents a perio-prosthetic decision blueprint for when to keep or remove the restoration, when to maintain or explant the implant, and how to perform a VISTA approach with different graft materials.

Learning Objectives

  • Assess the risk factors for peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence and predict achievable coverage
  • Select between prosthetic correction, VISTA coverage, submergence with re-restoration, and explantation
  • Describe the VISTA sequence and justify graft selection
Alex Lin

A Modified “Double-VISTA” Technique for Managing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions

Gingival recession is a multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of predisposing and precipitating factors. Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are frequently associated with gingival recession and present unique challenges due to their complex pathophysiology. This lecture presents a periodontal-restorative approach for managing multiple adjacent NCCLs using connective tissue grafts (CTGs) combined with a modified vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique. By employing two or more vestibular incisions, clinicians can facilitate tunnel access, CTG insertion, and coronal repositioning of the gingival margins. Several clinical cases will be reviewed, highlighting the principles and outcomes of this modified VISTA approach for achieving predictable root coverage, even at sites where the maximum achievable root coverage is predetermined.

Educational Objectives

  • Describe the etiology and pathophysiology of gingival recession associated with NCCLs and the challenges in their management
  • Understand the principles and stepwise technique of the modified “Double-VISTA” approach, including CTG placement and coronal repositioning of gingival margins
  • Evaluate clinical outcomes and decision-making considerations for achieving predictable root coverage in sites with multiple adjacent NCCLs
Marcus Hürzeler

Modern Implantology: Fast Track to Function and Esthetics

The field of implant dentistry has undergone a transformative evolution, driven by advances in digital technology, biomaterials, and surgical protocols. This lecture explores the latest innovations that enable clinicians to achieve predictable, efficient, and esthetically pleasing outcomes with minimal patient morbidity and reduced treatment times. It focuses on immediate implant placement and loading, digital workflow integration, soft tissue management, and the role of guided surgery in optimizing esthetic zones, with emphasis on evidence-based approaches that align biological principles with modern restorative demands, providing a streamlined pathway from extraction to final restoration. Attendees will gain insight into contemporary strategies that accelerate functional rehabilitation while preserving, and even enhancing, esthetic outcomes.

Workshop Descriptions

What to expect hands-on

Marcus Hürzeler

The Pink Factor: Mastering Soft Tissue for Implant Success

Achieving long-term success in implant dentistry goes beyond osseointegration. It requires meticulous management of the peri-implant soft tissues, often referred to as “the pink factor.” This hands-on workshop delves into the critical role of soft tissue architecture in both functional stability and esthetic excellence. Participants will explore key principles of soft tissue biology, augmentation techniques, flap design, and suturing methods essential for maintaining tissue health and achieving natural-looking outcomes. Through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, attendees will learn to assess, preserve, and enhance soft tissue contours around implants in both anterior and posterior regions.

Symposium Venue & Parking

Two locations across the four days

Hands-On Workshops — Oct 1, Oct 3 & Oct 4

VISTA Institute for Therapeutic Innovations
6325 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Suite 101
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

We’re located on the 1st floor, to the right of the elevator.

Our parking lot is free on weekends and paid during weekdays ($15 maximum charge).

View VISTA parking & arrival map

VISTA workshop parking and arrival map

Click the map to open the full-size version.

Note: Since the symposium runs through the weekend, our front door will close at 1pm on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday. Please use our back entrance.

General Sessions / Lectures — Oct 2 & Oct 3

Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles
6360 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 595-1000

Attendees registered for the general lecture sessions will be at the Hilton and will not be coming to the Institute.

In-Person

Advanced lectures, hands-on workshops, and live surgery demonstrations.

Remote

Live access to the general session lectures (Oct 2–3) only. Hands-on workshops and live surgery demonstrations are in-person only and are not available remotely.

Both in-person and remote registrants receive three months of on-demand access to the general session recordings.

Travel Information

Planning your trip

Nearest Airports

  • Burbank (Hollywood Burbank Airport): 20–30 minutes away
  • LAX: 30–90 minutes away

Where to Stay

The Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles serves as the general session venue for Oct 2–3 and is a convenient option for overnight stays.

Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles
6360 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 595-1000

Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills
21850 Oxnard St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 887-4800
Special rate available with promo code "B6512" on Marriott.com

Tuition

In-person and remote pricing

Pricing below reflects the current registration form. Valid membership is required for member rates.

In-Person

PackagePrice
General Sessions (Oct 2-3), 16 CE units$1,495

Gold Members may register at the current supplemental rate shown on the registration form. Vanessa Frazão’s Saturday workshop is still available; all other workshops are sold out.

Remote (Live or On-Demand)

PackagePrice
General Sessions (Oct 2-3), 16 CE units$1,295

Silver Member remote access is shown as included on the registration form. Valid membership is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your symposium experience

How many continuing-education units are included?

The two-day general session includes 16 CE units.

Can I attend remotely?

Yes. Remote registration includes live access to the Oct 2-3 general-session lectures. Hands-on workshops and live surgical demonstrations are in person only.

Will recordings be available?

Both in-person and remote general-session registrants receive three months of on-demand access to the lecture recordings.

Are hands-on workshops still available?

Yes. Vanessa Frazão’s Saturday, Oct 3 workshop (1:00–5:00 PM) is still available. All other hands-on workshops are sold out. General-session registration remains open for in-person and remote attendance.

Where does each part of the program take place?

General-session lectures on Oct 2-3 are at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles. Workshops on Oct 1, 3, and 4 are at the VISTA Institute for Therapeutic Innovations.

How do membership rates work?

Select the appropriate membership option on the registration form. A valid membership is required, and any applicable supplemental charge is shown before payment.

Who can help with registration, transfers, or cancellations?

Call VISTA Institute at (818) 914-4036 before registering if you need help choosing an attendance option or have questions about registration policies.

Science. Experience. Innovation. Excellence.

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