Six Lessons Approach

The Six Lessons Approach is a set of restorative dental bonding protocols created by Dr. David Alleman, DDS, now used by dentists around the world. The techniques outlined in this approach eliminate post-operative sensitivity, reduce the need for endodontic treatment and stay bonded longer than traditional restorations.

Six Lessons Approach Case

By Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD

  • Fractured cusp from a poorly bonded composite restoration

  • Lesson 1: Diagnosis and Treatment of Caries

  • Lesson 2: Structural Compromise and Cracks Into Dentin

  • Lesson 3: Immediate Dentin Sealing and Resin Coating

  • Lesson 4: C-Factor and Deep Margin Elevation

  • Lesson 5: Enamel Replacement Fabrication and Biomimetic Prep Design

  • Lesson 6: Occlusal Adjustment and Verticalization of Envelope of Function

Creating the Six Lessons Approach

Dr. David Alleman’s work creating the Six Lessons Approach began in 1995 when he wanted to quit dentistry. Having practiced traditional dentistry since graduating from the University of the Pacific in 1978, he grew increasingly frustrated with restorative outcomes that still resulted in sensitive or painful teeth, failed fillings, crowns and root canals. 

In a final attempt to find answers to his frustrations, Dr. Alleman enrolled in a two-day class with Ray Bertolotti. It was there he learned about a new approach called adhesive dentistry. While research in this topic existed around the world, the findings were not easily accessible for doctors in everyday practice.

Watch Dr. David Alleman’s SLA Podcast episode below to learn more about his early research into biomimetic restorative dentistry.

The Success of the Six Lessons Approach

Dr. Alleman spent thousands of hours visiting dental school libraries around the United States and reviewing and organizing the literature he found there. From this he distilled seven areas of science and incorporated them into his practice immediately:

  1. Diagnosing caries removal using caries detecting dye

  2. Eliminating gaps under restorations and cracks into dentin

  3. Using gold-standard bonding systems

  4. C-Factor stress relief

  5. Pulpal biology

  6. Dental hard tissue differences

  7. Managing occlusal forces

The transformation was quickly apparent in the asymptomatic restorations that were lasting longer than the traditional techniques he had used previously. Not only were his patients happier, but Dr. Alleman enjoyed going to work again, with the knowledge that he was providing the best possible care for his patients. 

Six Lessons Approach Case from 2005

By Dr. David Alleman, DDS

Revolutionize Your Practice with the Six Lessons Approach

Many doctors today still experience this frustration with the limits of traditional dentistry. Using the best techniques dental schools prepare them with, they are still achieving inconsistent results and are unable to resolve the causes of patient pain and sensitivity. Thankfully, peer-reviewed research offers a higher level of patient care that Dr. Alleman distilled into his Six Lessons Approach.

An homage to golfer Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons, Dr. Alleman’s Six Lessons Approach gives doctors science-backed steps to create effective, long-lasting restorations. Based on his core collection of 128 articles, this literature serves as the basis for his techniques and protocols he formalized in the Six Lessons Approach.

The Alleman Center teaches the Six Lessons Approach in our two-day workshops and the Biomimetic Mastership.

Learn more about Alleman Center training programs.

Join our international community of Alleman Center alumni.