Learn how to harness laser technology in your dental practice

ADA workshop to take place Dec. 6-7 in Chicago

Dentists can explore incorporating lasers into their practices during an ADA live workshop on laser and light-based technologies in oral health care, taking place Dec. 6-7 at ADA headquarters in Chicago.

Harnessing Laser Technology for Dental Practices, recommended for both dentists and dental hygienists, will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of laser science, safety protocols and applications for soft and hard tissues.

Through this course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamental principles of laser science, such as light wavelengths, and their interactions with oral tissues, as well as the importance of laser and light energy in dental applications.

• Identify essential safety considerations and regulations for laser use in dental practice.

• Gain exposure in soft tissue applications of lasers, such as laser-assisted scaling and root planing, periodontal surgical procedures, frenectomies and soft tissue biopsies, to enhance patient outcomes in oral health care.

• Understand the value in using lasers for hard tissue procedures, including restorative preparations, osseous surgery, endodontic procedures and implant-related treatments — improving precision and efficacy in dental treatment.

The workshop is worth 10.75 continuing education credits. It includes a session from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6, followed by two half-day sessions from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7.

The first day will include lectures and instruction to familiarize participants with laser technology. They can then choose to do the hands-on portion of the workshop during either the morning or afternoon session the next day. Both sessions offer the same material and guided practice with various laser technologies.

Speakers include Scott Benjamin, D.D.S., an internationally recognized authority, lecturer and author on dental lasers and advanced dental technologies and chairperson of the ADA Standards Committee on Dental Products’ working group on dental lasers; Jan LeBeau, a dental hygienist and certified medical laser safety officer who has trained more than 1,000 hygienists in the use of soft tissue diode lasers; and Keith Brewster, D.D.S., a general, cosmetic, laser and implant dentist who has served the Dallas area for more than 30 years.

The course is $699 for member dentists, $499 for dental team members and $1,045 for nonmember dentists.

Visit CE.ADA.org to learn more and register. Registration will be unavailable from Sept. 3-9 as the ADA upgrades its systems.