Frenectomies & Beyond: A Modern Approach to Laser Education that Challenges Traditional Methods Addressing Ankyloglossia and Tethered Oral Tissues

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Tuition

Doctors: $675
Staff / IBCLC / OMT / SLP: $375
Residents: $475
ALSC Members: $50 off
Early Bird Discount: $75 off (If registered by June 30th)

2 Days Hands-On Course 15 CE Hours

Where

1009 Scenic Pkwy, Suite J
Chesapeake, VA 23323

When

Friday & Saturday
August 24 – 25, 2018
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Introduction

Enhance your understanding of the issues of pediatric laser dentistry (including tongue- and lip-ties).

Clinical Curriculum

• Demonstrate a wide range of didactic and clinical tools for the use of Lasers in Dentistry
• Present basic knowledge and education about Dental Lasers adhering to established standards of education
• Instruct Dentists, Lactation Consultants, Speech and Language, and other Allied Health care providers to understand the efficient and safe application of laser energy in everyday practice
• Provide sound scientific basis and proven efficacy of use of lasers in Dentistry in order to ensure public safety
• Explore current methods of identification of TOTS for diagnosis, treatment , and management
• Demonstrate two different practice models to integrate TOTS therapy into various practice settings

Laser Curriculum

Laser Surgery and Safety Basic Knowledge Certification Curriculum for this Course has been developed by the American Laser Study Club (ALSC). The ALSC’s curriculum overcomes the known limitations of many laser dentistry courses, and includes the detailed physics of soft tissue ablation and coagulation with laser and hot tip (non-laser) devices. ALSC will provide lecture notes handouts, ALSC online laser-tissue interaction knowledge exam, an option for online laser safety training and examination through the Laser Institute of America. Laser hands-on wetlab on tissue samples will include different laser wavelengths and will include laser safety instructions and demonstrations.

Laser instructions will be assisted by guest speaker Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys, DABLS, a laser physicist who founded the American Laser Study Club and LightScalpel LLC. Dr. Vitruk has authored 10 patents and over 20 articles on CO₂ lasers, and is a Member of The Institute of Physics, UK.

Learning Objectives: Day 1

This course is intended to provide attendees with the basics of laser science, tissue interaction and safety as well as to show you different clinical procedures utilizing different types of lasers.

This course satisfies the prerequisites required for completion of the American Laser Study Club Laser Certification recognizing the successful passage of the Written Examination and course attendance earning 14 Continuing Education hours in Laser Dentistry, Laser Surgery & Laser Safety Studies.

Course Topics:

• An introduction to laser physics
• Laser-tissue interaction
• The variety of lasers in dentistry
• A variety of clinical cases, soft tissue and hard tissue applications
• Laser regulation, laser safety, advantages and comparisons of the use of lasers

Overall Expected Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Introduction to Lasers Online Course, expected learner outcomes include a broad overview of the research and clinical aspects of the safe and effective uses of lasers in dentistry.

Learning Objectives: Day 2

1. Be able to identify Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS) visually, functionally, and by physical assessment & exam
2. Apply evidence-based diagnostic criteria to classify TOTS
   • Hazelbaker
   • Kotlow classification system
   • Dolbroch
3. Correlate feeding dysfunction, mother’s symptoms and anatomical restrictions
4. Understand how TOTS impact patients of all ages as it relates to: infant nursing/nutrition, facial development, Orofacial myofunctional disorders, swallowing, speech and airway
5. Make a diagnosis, treatment recommendations and referrals as needed
6. Understand the differences between scissor frenotomy and various laser used in frenectomy surgery
7. Be able to identify the benefits and consequences of TOTS releases
8. Understand the surgical technique used to perform laser frenectomies
9. Understand the role of Active Wound Care and Myofunctional therapy
10. Be able to identify physical and facial characteristics of Oral breathers and relate negative consequences of obligate mouth breathers
11. Understand the impact of oral breathing on craniofacial development, feeding, swallowing and speech development
12. Be able to define an Orofacial Myology Disorder
13. Be able to define Myofunctional therapy to address noxious oral habits
14. Understand the role of proper nasal airway breathing

Agenda

Day One

1 hour Clinical introduction
3 hours Laser didactic material
LUNCH
1 hour Laser safety & hands-on laser technique practice on tissue samples
2.5 hours Clinical didactic material
0.5 hours Panel Discussion, Q&As

Day Two

4 hours Clinical didactic material
LUNCH
1 hour Hands on laser laboratory experience
1.5 hours Clinical didactic material
0.5 hours Panel Discussion Q&As

About the ALSC

American Laser Study Club (ALSC) was founded by Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys, DABLS to promote science-based laser dentistry, surgery and safety education. The ALSC is proud of its curriculum and its distinguished membership, including our honorary members Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD and Rella P. Christensen, RDH, PhD, world renowned leaders in dental product research and education, who welcomed ALSC’s mission: “Peter, we congratulate you on starting a laser study club. It is greatly needed, and you are the man to do it.” Other Honorary Members of the ALSC are Charles M. Cobb, DDS, MS, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City; and C. Kumar N. Patel, PhD, MS, the Inventor of the CO₂ Laser; Recipient of National Medal of Science (1996); Member of US National Inventors Hall of Fame 2012; Professor Emeritus, UCLA.

Meet the Instructor

Karen Wuertz, DDS, PA, DABLS

Dr. Karen Wuertz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, a Diplomate of the American Board of Laser Surgery and a Fellow in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Wuertz is passionate about treating and coordinating care for patients as it relates to oral restrictions, oral function, and airway management during Sleep. She is an Assistant Adjunct Professor, UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill. Dr. Wuertz maintains active dental licensures in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas.