American Laser Study Club Announces 2026 Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery Recipients: Ann Bynum, DDS, and Boaz Man, DVM
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Jan. 5, 2026) – The American Laser Study Club (ALSC) today announced the 2026 recipients of the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery, recognizing two clinicians whose work has advanced laser surgery education, clinical adoption, and innovation across human and veterinary medicine.
The 2026 Award Winners Are:
- Ann Bynum, DDS – In recognition of her outstanding contributions to pediatric dental laser surgery education.
- Boaz Man, DVM – In recognition of his outstanding contributions to BOAS laser surgery education.
The award ceremonies will take place during the American Laser Study Club’s Annual Symposia in Las Vegas, featuring two events in 2026: the Breathe and Thrive Symposium (February 6-8, 2026) and the Veterinary Laser Surgery Symposium (May 15-16, 2026). For further details, visit americanlaserstudyclub.org/symposium.
About the Award Winners
Ann Bynum, DDS
Dr. Ann Bynum is a board-certified pediatric dentist, mom of three grown boys, and founder of The TOT Spot of South Carolina and Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry. She’s been caring for children in Simpsonville, SC, since 1997 and is a national speaker known for blending real-world experience with practical education on CO2 laser dentistry and tongue-tie treatment, as well as teamwork, marketing, and all things practice management. Dr. Bynum loves helping dentists and teams bring these skills into their practices while staying sane and making it FUN.
Boaz Man, DVM
Dr. Boaz Man, a South Florida native, pursued veterinary medicine from an early age, working in veterinary hospitals throughout his teenage years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Miami in 1999, with minors in chemistry and Judaic studies.
Dr. Man received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2004 and completed clinical training at Oklahoma State University. He completed an internship at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists alongside board-certified internists, surgeons, and critical care veterinarians. Over the past two decades, Dr. Man has served clients and patients at several prominent animal hospitals in South Florida. In 2013, he became the owner and medical director of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital (AAHA-accredited) and is Fear-Free certified.
Dr. Man is a member of the editorial advisory board for DVM 360 and contributes educational content through publications and social media. He also serves as a practice management advisor for Fear-Free and has been invited to lecture on topics including digital cytology and high-power laser surgery. He lives in Boca Raton with his wife, Jade, their three children, and their rescued dogs.
About the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery
Established in 2018 by the American Laser Study Club, the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery honors individuals who have substantially contributed to laser surgery through research, education, or clinical practice. The prize, named for Dr. Kumar Patel, inventor of the CO2 laser, is presented annually at the ALSC Annual Symposia. Learn more about the Kumar Patel Prize at americanlaserstudyclub.org/annual-award.
About the American Laser Study Club
Founded in 2017, the American Laser Study Club is dedicated to education and training in the application of lasers in dentistry and surgery, and to promoting evidence-based laser surgery and safety education.