ALD 2026 HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

More to be announced

Multi-Wavelength approach to comprehensive patient care: YSGG 2780nm+940nm diode working together for your clinical advantage

Marina Polonsky, DDS

There are over 50 wavelengths available for dentists to purchase. From visible to far infrared lasers, they are built differently, have different delivery systems, different modes of operation and different chromophores they are looking for as they interact with living tissues, which also have different composition. The choice of which laser best suits your practice, your patients and how you want to differentiate and market yourself is not an easy one. Because no one wavelength can do everything, it is important to understand limitations of each and how combining lasers and create confidence in the best possible outcome for the clinician and minimal complications and fastest recovery for the patient. Erbium lasers are known for fast cutting of both soft and hard tissues including bone, dentin and enamel with minimal thermal effects but often lack in deep and predictable coagulation and disinfection. Diode lasers are not indicated for contact with hard tissues due to deep thermal side-effects, but that is what makes them superior in coagulation and disinfection. By knowing the strength and weaknesses of all laser wavelengths and how lasers are different from conventional instruments like scalpels, electro-surgery and drills, we can develop multi-wavelength treatment protocols easy to implement into everyday practice. So bring your typical daily schedule and we will help you to turn your conventional day into a laser-assisted next level of patient care day using Er,Cr:YSGG 2780nm erbium family laser and Epic 940nm diode family laser.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the strengths of Er,Cr:YSGG wavelength as an all tissue laser superior for soft and hard tissue applications
  • Learn the strengths of 940nm diode as an adjunct to YSGG soft and hard tissue surgery, Photo-Bio-Modulation, Coagulation and Disinfection
  • Run through a number of clinical scenarios by creating an average day in your practice and then filling in the gaps where conventional instumentation is lacking

Includes YSGG ALD Certification

Photobiomodulation In Dentistry Hands-On Workshop

Grace Sun, DDS & Arun Darbar, DDS, MS

This workshop explores the transformative potential of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in dentistry and orofacial pain management. PBM is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment that enhances patient experiences by promoting healing, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain. It can be applied across various dental specialties, including root canals, extractions, periodontal treatments, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. Additionally, PBM plays a significant role in managing orofacial pain conditions such as TMJ dysfunction, trigeminal neuralgia, xerostomia, and headaches. The integration of acupuncture principles with PBM adds an exciting dimension to treatment outcomes. This hands-on workshop will cover practical PBM techniques, protocols, and real-world applications. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and gain valuable insights to bring back to their practices for immediate implementation. Whether you're a general dentist or a specialist, this workshop will enhance your ability to offer cutting-edge, integrative care to your patients. Example applications: TMJ management, surgical pre-conditioning, post-op recovery and wound healing, tissue regeneration, gagging prevention, reducing chairside anxiety, reducing skeletomuscular discomfort (analgesics), sensory integration, role of mitochondria, cranial nerves to PBM etc.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how PBM enhances healing, reduces swelling, and provides pain relief in dental treatments.
  • Gain insight into how PBM effectively manages orofacial pain conditions
  • Discover how combining PBM with acupuncture techniques can enhance treatment outcomes and offer an additional dimension of therapeutic benefits.
  • Learn essential PBM protocols for non-invasive pain management and healing.

Diode Laser Workshop: From Fundamentals to Immediate Clinical Implementation

Ali Obeidi, DDS, MSc, MS, FALD

This comprehensive, clinically driven workshop is designed to provide general dentists with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience necessary to integrate diode laser technology into daily practice immediately following the course. As demand for minimally invasive, efficient soft-tissue procedures continues to grow, diode lasers have become an essential tool in modern dentistry. However, many clinicians remain uncertain about proper technique, settings, and clinical application. This program is specifically structured to bridge that gap. The workshop begins with a focused one-hour lecture reviewing the foundational principles of diode laser dentistry, including laser physics, tissue interaction, and safety protocols. Emphasis will be placed on practical understanding rather than theory alone, enabling participants to make predictable and biologically sound clinical decisions. The lecture will also introduce multiple diode laser wavelengths and highlight their clinical versatility, preparing participants to work with different systems and technologies. Following the didactic portion, participants will engage in an intensive 2 to 2.5-hour hands-on session featuring live demonstrations and guided mentorship. Attendees will practice on animal tissue models, simulating real clinical scenarios to develop tactile familiarity and procedural confidence. Multiple diode laser units and wavelengths will be available, allowing participants to gain experience with different devices and settings while understanding their clinical indications. Key diode laser applications covered in this workshop include: •Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty and soft-tissue crown lengthening •Frenectomy (labial and lingual) •Operculectomy •Soft tissue troughing for impressions and digital scanning •Laser-assisted periodontal therapy and sulcular decontamination •Treatment of aphthous ulcers and herpetic lesions •Implant uncovering (second-stage surgery) Special attention will be given to technique sensitivity, proper laser settings, fiber initiation and management, and avoiding common clinical errors. Step-by-step protocols will be demonstrated to ensure predictable, efficient, and safe outcomes. This workshop is ideal for general dentists considering the purchase of a diode laser, as well as those seeking to maximize the value of existing equipment. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear, practical roadmap for incorporating diode laser procedures into everyday clinical practice, allowing them to confidently begin using this technology immediately after the conference.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles of diode laser dentistry, including laser-tissue interaction, safety protocols, and selection of appropriate clinical settings for predictable outcomes.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in essential diode laser procedures through hands-on practice, including soft tissue management techniques such as gingivectomy, frenectomy, and laser-assisted periodontal therapy.
  • Integrate diode laser applications into daily clinical practice by developing step-by-step treatment protocols that enable immediate, safe, and effective use following the workshop.
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Exhibitor Information

The ALD offers dental suppliers great opportunities to sponsor or exhibit at a number of events that include single day Laser Certification courses and the Annual Session. These events have both Dentists and Hygienists who are looking for more information and training using a multitude of dental lasers and wavelengths. Click the button below for more information or call us at 813-444-1011.

More Information