Lasers for Hard and Soft Tissues: A Hands-On Workshop

Augusta, GA •Friday, November 20, 2015, 7:45 a.m. - Saturday, November 21, 2015, 12:15 p.m.

Has the excitement surrounding the introduction of lasers to dentistry been more smoke than substance? Since 1990, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of twelve different wavelengths for dental use. These different wavelengths create a world of difference in how the lasers operate, and their usefulness in the oral cavity. The use of lasers for specific procedures found in everyday general practice will be highlighted.

At the conclusion of the course, the participant will be familiar with the various wavelengths used in dentistry today, their effects on oral tissues, and their uses for specific oral diseases and pathologies found in everyday practice. They will be able to incorporate this knowledge into a basis for determining which laser wavelength is most appropriate for their practice, and be able to incorporate hard and soft tissue laser dentistry into their practices rapidly.

Location/Venue
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912


On Friday, November 20, 2015 the course will be held on the Georgia Regents University campus, Room TBA, and Saturday, November 21, 2015 the location will be held in the College of Dental Medicine Simulation Lab room GC-3070.

Program Agenda
Friday
  • 7:45 am Introduction and Overview to Course
  • 8:00 am Clinical indications for Laser Use
  • 10:00 am Break
  • 12:15 pm Lunch (on site)
  • 1:00 pm Laser Use (continues)
  • 2:45 pm Break
  • 5:00 pm Closing Day Remarks, Q & A
  • 5:15 pm Adjourn
Saturday
  • 8:00 am Hands-on Laser Workshop
  • 10:00 am Break
  • 12:00 pm Closing Day Remarks, Q & A
  • 12:15 pm Adjourn

Course Information
Friday
  • 7:45 am Introduction and Overview to Course Dr. Hammond
  • 8:00 am Clinical indications for Laser Use Dr. Convissar
    • Non-Surgical, Surgical and Regenerative Periodontal Therapy
    • Surgical and Restorative Implantology
    • Fixed and Removable Prosthetics
    • Oral Medicine/Oral Surgery/Oral Pathology
    • Pediatric Adolescent Operative Dentistry
    • Endodontics
    • Pedodontics/Orthodontics
    • Esthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Practice Management/Marketing
  • 10:00 am Break
  • 12:15 pm Lunch (on site)
  • 1:00 pm Laser Use (continues) Dr. Convissar
  • 5:00 Closing Day Remarks, Q&A
  • 5:15 pm Adjourn
Saturday
It is recommended to bring your magnification loupes for the workshop part of this course
  • 8:00 am Hands-on Laser Workshop Dr. Convissar
    • Each participant will experiment the various wavelengths, performing surgical procedures (gingivectomy, biopsy, frenectomy, crown lengthening, initial periodontal pocket therapy) on in-vitro models (pig mandibles). Real-time videos of routine laser procedures will be part of the in-depth discussion of specific instrument setting and techniques.
  • 10:00 am Break
  • 12:00 pm Closing Day Remarks, Q&A
  • 12:15 pm Adjourn
Lodging Information
Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in a lush, subtropical setting, Hilton Head Island offers a unique blend of unspoiled, natural beauty complemented by first-class amenities and activities. Visitors can enjoy miles of wide sandy beach, ideal for sailing, cycling, and strolling. Sports enthusiasts will find the perfect setting for outdoor activities including golf and tennis. The island has 21 championship golf courses and 200 tennis courts. Shopping also abounds with more than 100 outlet stores. Equally enticing, the historic cities of Beaufort and Savannah are just 45 minutes away.

Omni Hilton Head oceanfront Resort This oceanfront paradise is a perfect getaway. Lush, meandering gardens surrounded by peaceful lagoons are the ideal setting to relax and unwind. Three miles of white sandy beaches are at your doorstep.

Reservations can be made by individuals calling Central Reservations at 800-843-6664. Attendees must refer to GRU Clinical Advances Dental Program. Reservations must be received on or before the specified cut-off date and time.

Rooms have been reserved at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort for course registrants at a special rate of $225 per night, single or double occupancy. The block of rooms will be released April 24, 2015.
Speaker Information
Robert Convissar, DDS, BS
Obtained his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry in 1980. He is a pioneer in the field of laser dentistry and one of the first dentists to use lasers in general practice. He has over 24 years of experience with CO2, Diode, Erbium, and Nd.YAG wavelengths.

The author of over fifteen peer-reviewed papers on laser dentistry, he is honored to have served as contributing editor of four laser dentistry textbooks. His latest textbook “Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry” is the number one selling laser dentistry textbook in the world. An internationally acclaimed lecturer, Dr. Convissar has delivered over 300 Laser Dentistry Certification courses worldwide. Dr. Convissar practices restorative, cosmetic and laser dentistry in New York City and serves as Director of Laser Dentistry at New York Hospital Queens Medical Center.

Honors awarded to Dr. Convissar include Fellowships in the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, the International Academy of Dento-Facial Esthetics, and the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as Mastership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

Barry D. Hammond, DMD
Earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed a general practice residency in Chapel Hill, N.C. He maintained a private practice for 15 years, emphasizing restorative and esthetic dentistry. Dr. Hammond is an L.D. Pankey Institute alumnus and taught for several years with the Ross Nash Institute for Dental Learning in Charlotte, N.C. He joined the GRU faculty in 2006, is an Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, and serves as the Director of Dental Continuing Education for the College of Dental Medicine.

Credit Information

The College of Dental Medicine at Georgia Regents University is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education.
ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp.
The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership credit. The current term of acceptance extends from 01/01/14 – 12/31/17.
Cancellation Policy
Early registration is encouraged to ensure your enrollment as this is a limited attendance course. The registration fee, less a $75 administrative charge, is refundable if notification of cancellation is received by October 20, 2015. There will be no refunds for cancellations after October 20th.

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, participants should be able to:
  • Differentiate when to use one shade, two shades or multiple shades
  • Introduce the “4 stumps” layering technique developed by Dr. Romero for immediate great results
  • Create natural line angles on all your anterior composite restorations
  • Re-create natural texture on your restorations
  • Work on your own case in a “state of the art” simulation lab
Target Audiences
Dentists

Commercial Support
Miscellaneous Information
Special Needs The Georgia Regents University Division of Professional and Community Education complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special services, facilities or dietary considerations (vegetarian or otherwise) to support your participation in this continuing education program, contact the conference coordinator at 800-221-6437 or 706-721-3967.

Comfort Zone Although every effort will be made to have a comfortable temperature in the meeting room, we realize that everyone’s comfort zone is different. Please bring a jacket or light wrap in case the room is too cool for your comfort.