Dr. Michael Melkers
930 Mullan , Suite 2
Spokane, WA 99206
(509) 891-7770

Style of Dentistry – Comprehensive restorative practice with a focus on appropriate and proactive options
Style of Presenting – In depth as audience demands with humor – predictable, practical & profitables

Upcoming Schedule | Lecture Topics


Dr.’s Michael Melkers and Jeanine McDonald practice general dentistry in Spokane, Washington with an emphasis on comprehensive and restorative care.
Dr. McDoanld graduated from The University of the Pacific and Dr. Melkers from Marquette University, both in 1994. Together, they received their Fellowships in The Academy of General Dentistry in 2003. The husband and wife team balance their time between private practice, teaching research and publishing.

Dr. McDonald and Dr. Melkers have presented in the United States, Asia and Mexico on occlusion issues, full mouth rehabilitation, doctor~ceramist communication and direct composite sculpting, as well as providing hands on programs on occlusion, splint therapy, articulation and direct composite artistry.

They have published related articles in The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, Practical Procedures & Aesthtic Dentistry(PPAD), Compendium, Inside Dentistry, Dental Town Magazine and Collaborative Techniques. Dr. Melkers has presented their independent research on bonding and TMJ issues at the American Equilibration Society and the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry.

Dr. McDonald is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Eastern Washington University’s School of Dental Hygiene. Dr. Melkers is the founder of the Nuts & Bolts Occlusion programs and has been named the Director of Occlusion & Aesthetic Dentistry at the Pacific Northwest AEGD Residency Program. Dr. McDoanld & Dr. Melkers continues to work with several companies on product evaluation and development.

Upcoming Schedule

01/27/2008 Occlusion
02/15/2008 Occlusion
05/01/2008 Occlusion
05/06/2008 Composite
08/07/2008 TBA
11/12/2008 Composite


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Lecture Topics

Occlusion, Confusion…Diagnostic & Restorative Solutions

Why do some beautiful smiles last? Why do others fail so fast?? Is there anything that can be done? Will we be proactive or reactive in our approach? Is bite position important-why and when does it matter? What is all of the debate about “function vs parafunction”? Why are there so many different ‘bite splints’? Do I need an articulator? Which one and what difference does it make? Is it OK to not use one?

Occlusion, confusion…and so many choices and challenges. During this exciting and interactive program, Dr. Melkers will journey with you through the maze of occlusal philosophies, instrumentation choices, splint designs, parafunctional diagnosis and so much more. Together-we will explore the technical as well as the soft arts of interacting with patients to better understand their needs, desires and goals-and help them achieve them!

(This is a full day lecture program that can be modified~lengthened to include a hands on component)


Direct Composite Artistry - Predictable - Practical - Profitable
Direct composites in the anterior dentition can provide the most conservative and affordable restorations for our patients, while maintaining a high level of aesthetics. Many practitioners have been frustrated and overwhelmed by the techniques, composite systems, color and instrument choices available today. This has even led to some practitioners not offering larger class IV and direct composite veneer restorations in their practices.

In this program, we will explore and overcome some of the challenges that we face every day in our practices. Following actual case that has been treated with class III-IV restorations and direct composite veneers in the anterior dentition.

Participants will experience:

  • color mapping for results and simplicity
  • learn and utilize a lingual putty technique that takes the guess work out of anatomical
    build-ups and helps make incisal characterization more predictable
  • simplified instrumentation and techniques, from placement to finishing
  • the use of brushes for anterior composites mastery
  • polishing protocols
  • fee considerations in everyday practice

This program can also be expanded to include a hands on experience in polychromatic layering, sculpting and finishing restorations in the anterior dentition.



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