Annual Meeting

Source 2003

The Academy of Laser Dentistry is pleased to announce the success of its Tenth Annual Conference and Exhibition

Destin, Florida ~ March 5 - 8, 2003
Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort

The Academy of Laser Dentistry held its Tenth Annual Conference and Exhibition, March 5-8, 2003 at the Hilton Sandestin, in Destin, Florida, marking 10 years of lasers in dentistry.

Just over 375 conference registrants from 21 different countries attended this years conference. This international group of leading clinicians, academicians and researchers met to exchange ideas, learn about recent US FDA approved applications and to advance their knowledge of lasers in dentistry. Clinical application discussion was devoted to Laser Soft Tissue Surgical Applications on Thursday; on Friday Diagnosis, Restorative Dentistry, and Endodontics; and on Saturday Periodontal Surgery and Therapy. Participation courses on Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy; Soft Tissue Surgery and Lasers; Digital Camera Use for Soft Tissue Screening and Lab Communication; and Laser Certification Processes presented many opportunities – for experienced laser practitioners and those with new interest – to learn about and share in their evolving endeavors to deliver the finest dental care available to patients.

The conference was being held at the fabulous Hilton Sandestin, located in the Beaches of South Walton. With picture-perfect weather, powder white sand and crystal blue waters, Florida's beaches are world-renowned. Destin is a charming seaside resort town that offers an extensive variety of vacation options. A white ribbon of sand curls along the coastline, bordered by brilliant emerald seas. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate but conference attendees didn’t seem to mind as they were kept busy with a detailed educational program and social events throughout the week.

This year the Academy successfully introduced a daily 2-hour “How-To” Interactive Discussion Session. This new format stimulated the learning experience for new and experienced laser users by focusing on the open sharing of information. Attendees were able to raise questions and learn first-hand from experienced laser users.

New in 2003 was the Breakfast for Learning Series. A more intimate educational experience in which . discussions amongst peers were stimulating and rewarding for all who participated. This program covered two mornings and included a completely booked program. Each table was on different topics with discussions led by a previous speaker from the day prior. Even though the hour early the attendees came with enthusiasm and great discussions ensued.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to view vendor exhibits and attend the Exhibitors’ Showcase, Workshops and Seminar Series to learn about the latest technological advancements concerning dental lasers and clinical applications.

The Academy was proud to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Jeffrey Toobin, CNN analyst, staff writer at the New Yorker and best selling author whose presentation, “Power, politics and media: Insight to how the news is shaped and what we can (and can’t do) about it” was well received by conference delegates.

Two pre-conference days were set aside for the Academy’s Laser Certification program, which includes both Standard Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency. This year’s conference had sixty (60) Standard level participants and forty (40) Advanced participants. The Standard Proficiency course presented an ideal opportunity for laser newcomers to start the conference with a broad overview of laser dentistry and laser physics.

The Academy celebrated its 10th Anniversary at this year’s conference. Celebrating 10 years dedicated to improving the health and well being of patients through the proper use of laser technology. In addition to a packed educational program, the conference had many opportunities to celebrate this ALD milestone.

On Tuesday, March 3, ALD invited international attendees to a pre-conference Wine & Cheese event to celebrate their dedication and welcome them to the host city of Destin. International attendees from 21 different countries were in attendance. This social event was highly attended and gave even more opportunities to interact with peers worldwide.

The Academy is warmly welcomes our new ALD members! The Academy had 68 new members at the Destin Conference. On Friday, March 7, the Academy hosted a New Member Welcome cocktail party giving the new members opportunity to interact with their New Member Liason.

On Saturday, March 8, 2003, the Academy commenced the conference with the President’s Award Reception and Dinner Dance. The Academy wrapped a week of 10th Anniversary celebrations with a festive dinner dance, lively band and decorations galore. Dr Alan Goldstein, Dr Joel White and Gail Siminovsky lead the room with a rendition of Happy Birthday to ALD.

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is an international organization devoted to laser dentistry and includes clinicians, academicians and researchers in all laser wavelengths. The Academy is devoted to clinical education, research, and the development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of dental laser technology. ALD was founded in 1993, with the merging of the International Academy of Laser Dentistry, the North American Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Laser Dentistry.

The 11th Annual ALD Conference & Exhibition, March 3-6, 2004 will be at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Palms Springs, California. Over 500 conference delegates are expected adding to the already 100 who have pre-registered. Register today online or by phoning toll free 1-877-LASERS6 (1-877-527-3776).

The conference is open to all interested dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, business staff, dental researchers, educators and industry representatives. Continuing dental education credit is available for all eligible participants. The Academy of Laser Dentistry is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider and an AGD Accepted National Sponsor (FAGD/MAGD Credit). Information regarding next year’s conference is available by contacting the Academy toll free 1-877-LASERS6 (1-877-527-3776).

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