Perfection in Laser Dentistry

LightWalker lasers are designed for dental perfectionists and all forward-thinking professionals who wish to upgrade their daily dental experience with new treatment possibilities that only the latest laser technology can offer. Following it's launch, Fotona's LightWalker dental laser system quickly earned widespread industry acclaim and highly respected technology and innovation awards. LightWalker's patented QSP (quantum square pulse) mode represents an important technological advancement, improving the laser's interaction with dental tissues for optimized patient comfort, speed and clinical results.

High Performance Dentistry, Without Compromise

LightWalker's state-of-the-art design, engineering and patented technologies have made it the world's fastest-cutting Erbium laser, outperforming even rotary burs in terms of speed and precision, while simultaneously offering a wide range of highly effective hard- and soft-tissue treatments. LightWalker's easy-to-select operating modes and advanced laser-beam delivery systems enhance the precision and performance of each laser treatment for optimal clinical efficacy.

Learning Objectives

  • Laser Operative- Learn the fundamental skills to perform restorative, surgical, and osseous procedures with the laser.

  • Laser Periodontics- Providing the basic skill set necessary for the execution of laser periodontic treatments.

  • Laser Endodontics- Providing in-depth education and instruction for the execution of the SWEEPS® protocol.

What to expect...

There are 2 phases in this Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I: Fundamentals Across Specialties training course

  • Phase 1: Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I (Online) Training. 3 CE credits

  • Phase 2: Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I (In-Person) Training. 20 CE credits

  • Phase 3: Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I (Post In-Person) Training: After completing the post-course survey, you will receive a total of 23 CE credits

Course Agenda

Thursday, April 16th:

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast & Check-in

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM

Welcome & Introductions: Dr. Egan and Dr. Pohlhaus 

8:10 AM –10:00 AM

Lecture: Laser Science Review

10:00 AM –10:10 AM

Break 

10:10 AM – 12:00 PM

Presentation: Laser Restorative Dentistry

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch 

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Lecture: Restorative Dentistry, cont.

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

 Hands On: LightWalker Basics and Restorative Dentistry
Friday, April 17th:      

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM      

Breakfast 

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Lecture: Laser in Periodontics/TwinLight Periodontal Protocol

12:00 PM – 12:40 PM 

Lunch 

12:40 PM – 2:30 PM  

Lecture: Laser Surgical Applications, Part I: Science Review, Gingivectomy, and Troughing

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Hands On: Gingivectomy and Troughing

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Lecture: Laser Soft Tissue Applications, Part II: Frenectomy and Biopsy

Hands On: Frenectomy and Biopsy


Saturday, April 18th:      

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM      

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Lecture: Laser Osseous Procedures- Crown Lengthening, Extractions, Photobiomodulation/Oral Medicine

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Hands On
11:00 AM
 Lunch

Instructors

DDS

Dr. Steven Pohlhaus

Dr. Steve Pohlhaus is a native Baltimorean and has been practicing in Linthicum, MD since 1992. He developed an interest in minimally invasive dentistry early in his career and began using dental lasers in 2004. He has devoted his career to introducing his patients and colleagues to the benefits of lasers. Dr. Pohlhaus has lectured on the topic of dental lasers since 2005 and is a trainer for Fotona USA's "Phast Start" laser course for new owners of the Lightwalker Laser. He was also on the faculty at the University of Maryland Dental School in the Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences for twenty years. Dr Pohlhaus received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Maryland. He completed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC.

DDS

Dr. Mike Egan

Dr. Michael Egan is passionate about laser dentistry and has personally trained hundreds of dentists in North America in the effective and safe use of both Erbium (hard tissue, tooth) and NDYAG (soft tissue, gum) lasers. Dr. Egan graduated from the University of Connecticut with degrees in biology and chemistry. His dental degree is from Georgetown School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Society, the Connecticut State Dental Association, the Hartford Dental Society, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the Pierre Fuchard Academy, the Seattle Study Club, and the Horace Wells Society.

DDS

Dr. Alan Dalessandro

Dr. Alan Dalessandro received his DDS from Loyola University in Chicago in 1979; completed his residency at Rush Presbyterian in General Practice, Plastic Surgery, and General Anesthesia; and periodontal fellowship at the University of Illinois. For over 35 years, he has practiced periodontics in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and began placing dental implants in the early 1980s. Dr. Dalessandro, one of the early adopters of CBCT, uses this technology in conjunction with intraoral scanning to create and print 3D guides for most implant cases. He has also extensively studied lasers and their use in periodontics and in treating peri-implantitis. His teaching experience goes back to the 1990s on a wide range of topics including leadership, practice management, 3D scanning, and guided surgery. His goal is to pass along knowledge and information to his colleagues to help them become educated on current trends in dentistry. He teaches international groups of periodontists and dentists on a regular basis regarding his areas of expertise, including the physics of laser technology, laser surgical procedures, and the current research and treatment of peri-implantitis.

FAQ

  • What is included in this course?

    3 hours of online instruction as well as the 3 day in-person training is included with the purchase of this course. This online pre-course is an introduction to laser training, and includes knowledge checks. We combine the pre-coursework with our in-person Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I: Fundamentals Across Specialties LightWalker training to give you the most well-rounded approach to learning about your new laser. CE hours will be issued after the completion of both the online and in-person training.

  • Will I receive any CE credits for this course?

    Yes! You will receive a total of 23 CE credits. 3 credits for the online pre-coursework and 20 credits for the in-person training. After completing a post-course survey, these credits will be issued to you.

  • What are the Dental Laser Applications you can do with your LightWalker ATS?

    From conservative dentistry and endodontics to periodontics and soft-tissue surgery, LightWalker lasers offer the most comprehensive list of clinical applications of any dental laser made today. * Restorative Dentistry * Periodontics * Gingivectomy * Troughing * Frenectomy * Crown Lengthening * Extraction * Biopsy * SWEEPS Endodontics * Photobiomodulation*

  • Can I communicate with the instructors while taking the online course?

    Yes, you can email instructors and participate in group discussions. There will also be an online community to asked questions and engage with fellow LightWalker users.

Course Curriculum Overview

  1. 1

    • Meal Preference

    • Fotona Video

    • Welcome to the Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I: Fundamentals Across Specialties

    • Hotel & Travel Information

    • Required Course Materials

    • Agenda- Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I
  2. 2

    • A Brief History of Lasers

    • A Brief History of Lasers_Knowledge Check

    • Laser Fundamentals

    • Wavelength and Electromagnetic Spectrum

    • Laser Light versus Ordinary Light

    • How Lasers Work

    • Modes of Laser Operation

    • Laser Construction

    • Laser Delivery

    • Laser Fundamentals Terminology

    • Laser Fundamentals Knowledge Check
  3. 3

    • Wavelength and Energy

    • Power Density and Spot Size

    • Fluence

    • Pulse Frequency

    • Pulse Duration

    • Laser Treatment Parameters Terminology

    • Fundamental Laser Parameters Knowledge Check

    • Laser Beam Parameters Knowledge Check
  4. 4

    • Interaction of Laser Light with Tissue

    • Tissue Interactions Knowledge Check

    • Laser Biological Tissue Effects

    • Biological Effects Knowledge Check
  5. 5

    • Basics of Laser Safety

    • Laser Safety Standards Knowledge Check

    • Basics of Laser Safety II

    • Laser Hazards Knowledge Check

    • Basics of Laser Safety III

    • Laser Safety Basics Knowledge Check
  6. 6

    • LightWalker® Basics
  7. 7

    • Advancing Endodontics: Introduction to SSP and SWEEPS® Laser Technologies

    • Understanding SSP

    • Understanding SWEEPS® Technology

    • Why SWEEPS®?

    • Performing SWEEPS® Endodontic Treatment

    • Applications for Diverse Procedures and Healing

    • SWEEPS Knowledge Check

    • Next Steps
  8. 8

    • Catalyzing Precision: An Introduction to Laser Periodontics

    • Periodontal Disease and the Evolution of Procedures

    • Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Step 1 Video: Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Step 2 Video: Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Step 3 Video: Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Step 4 Video: Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Step 5 Video: Performing TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment

    • Peri-Implantitis Disease and Treatment

    • Periodontics Knowledge Check
  9. 9

    • Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I: Next Steps

    • Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I: Survey (Online Courses)
  10. 10

    • Meet Your Instructors
  11. 11

    • Laser Dentistry Workshop Level I In Person Survey: Please complete AFTER in-person training

    • Post SWEEPS® Online Training Course Survey