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Introduction

Soft tissue lasers offer numerous benefits over conventional surgical methods, such as scalpels and electrocautery, including enhanced precision, reduced bleeding, and improved patient comfort. However, achieving consistent, successful outcomes requires an understanding of the unique properties of laser energy and its interaction with tissue. This course will delve into the essential principles of laser physics, emphasizing the “Big 3” parameters—power, time, and spot size—to maximize surgical efficiency while minimizing lateral thermal damage. Attendees will gain insights into advanced laser techniques, allowing them to refine their clinical skills and deliver predictable, high-quality results in their dental practice.

Instructor

Robert A. Strauss, DDS, MD, FACS

Click here to read Dr. Strauss’s biography here.

Tuition (USD)

SMDS Members: $485; Residents (Starting Nov 1): $235; Non-SMDS Members: $590

Registration

Call (301) 345-4196
Email Valerie@smdsdentists.org

Course Curriculum

• Understanding laser-tissue interaction and the physics of light energy.
• Mastering the “Big 3” parameters: managing power, exposure time, and spot size.
• Techniques to minimize lateral thermal damage and optimize patient outcomes.

Hands-On Participation Session

• Laser Safety
• Laser Surgical Technique Simulations
• Superficial Ablation
• Superficial Coagulation
• Shallow Incisions
• Deep Incisions
• Practicing Laser Frenectomies, Biopsies, and Other Surgical Techniques on a Pig Jaw

Course Certificates

Course participants, who successfully complete the examination, will be awarded a LASER SAFETY basic knowledge CERTIFICATE from the Board of Laser Safety of the Laser Institute of America (DISCOUNTED cost for the ALSC members), as well as a Laser Dentistry and Laser Surgery Basic Knowledge and Hands-On participation Wetlab CERTIFICATE from the American Laser Study Club (FREE for the course participants).

About the ALSC

American Laser Study Club was founded 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 the 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. The ALSC is proud to have helped many dentists and surgeons.

The Southern Maryland Dental Society handles registration for this course.