Dental lasers – ‘the possibilities are endless, but training is critical’

Dr Robert Convissar, a world authority on dental laser technology, shares his expert insights on dental lasers.

Laser technology has revolutionised dental procedures, providing precise, minimally invasive options that improve outcomes. Its versatility appeals across almost all specialties, making it a vital component in contemporary dentistry.

Lasers often reduce discomfort and accelerate healing, enhancing the overall patient experience. As such, they are increasingly integral to many clinicians’ everyday care delivery. Yet a cohort of practitioners has yet to invest in what is unquestionably a transformative technology.

The benefits of dental lasers

Dr Robert (Bob) Convissar is a pioneer in laser technology and a leading expert in dental laser applications. Author of the highly acclaimed Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry, he has witnessed firsthand how practice revenues can be boosted through both surgical and non-surgical laser therapy. But more importantly, he understands how they help clinicians deliver superior patient care.

‘You adopt new technology for only one reason,’ he says. ‘To deliver superior patient care. If you can deliver this, then new patients will come – and the financial success follows.’

Bob believes many clinicians hesitate to invest in lasers because they demand additional learning, and there are often few courses available to help them acquire the necessary skills.

‘The challenge with adopting new technology is that there is always a learning curve, and some dental laser companies have ignored this at their peril. Look around every dental clinic, almost every new technology comes with education, except for lasers. Without training, the dentist will fail miserably. That’s why I am presenting two courses in June: to train everyone, no matter what wavelength they own, or if they want to take the jump and invest in this remarkable technology.’

Laser therapy as a unique selling point

Once the skills barriers are overcome, laser dentistry can serve as a unique selling point.

Bob is unequivocal about this. ‘Fundamentally, training is critical to achieving the maximum ROI. There are so many things a dentist can do with a laser that cannot be done conventionally – from analgesia-free and sutureless surgical procedures to bloodless, faster procedures with quicker healing thanks to the laser’s ability to kill bacteria at the surgical site.

‘And advanced laser practitioners can perform remarkable feats, such as potentially helping people get off their CPAP machines if they snore or have sleep apnoea, and growing new bone in periodontally compromised patients. All these procedures are backed up by voluminous peer-reviewed studies, which will be highlighted during the training course. The possibilities are endless, but training is critical.’

The role of each type of dental laser

Bob has been practising dentistry for more than 46 years, including 37 years of laser-assisted dentistry. With an impressive 15 or more lasers in his clinic, including ND: YAGs, erbiums, diodes, CO2s, and PBMs, what does this experience teach him about the role of each one in delivering optimal dental care?

‘Each laser has a specific role, with some far more versatile than others. Some dentists see a laser costing £5,000 and believe it can perform the same procedures as a £50,000 laser, but the reality is quite different.’

His UK courses take place on 18, 19 and 20 June, during which he will draw on his wealth of experience to discuss laser treatment across numerous categories, each covered in detail.

’The two-day (18 and 19 June) course is the only course in the world that allows the participant to sit for certification by the American Board of Laser Surgery, the world’s most authoritative certification board for physicians and dentists who use lasers in practice,’ he says.

What is covered on the course?

Among the topics covered is oral cancer diagnosis, and Bob will also discuss the benefits of using Goccles in the early assessment of the oral cavity. The glasses have an optical filter that, when used with a curing light, enables a simple, non-invasive, and painless examination of the mouth – ‘Early detection saves lives,’ Bob notes. ‘And Goccles enables the dentist to see lesions before they may be noticed with the naked eye.’

For the second masterclass (20 June), Bob will focus on the treatment of infant, adolescent, and adult tongue-tie, and on airway dentistry, and will feature his tongue-tie protocol, the PEEL technique.

Both courses will no doubt attract dentists eager to expand their expertise in laser procedures. And, as the owner and user of all wavelengths, Bob promises delegates an extensive, comparative learning experience.

Book now!

The hands-on courses are being held at the Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead, just off junction 8 of the M1.

This article is sponsored by Dental Sky.