The details

• Location: Traben‑Trarbach, Germany
• Cost: €1,785.00
• Delivery: In‑person, small group (≈25 delegates)
• Duration: 3 days
• Link: Summer School – Orthodontic Seminars

The course

The most interesting discussion was around MARPE and limitations due to the complication rates, with Björn suggesting a zygomatic osteotomy as a solution to minimise risks

Day 2 – TMD
Speakers: Domingo Martin – Sachin Chhatwani – Lisa Pittschieler – Stephan Peylo

• Domingo Martin, the world-renowned educator, described his philosophy of occlusal management for TMD, with a focus on fulcrum management.
• Sachin Chhatwani gave an enthusiastic lecture combining principles from Domingo’s school of thought with digital analysis and digital treatment pathways, with new approaches to help understand TMD.
• Lisa Pittschieler ventured into systemic assessment for TMD, including fascia, trigeminal convergence, and posturologic testing – with an interesting discussion of the proprioceptive impact of scars.
• Stephan Peylo reframed TMD treatment through a biopsychosocial lens, where motion, self-care, and behavioural modification stand alongside splint therapy.

Day 2 was the most thought-provoking of all three days, with an array of assessment and treatment methods described for TMD. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions with the speakers, there were differences in treatment approaches between them, different diagnostic tests, and different clinical approaches from biopsychosocial to gnathological. There remains an unanswered question for me on this topic, with the gnathology philosophy unable to explain the increasing evidence of the effectiveness of psychological treatment alone.

Day 3 – Aligners
Speakers: Raul Mora – Daniela Zaharia – Paul Yoo – Oliver Liebl – Farooq Ahmed (last-minute cameo)

• Raul Mora broke down aligner biomechanics into macro/micro staging using OnyxCeph software, underlining attachment design principles: synergistic movements and careful sequencing for extrusion.
• Daniela Zaharia took us inside the world of in-house aligners from digital planning to clinical cases, and her clinical innovation enabled through the clinician taking charge of their own digital setup and planning.
• Paul Yoo gave a masterclass on 3D printing for both resin and filament printers, with a detailed discussion of what can go wrong.
• Oliver Liebl gave the most dynamic lecture of the three days, with exploration of the animal kingdom, an AI meta-analysis of overcorrection, and copious humour – a real “show stopper.”
• My contribution was a spontaneous slot on IPR – proof of Björn’s commitment to inclusion and adaptability.

A great final day, with evidence of aligners and the “rollercoaster effect,” and the implications for extraction biomechanics.

What Was Good

The Good
The “rock and roll” style from Björn’s hosting created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with the audience engaging with each speaker, and each speaker wanting to engage with the audience, and share all they had on their topic. The evenings were wonderful, with friendly conversations at both the Villa Huesgen and the barbeque house, with Björn himself joining in on the guitar one evening.

Björn ran the course with the help of his staff, parents, son, and dog Oskar, which gave a true family feel to the event, with Björn himself arranging chairs, microphones, and food, making the event feel like he was sharing everything he could with the delegates.

What Was Not So Good

There were some contrasting views from the speakers, and it would have been great to have seen them discuss their differences with a round-table discussion, especially on the topic of TMD.

However, the worst aspect of the Summer School was that this was the last iteration of it, and there shall be no further Summer Schools hosted by Björn, a true loss to the orthodontic community.

Verdict

The Summer School was a great three days; the topics were stripped of pretence and delivered with passion, heart, and humility,  the qualities defining the host. The audience consisted of some excellent orthodontists, academics, and experts, and answered a long-standing question which has been in the back of my mind: “Where do the experts in orthodontics go to learn?” It appears Traben-Trarbach is the answer.

This year also carries extra weight, with Björn’s final year lecturing. His farewell event, Ortho 50 – A Legendary Farewell, will be held later this year (full details here). It promises to be a fitting send-off to one of the most influential voices in our field.

While this may be the last Summer School, I sincerely hope the orthodontic community will nurture something similar,  a course that blends world-class education, open conversation, and the kind of hospitality that has become Björn’s hallmark. A legacy worthy of the great man himself.

Contributions

Edited/contents: Farooq Ahmed, 

I have no financial interest in the  meeting.