SALEH ARIA,
MS, MSc, DDS
London, United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Aria qualified in Stockholm, Sweden, and has been practicing in the United Kingdom since 1999. He has been the principal dentist at The Harrow Dental Practice since 2001. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Implantology and an MSc in Laser Dentistry from AALZ Aachen Dental Laser Center in Germany. Dr Aria received a World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) mastership in 2021. He is a member of the Association of Dental Implantologists (ADI), the International Team for Implantology (ITI), the British Dental Association (BDA), the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), WCLI, and the International Society for Laser Dentistry (ISLD). Straumann has awarded Dr. Aria gold member status for his dental implant achievements, and he is a keynote speaker for Neoss Dental Implants. Since receiving his MSc in Laser Dentistry, Dr Aria has performed numerous procedures using lasers including laser-assisted oral surgery, laser-assisted implant placement, and periodontal/peri-implantitis treatment, especially for medically compromised patients. He is passionate about the benefits of using dental lasers and is eager to educate and share these benefits with his peers.

Disclosure: Dr. Saleh has reported no conflict of interest.

Contact Dr. Aria by email at: [email protected].

LYNN ATKINSON,
RDH

Torrance, California, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Lynn Atkinson has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 35 years. She graduated from Cypress College, California, with a degree in Dental Hygiene and has been fortunate enough to be a part of several dental teams that have incorporated state-of-the-art technology. Since obtaining the Associate Fellowship Certification through the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) in 1996, Lynn went on to achieve the Standard Proficiency Certification through the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) in 2013 and the Advanced Proficiency Certification Parts I and II in 2019. She lectures and provides clinical, hands-on training to dental professionals on successfully incorporating lasers and other adjunctive therapies into their protocols. For the past several years, Lynn has been a speaker at numerous conferences across the nation, speaking on a variety of topics. In addition to her hands-on courses, she has authored several published articles and has been a guest speaker on industry audio media platforms, enjoyed nationwide. She is an active member and participant of multiple dental associations and organizations. Lynn is a key opinion leader for several dental manufacturers and companies as well as a speaker and Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) trainer for US EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Laser Dentistry as Auxiliary Committee Chair, a member of the ALD Speakers Bureau, and Education, Conference, and Testing Committees. Lynn is an Academy of Laser Dentistry standard level course provider and the honored recipient of the ALD 2022 Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence.

Disclosure: Lynn Atkinson lectures and conducts hands-on courses for Biolase and Ultradent and has relationships with EMS, Florida Probe, and Innovative Optics.

Contact Lynn by e-mail at: [email protected].

JULIANA BARROS,
DDS, MS

Houston, TX

BIOGRAPHY

Coming Soon

Disclosure: Coming Soon

Contact  Dr. Barros by e-mail at: [email protected]

LAURA BRASWELL,
DDS

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Braswell is a periodontist in private practice with Buckhead Dental Specialists in Atlanta, Georgia. She was on faculty at the Emory University School of Dentistry where she assisted with cancer patients before, during, and after treatment. She currently teaches in the periodontal residency program at The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. She is the staff dentist for Zoo Atlanta, The Georgia Aquarium, and several non-human primate facilities. Dr. Braswell is an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. As an ALD Charter Member, board member, and a Master in the Academy of Laser Dentistry, she truly has a passion for the use of lasers in patient care.

Disclosure: Dr. Laura Braswell has reported no conflict of interest.

Contact Dr. Braswell by e-mail at: [email protected].

 NICK CLAUSEN,
MBA

West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Clausen is the founder and owner of Dental Laser Coaching and the acting director of Laser Mastery, a Division of Fortune Management. Over the last five years, he has conducted more than 250 in-office all-tissue laser coaching sessions, educating dentists on how to optimize their laser clinically by adjusting technique, using live over-the-shoulder case consulting, and incorporating team training on laser communication and process tools to utilize the laser as a catalyst for production increases. Nick is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and has achieved his Standard and Advanced Proficiency in Laser Dentistry and is the moderator for ALD’s “Business of Dentistry” online series. His previous dental experience includes serving as vice president of sales and marketing for PIPStek (currently owned by Sonendo), and for Implant Logistics, and helping to create The Dominican Training Institute, a hands-on surgical implant training course. He was also the director of sales and marketing for HOYA ConBio’s Dental Division. Nick has his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Iowa State University and earned an MBA from Creighton University. Nick has certifications in both Project Management and eCommerce from Georgia Tech University and completed The Program on Negotiation from Harvard Law School.

Disclosure: Mr. Clausen has reported no conflict of interest.

Contact Mr. Clausen by e-mail at: [email protected].

 ARUN DARBAR,
BDS, DGDP(UK)

Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHY

 Dr. Darbar is a multi-award-winning laser and aesthetic dentist. At the forefront of laser dentistry, he has been dedicated to providing cutting-edge dentistry to his patients for more than 35 years. He is an Accredited Member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), and is an examiner and the past credentialing committee chair. Dr. Darbar continuously runs courses and trains dentists worldwide. He is also an invited speaker and published author on lasers in dentistry worldwide. He has been instrumental in pioneering the use of photobiomodulation therapy using high-power surgical lasers with diffusers. He continues to be involved in research and development, design and beta-testing of numerous laser units. As a past president of ALD, Dr. Darbar holds Masters, Certified Educator, and Certification Course Trainer status, has served on the ALD Board of Directors, chaired the International Relations Committee, co-chaired the Education and Certification Committees, has been a member of the Science and Research Committee, and is also an examiner. He served as Chair of the ALD 2018 General and Scientific Sessions and co-chaired the 2018 iLED (Implants, Lasers, Esthetics and Digital technology in dentistry) conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was the conference chair for the ALD 2021 conference. He is a faculty for ALD international fellowship programs. Dr. Darbar is the 2017 recipient of ALD’s prestigious John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award. He is a 2020 founding member of the International Academy of Innovative Dentistry (IAID). Over the last decade he has been advocating the concept of tissue preconditioning with low-level laser therapy. Numerous papers have been published to accept the validity of the concept. His data has been presented and published as proceedings of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Mechanisms for Low-Light Therapy conferences in 2006, 2007, and 2011 in San Jose and San Francisco, Calif., USA, and the World Association for PhotobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) 2008 in Sun City, South Africa, and 2012 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Disclosure: Dr. Arun Darbar lectures for other educational organizations and receives a modest honorarium and expenses for these activities. The organizers usually provide equipment for the workshops. He may receive discounts on devices and supplies. He conducts trials of new devices and provides unbiased feedback. Dr. Darbar is in private practice in Leighton Buzzard, UK, and has no other commercial relationships with any specific company or manufacturer. He is not being sponsored or being renumerated for this presentation.

Contact Dr. Darbar by e-mail at: [email protected].

 JANINA GOLOB DEEB,
DMD, MS

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA

BIOGRAPHY

 Dr. Golob Deeb earned a Doctor in Dental Medicine degree from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1996. She graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University with a certificate in Periodontology in 2000 and a Master in Science degree in Oral and Molecular Biology in 2001. Dr. Golob Deeb is a board-certified periodontist and holds a rank of Professor in the Department of Periodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, where she works as faculty with undergraduate and graduate students and directs Predoctoral Periodontics. She teaches clinically and didactically concepts and procedures associated with periodontal disease and therapy, implant therapy, peri-implantitis, soft tissue grafting, and laser treatments for predoctoral and graduate students. She also provides lectures as an invited speaker to professional organizations and through the Continuing and Professional Education program at VCU to general dentists, hygienists, and dental specialists on various periodontal concepts and therapies, peri-implantitis treatment, and laser topics. Her clinical experience is in the use of lasers in periodontology, soft tissue surgery, implant therapy, and debonding of ceramic restorations. Her research experience in the field of lasers include microbiological studies of effectiveness of various laser wavelengths in reducing the bacteria implicated in etiology of periodontitis and root caries, debonding of prefabricated zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry, glass fiber posts, and various ceramic restorations from teeth and implants.

Disclosure: Dr. Janina Golob Deeb has nothing to disclose. Prefabricated zirconia crowns for research were donated by NuSmile, and Fotona loaned Virginia Commonwealth University the Lightwalker laser equipment for initial experiments.

Contact Dr. Golob Deeb by e-mail at: [email protected].

 JODI DEMING,
RDH, OMT

Carmel, Indiana, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Jodi Deming started practice as a dental hygienist in 1988. In the early 1990s, in an effort to understand periodontal disease etiology and treatment, she became involved with biofilm research. At that time the term was rarely used in dentistry except in the context of dental unit waterlines. As a clinical research associate, Jodi was involved with biofilm growth and therapeutic product development evaluating the effect on dental biofilms. Understanding biofilms, she developed a passion for non-surgical therapy and the results of thorough periodontal debridement. This included years with a dental endoscope evaluating both power and hand instrumentation for numerous manufacturers. The result of that work led to new instrument development. Jodi has worked more than 35 years mastering periodontal therapy techniques and procedures. Her clinical career has been in periodontal and prosthodontic practices. She is a national and international educator, clinician, and lecturer. She has presented hundreds of lectures and workshops on advanced integration of ultrasonic, hand instrumentation, and guided biofilm therapy. Jodi has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry Department of Dental Hygiene and at Spear Education. She has been a featured speaker for the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), Western Society of Periodontology (WSP), Kois Center, numerous universities, and dental associations throughout the USA and Europe. 

Disclosure: Jodi Deming has relationships with EMS, Hu-Friedy, Colgate, and PerioView.

Contact Jodi by e-mail at: [email protected].

NATALIA ELSON,
DDS

Islip, New York, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Elson, Clinical Assistant Professor and Group Practice Director, New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, received her DDS degree at Dnepropetrovsk Medical Institute, Odesa, Ukraine, in 1977. After finishing her General Practice Residency at the same institution in 1978, she practiced as a General Dentist in Ukraine and Georgia. Dr. Elson completed her Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Residency in 1986, and after moving with her family to Estonia, she opened her private practice and lectured at Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia. In 2003, she moved to the USA, graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2010, completed General Practice Residency in 2011, opened her private practice, and was appointed Clinical Instructor at NYU College of Dentistry in 2013 and promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor in 2017. She is a member of multiple dental associations and is certified in laser dentistry, digital dentistry, and photobiomodulation.

Disclosure: Dr. Natalia Elson has reported no financial interest.

Contact Dr. Elson by e-mail at: [email protected].

NICOLE FORTUNE,
RDH, MBA

Richmond, Vermont, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Nicole Fortune is a registered dental hygienist who has extensive experience in periodontics, providing nonsurgical and preventative care. She is a recognized expert in training dental hygienists in areas of periodontics, including dental endoscopy, laser-assisted hygiene care and dental implants. Nicole has delivered multiple educational presentations to the Vermont Technical College Dental Hygiene School, University of Michigan’s Ramfjord Symposium, Osteology Foundation, and Institute for Dental Implant Awareness, as well as numerous other clubs and professional groups across the country. She is a member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, Vermont Dental Hygienists’ Association, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries, and the Patient Treatment Coordinators Association. Nicole has been a Straumann Group speaker, a clinical expert and speaker for the Facialart Dental Forum, and an integral part of the Implant Care Practitioner training program through RDH Innovations. She is a Dental Codeology Consortium key opinion leader and is directly involved with creation of new dental codes. She was awarded Dental Hygienist of the Year for 2017 in Vermont. Nicole earned her hygiene degree and her BA from the University of Vermont. She also holds an MBA from Champlain College. Nicole was recently hired by Young Innovations to be their Clinical Education Manager.

Disclosure: Nicole Fortune has no financial affiliations to declare.

Contact Nicole by e-mail at:[email protected].

JOHN J. GRAEBER,
DMD, MAGD, MALD, FICD

Boonton Township,
New Jersey, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Graeber, a laser clinician and educator, is a distinguished University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Rutgers) alumnus from the class of 1972. He has maintained an advanced technology practice in East Hanover, New Jersey, for 48 years. He is a pioneer in the use of lasers in General Practice beginning in 1991. In his practice of comprehensive dentistry, he utilizes diode, Nd:YAG, erbium, and biomodulation laser devices routinely. He co-founded and is a past president of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. An author of more than 22 nationally published articles and a recent textbook on high-tech diagnostics and caries treatment (Microinvasive Dentistry: Clinical Strategies and Tools), Dr. Graeber has attained Fellowship and Mastership in both the Academies of General and Laser Dentistry. He has been honored with Fellowship in the International College of Dentists. He has lectured nationally and internationally for the past 27 years. He has served as a Component President and Past State Officer of the New Jersey Dental Association.

Disclosure: Dr. John Graeber is currently the Clinical Director of AMD/CAO Laser Groups.

Contact Dr. Graeber by e-mail at: [email protected].

DOUGLAS JOHNSON,
ATC, EES, CLS

Solon,
Ohio, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Douglas Johnson’s career in healthcare spans over three decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to pioneering therapies and advancing patient care. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine from Wayne State University and The University of Detroit-Mercy, his journey exemplifies his deep dedication to advancing medical science. As the Chief Science Officer at Multi Radiance Medical and PhotoOpTx, Mr. Johnson has spearheaded groundbreaking research in photobiomodulation (PBM), exploring its potential to enhance human performance, facilitate rehabilitation, and address degenerative diseases. His expertise in this field underscores his position at the forefront of medical innovation and his exploration of diverse approaches to improving patient care. Currently, he leads a study focusing on tendinopathies, aiming to leverage the therapeutic benefits of PBM to develop more effective treatment strategies for these prevalent musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, he is investigating the potential of thermal imaging as a novel technology for healthcare applications. Mr. Johnson is also actively involved in the PICCARD trial, a clinical endeavor aimed at improving respiratory care for critically ill patients through the application of PBM. This initiative highlights his dedication to leveraging cutting-edge research to address pressing healthcare needs, following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a senior visiting fellow at the Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technology in São Paulo, Brazil, Mr. Johnson collaborates with experts globally, fostering international dialogue and knowledge exchange. His role as a clinical advisor to Laser Therapy University (LaserTherapyU.org, LLC) further showcases his commitment to mentorship and education in the field.

Disclosure: Douglas Johnson is the chief science officer for Multi Radiance Medical.

Contact Mr. Johnson by e-mail at: Coming Soon.

SAMUEL LOW,
DDS, MS, MEd

Palm Coast, Florida, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Low is Professor Emeritus, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, and an Advisor Member of the Pankey Institute. He is a past president of the American Academy of Periodontology and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Low provides periodontists, dentists, and dental hygienists with the tools for successfully managing the periodontal patient. He was selected “Dentist of the Year” by the Florida Dental Association, Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. He is a past president of the Florida Dental Association and past American Dental Association (ADA) Trustee.

Disclosure: Dr. Samuel Low lectures for Florida Probe, Biolase, and Philips and receives a modest honorarium for these activities. He receives discounts on devices and supplies.

Contact Dr. Low by e-mail at: [email protected].

DAN McNEFF,
LEGALLY MINE, CEO
Orem, Utah, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. McNeff is the CEO of Legally Mine. In addition to running his own businesses for the last 20 years, he has served as the senior vice president of one of the nation’s largest financial services companies for 15 years. He is a published author with one book and many magazine and newspaper articles. Mr. McNeff has conducted hundreds of seminars and is responsible for helping thousands of people protect their assets and reduce their tax liability.

Disclosure: Mr. Dan McNeff is the founder and chief executive officer of Legally Mine.

Contact Mr. McNeff by e-mail at: [email protected].

GIOVANNI OLIVI,
MD, DDS

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome, Rome, Italy

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Olivi achieved the postgraduate diploma in Laser Dentistry from the University of Florence in 2002; in 2004 he achieved laser certification from the International Society for Laser Dentistry (ISLD); he received Advanced Proficiency (2006) and Master (2009) status from the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD). He is the 2007 recipient of the ALD Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers, and 5 books on laser dentistry published in Italian, English, and Chinese. Dr. Olivi is an adjunct professor and scientific coordinator of the Laser Dentistry Master courses at Catholic University of Sacred Heart - School of Dentistry of Rome. He is an active member of the Italian Society of Endodontics (SIE) and Italian Academy of Endodontics (AIE). Dr. Olivi is a founding member and currently the President of the International Academy of Innovative Dentistry (IAID), and practices endodontics and restorative dentistry in his clinic in Rome, Italy.

Disclosure: Dr. Olivi has reported no conflicts at this time.

Contact Dr. Olivi by e-mail at: [email protected]

SCOTT PARKER,
DDS

Woodland Hills, Utah, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Parker has educated thousands of clinicians across the USA and internationally. In that time, he has advocated for increased standards in aesthetic and restorative procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and dental technology. Having taught more than 1200 hours in didactic courses as well as 1000+ hours of hands-on surgical courses, he is well-versed in teaching and hands-on training. In addition to speaking and training, he has written or is listed on more than 30 patents or patents-pending and has published many articles in dental journals. In 2011, after 16 years of dental practice experience, Dr. Parker transitioned from clinical dentistry into leadership roles in the dental industry and most recently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Affairs for DEKA Dental Lasers, where he oversees clinical education, hands-on in-office clinical laser training, and emerging technology applications. He has a deep, hands-on understanding of dental aesthetics, lasers, implants, functional reconstruction, and dental technologies. His professional affiliations include or have included: The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), ALD Education Committee, Academy of RV Tucker Study Clubs, American Dental Association, American Society for Dental Aesthetics (accredited), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. When not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, riding his bicycle, playing music, and woodworking.

Disclosure:  Dr. Scott Parker is a full-time employee of DEKA Dental Lasers and receives no honorarium for speaking.

Contact Dr. Parker by e-mail at: [email protected].

PARAS PATEL,
DDS, MS

Center for Oral Pathology,
Dallas, Texas, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Patel’s breadth of training and experience shaped his approach to diagnosis and management of disease today. He spent several years in academia, then transitioned into private practice and established the Center for Oral Pathology, where he focuses on diagnosing and managing patients with a wide variety of oral diseases. Dr. Patel earned his dental degree from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2011 and practiced in the Lubbock, Texas, area with a community health center for a few years, serving as staff dentist on their mobile dental unit. In 2014, he began his residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology at Texas A&M University (TAMU) (Baylor) College of Dentistry. He was a full-time faculty member there and was also an active surgical pathologist in a busy biopsy service. He also maintained a clinical practice seeing patients who suffered from various oral diseases in the College’s stomatology center. In addition to developing and founding the Center for Oral Pathology, Dr. Patel has recently helped establish the division of oral and maxillofacial pathology at ProPath, where he currently serves as director. Besides leading the Center for Oral Pathology, he is Associate Editor for the Texas Dental Journal.

Disclosure: Dr. Paras Patel is involved with various dental study clubs around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Contact Dr. Patel by e-mail at:[email protected].

SANTOSH PATIL,
BDS, MSc

Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Patil is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist renowned for his expertise in various advanced dental procedures, including laser dentistry, navigated implants, orthodontics and dental photography. Driven by a passion for excellence and a dedication to improving the oral health and well-being of his patients, he continues to inspire and empower both colleagues and patients alike through his unwavering commitment to dental excellence and innovation. Eager to expand his knowledge and repertoire, he pursued advanced training in laser dentistry, recognizing its potential to revolutionize dental procedures by offering minimally invasive, precise, and efficient treatment options. With a keen interest in incorporating cutting-edge technology into his practice, Dr. Patil became proficient in navigated implantology, a specialized approach that utilizes computer-guided systems to ensure optimal implant placement accuracy and predictability. His mastery of this technique enables him to offer patients personalized implant treatments with unparalleled precision and safety. Furthermore, he recognized the importance of dental photography as a valuable tool for documentation, treatment planning, and patient communication. Through continuous learning and refinement of his photography skills, he perfected the art of capturing high-quality images of dental conditions and procedures, enhancing both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. In addition to his expertise in laser dentistry, navigated implants, and dental photography, Dr. Patil is well-versed in fixed and removable orthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry focused on correcting misalignments and malocclusions of the teeth and jaws. He has undergone extensive training in orthodontic techniques, allowing him to offer comprehensive orthodontic care to patients of all ages.

Disclosure: Dr. Santosh Patil has no financial relationship with any company.

Contact Dr. Patil by e-mail at: [email protected].

MARINA POLONSKY,
DDS, MSc

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Polonsky graduated from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1999, with the Dean’s Gold Medal of Achievement and maintains a private general practice in Ottawa, Canada, with focus on multidisciplinary treatment utilizing lasers of different wavelengths. Dr. Polonsky holds a Mastership with the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI), Master of Science in Lasers in Dentistry degree from RWTH University in Aachen, Germany. She is a recipient of a Mastership Certificate with the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), is a recognized member of the ALD Speaker Bureau, and was recently elected to the ALD board of directors. Dr. Polonsky is a founder of the Canadian Dental Laser Institute (CDLI), an Academy of General Dentistry/Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD/PACE)-approved organization dedicated to providing quality continuing education in Laser Dentistry in Canada. CDLI is the only ALD-affiliated international study club in Canada. Dr. Polonsky is actively involved in the educational aspect of dental laser technology by teaching laser safety courses, diode and erbium certification courses, as well as lecturing worldwide on laser-assisted dentistry. She is a faculty member and a Clinical Mentor for Biolase Technologies, Inc. She is the author of multiple scientific papers and case reports on the uses of lasers in dentistry. She is the chief editor for the Journal of Laser-Assisted Dentistry (JLAD) and a peer-reviewer for Lasers in Dental Science (LIDS) and Odontology by Springer. She is the editor of Laser Dentistry and General Dentistry issues of the Oral Health Journal and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Oral Health Journal.

Disclosure: Dr. Marina Polonsky has relationships with Biolase and Multi Radiance Medical.

Contact Dr. Polonsky by e-mail at: [email protected].

KRISTIN PRISTAVEC-HUNTER,
RDH

Forney, Texas, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Kristin Pristavec-Hunter was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. From a very young age she knew wholeheartedly that dentistry would be her passion. She began working for her childhood dentist in her teens. In order to pursue this perennial desire, Kristin sought and obtained her degree in dental hygiene from Rio Salado College in Phoenix, Arizona. After completion of the program, she went on to pursue her bachelor of science degree in communications from the University of Phoenix. At her very first hygiene position in 2009, she was introduced to the diode laser, and at this time she completed her first laser certification course. Kristin began her serious study of lasers in 2016 after taking her standard proficiency certification course in Reno, Nevada, with the Academy of Laser Dentistry. From there she has completed advanced studies in lasers and is an approved provider of the Academy of Laser Dentistry standard level certification. In 2018 Kristin founded her company Dedicated Dental, an Academy of General Dentistry/Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD/PACE)-approved organization and provides high-quality CE courses to the dental community. One of the subjects they specialize in is dental lasers, providing laser certification courses throughout the United States.

Disclosure: Kristin Pristavec-Hunter has reported no conflicts at this time.

Contact Kristin by e-mail at: [email protected].

 GEORGIOS ROMANOS,
DDS, PhD,
Prof. Dr. med. Dent.

Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Stony Brook, New York, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Romanos is a Professor of Periodontology at Stony Brook University, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook, N.Y., USA, and Professor (Prof. Dr. med. dent.) of Oral Surgery/Implant Dentistry in Frankfurt/Germany. He is a former Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Director of Laser Dental Education at Stony Brook University. He has been fully trained in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery (Germany, USA); is Board-Certified in Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry in Germany; and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Romanos is currently a Past President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Lasers and Bio-photonics Group, the Implantology Research Group of the IADR, and the Academy of Osseointegration Foundation. He is a Fellow of the American Association for Dental Research, the Academy of Osseointegration, International College of Dentists, International College of Oral Implantologists, the International Team for Implantology (ITI) Foundation, Pierre Fauchard Academy, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics, International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics, and the American College of Dentists. He is the author of more than 450 publications and book chapters (h-Index: 84; over 22,000 citations), editor and co-editor of eight dental books, and speaker in more than 700 presentations (> 50 countries); recipient of numerous scientific awards including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the T.H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research (ALD). Dr. Romanos is the recipient of numerous international research grants and is a research mentor for more than 300 mentees worldwide.

Disclosure: Dr. Georgios Romanos has relationships with Pioon Laser.

Contact Dr. Romanos by e-mail at: [email protected].

MICHAEL SIMMONS,
DMD, MScMED, MPH, MSc, FAASM

Encino, California, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Simmons is a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP) and American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) with master’s degrees in sleep medicine and laser dentistry where his research was focused on the effects of laser irradiation on the upper airway. He is an American Dental Association (ADA) specialist in Orofacial Pain and also received a Fellowship in Pain Management from the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. He is certified in dental acupuncture and is probably the first practicing dentist worldwide to earn the prestigious medical Fellowship award (FAASM) from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Simmons has held many leadership positions in the dental, pain management, and sleep medicine fields and is a strong advocate for dentists’ engagement in sleep health. Academically he continues to conduct and publish original research in sleep medicine and pain management, lecturing nationally and internationally on these topics and historically taught at UCLA’s School of Dentistry for more than 30 years as part-time faculty. Dr. Simmons has been politically engaged in writing health resolutions for both the ADA and California Dental Association for over a decade that have helped strengthen and clarify dentists’ scope of practice.

Disclosure: Dr. Michael Simmons has reported no conflicts of interest.

Contact Dr. Simmons by e-mail at: [email protected].

MICHAEL A. SMITH,
DMD

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and pursued extensive postgraduate education in dental rehabilitation in the fields of occlusion, full-mouth rehabilitation, implants, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, and conscious sedation. His private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, is dedicated to aesthetic, contemporary restorative, TMJ disorders, and cosmetic rehabilitation. Dr. Smith instructs other dentists nationally and internationally as a lecturer and mentor for companies involved in advanced dental treatment and diagnosis in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), full-mouth reconstruction, and implants. He is actively involved in numerous organizations and associations dedicated to the pursuit of providing doctors and patients with extraordinary advanced dental care. Dr. Smith is co-founder and past Director of the Arizona Community Dental Clinic in downtown Phoenix. He is one of the co-founders of the Clinical Mastery Education Series and is currently developing the research and advanced studies department. He is also the founder of Biting Education, PLC.

Disclosure: Coming Soon.

Contact Dr. Smith by e-mail at: [email protected]. 

GWEN SMUKOWSKI,
RDH, BS, MBA

Chicago, Illinois, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Gwen Smukowski graduated from Marquette University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and completed her Master of Business Administration in 2012. She involves herself in many arenas including the founder of Continuity Consulting, an educator and consultant for an international awareness firm, as well as a national speaker. Gwen developed and maintains her focus on the expansion and development of excellence in periodontal care and aesthetic/restorative team support. This focus on excellence and drive has taken her worldwide as an instructor and speaker on the subjects of laser-assisted periodontal health, practice management, leadership development, integrated marketing, and team-based comprehensive dentistry. Gwen brings this broad perspective of clinical, managerial, and academic experiences to her work. As a consultant, her focus is to inspire and empower dental teams with the current science, research, technology, and systems necessary to reach new levels of growth and success for their practice.

Disclosure: Gwen Smukowski has reported no conflicts of interest.

Contact Gwen by e-mail at: [email protected].

GRACE SUN,
DDS, FAACD, MALD, MAGD, MICOI

Los Angeles, California, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Sun, a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, has been practicing advanced cosmetic and laser dentistry in her Los Angeles practice since 1983. Dr. Sun’s interdisciplinary training is far-reaching, specializing in cosmetic and laser dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics, implant dentistry, and dental ceramics. She is a champion of the overall well-being of the patient combining traditional dentistry and integrative treatment modalities like photobiomodulation and dental acupuncture.

A lifelong learner holding many prestigious distinctions from various dental academies, Dr. Sun is an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a Master of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and a Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). She is a senior instructor with the International Association for Orthodontics (IAO) and, as an early adopter of laser dentistry, has published several peer-reviewed articles since 2000 and has held various committee and board positions with both the ALD and AACD. Dr. Sun is a certified Dental Acupuncturist and was the 2020 recipient of the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. She has developed several compact, accessible, and easy-to-use PBM light therapy devices suitable for both clinical applications and at-home use. She is an advocate for laser acupuncture for her patients, combining the therapeutic benefits of PBM therapy with the Eastern pain management modality of acupuncture.

Disclosure: Dr. Grace Sun is the founder of Oral IQ LLC, an oral healthcare company and therapeutic light manufacturer.

Contact Dr. Sun by e-mail at: [email protected].

ANGIE WALLACE,
RDH

Owasso, Oklahoma, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Angie Wallace has been a clinical hygienist for more than 35 years. She is an active member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), where she obtained her advanced level proficiency. Angie is the only Dental Hygienist with ALD to have achieved her Educator status and received her ALD Recognized Course Provider recognition in 2007 and her Mastership with ALD in 2008. She currently serves as Chair of the ALD Education Committee and serves on the Regulatory Affairs (working with States on Dental Hygienist laser use) as well as the Auxiliary committees for the ALD Board of Directors. In 2023 Angie was awarded the ALD Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award as well as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She was the 2014 recipient of the ALD’s John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award and has been recognized as a worldwide speaker. She co-authored the book Soft-Tissue Lasers in Dental Hygiene. Angie currently writes articles for RDH Through the Loupes and is an in-office laser consultant with her own laser education company, Laser Hygiene LLC. She has presented for the Academy of Laser Dentistry, several laser companies, as well as at ADHA and RDH Under One Roof meetings, several State meetings, and for private offices.

Disclosure: Angie Wallace receives honoraria for speaking events and has lectured for AMD Lasers, Biolase, and Ultradent.

Contact Angie by e-mail at: [email protected].

THOMAS G. WIEDEMANN,
MD, PhD, DDS
New York University College of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
New York, New York, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Wiedemann is a Clinical Associate Professor and full-time faculty at New York University College of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. His career consists of more than 27 years of surgical and educational experience in an academic setting and successfully operating a private practice providing the full spectrum of oral and maxillofacial surgery and implant dentistry. Dr. Wiedemann has special interests in dental emergency care, pain management, minimally invasive surgical strategies, and techniques of the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has acquired extensive expertise in dentoalveolar and implant-surgery with multiple implant systems since 1995. He is well-versed in innovative concepts of alveolar ridge augmentation and reconstruction, soft tissue regeneration, and robotic guided- and piezo-surgery. Dr. Wiedemann is the author of many publications, is a speaker in national and international conferences on oral surgery and implantology-related topics, and serves on the editorial board of several renowned and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Recently he accepted leadership as co-editor-in-chief for the Journal of Dentistry and Oral Sciences and as editor-in-chief for the Journal of Surgery and Surgical Procedures.

Disclosure: Dr. Wiedemann has reported no conflict of interest.

Contact Dr. Wiedemann by e-mail at: [email protected]

ALFRED D. WYATT, JR.,
DMD

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Wyatt has been in the private practice of dentistry for more than 39 years and has studied lasers and light technologies in dentistry for over 20 years. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he was educated in the Atlanta Public School system. He received a B.S. degree in biology from Clark College in 1980 and his DMD from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1984. He presently serves at his alma mater (now the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University) as an Associate Professor of Oral Rehabilitation. Dr. Wyatt is also a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) where he has served on the board of directors and attained Advanced Proficiency and Educator status. He is a past chair of the Education Committee of the ALD and is presently serving on the Education and Certification Testing Committees. He has used several types of lasers in his practice and has been the author or co-author of several publications related to the clinical use of light technologies. Over the years, he has trained dentists internationally on the use of various light technologies. He also presently serves as a dental editor for WebMD. Aside from his practice, Dr. Wyatt has participated in numerous health fairs, taken mission trips to Haiti, treated athletes and other dignitaries in the Olympic Village during the 1996 Olympiad in Atlanta, and volunteers at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic in Atlanta.

Disclosure: Dr. Alfred Wyatt has lectured and trained for Dentsply Sirona, and has served as an advisor for Ultradent, Shofu, and Brasseler.

Contact Dr. Wyatt by e-mail at: [email protected].