2025 AAOM/EAOM Joint Meeting: Laser Workshop & Certification

Mastering Laser Technology: Advanced Workshop for Oral Healthcare Providers 

The incorporation of laser technology in dental practice has become an integral aspect of contemporary patient care. This workshop provides fundamental didactic knowledge, and the essential hands-on exposure required for pursuit of laser certification. Most of the didactic components, both online lectures and reading material, will be offered beforehand to participants in preparation for their in-person hands-on sessions during the AAOM-EAOM meeting in Las Vegas, NV, USA on Wednesday, May 14. Registrants will be eligible to receive up to 9.5 CEUs continuing education credits. 

Most of the didactic components will be offered online and will be available two months prior to the AAOM meeting. Only the hands-on session, plus two lectures, will be offered in person during the annual meeting in Las Vegas. 

Workshop attendees who desire to get laser certification will receive the AAOM Laser Certification Exam link via e-mail. The online exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions and will be dispatched by the end of June 2025. Registrants will have a total of 30 days (i.e., the entire month of July) to take/submit their exam. Please note that the exam is timed and once you start your online exam, it should be completed in one sitting. It's important to also note that it is expected to obtain a minimum score of 70 out of 100 in order to pass the exam. However, in the event that you scored below 70, there will be only one makeup trial available at the end of August. 

Online Didactic Portion

Lecture #1: The Evolution of Laser Technology in Dentistry: A Technological Odyssey (30 minutes) 

Synopsis: This lecture provides an overview of the historical development and current state of laser technology in dentistry. Participants will explore the latest research advancements in soft tissue and hard tissue surgical lasers. Emphasis will be placed on emerging evidence-based technologies and their potential impact on the future of dental care generally and oral medicine specifically. 

Speaker: Manoela Martins, DDS, PhD
Associate Professor of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 

Learning Objectives:

1. Trace the historical development of laser technology in dentistry.
2. Understand the current research landscape of soft and hard tissue surgical lasers.
3. Explore emerging evidence-based technologies and their potential applications in dental practice.

Lecture #2: The Fundamentals of Laser Physics & Safety (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This talk covers the fundamental knowledge of surgical lasers and their applications in clinical practice. Participants will gain insights into the physics of laser technology and its applications in managing soft tissue pathology while grasping critical safety measures. 

Speaker: Manoela Martins, DDS, PhD
Associate Professor of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the fundamental physics of the different surgical soft tissue lasers technologies.
2. Familiarize with the various physiologic interactions of laser with the biological tissues in the head and neck region.
3. Appreciate how basic laser characteristics may influence the application and outcome of treatment. 

Lecture #3: Innovative Laser Therapy in the Management of Benign and Malignant Oral Lesions (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This lecture will explore cutting-edge advancements in laser therapy for the management of oral lesions with emphasis on both benign and malignant tumors. The lecture will discuss how modern laser technologies enhance precision, reduce treatment times, and minimize patient discomfort. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of various laser systems, their applications in oral healthcare, and their revolutionizing role in the management of oral pathologies. 

Speaker: Marco Meleti, DDS, Ph.D, Dip Oral Med.
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral surgery
School of Dental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the latest laser technologies used in the treatment of benign and malignant oral lesions and how they differ from traditional treatment methods.
2. Explore the clinical applications, advantages, and challenges of laser therapy in managing various types of oral pathologies.
3. Learn best practices and guidelines for incorporating laser therapy into routine clinical management to improve patient outcomes.

Lecture #4: Harnessing Light for Healing: Photobiomodulation in Tissue Repair and Pain Management (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This comprehensive lecture will delve into the world of Photobiomodulation (PBM) and its applications in enhancing tissue repair, reducing inflammation, minimizing edema, inducing analgesia and anesthesia, mobilizing stem cells, and improving blood flow.

Speaker: Luiz Alcino Gueiros, DDS, MSc, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology
Oral Medicine Unit, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco 

Learning objectives:

1. Explore the basic principles behind photobiomodulation and how light interacts with biological tissues to elicit therapeutic effects.
2. Evaluate scientific studies and clinical trials supporting the efficacy of photobiomodulation in tissue repair acceleration, inflammation reduction, and pain management.
3. Understand the optimal parameters, including wavelength, intensity, and duration, required for effective and safe application of photobiomodulation in various clinical scenarios. 

Lecture #5: Clinical Cases Display: Integrating Laser Technology into Everyday Practice (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This practical session will focus on the clinical utilization of lasers in dentistry, covering both soft tissue and hard tissue applications. Participants will gain insights into incorporating laser technology into various dental procedures, from routine treatments to complex surgeries. 

Speaker: Jaisri Thoppay, DDS, MBA, MS
Center for Integrative Oral Health 

Learning Objectives:

1. Deepen your practical knowledge in using soft and hard tissue surgical lasers, and photobiomodulation in clinical practice.
2. Understand the workflow integration of laser technology in different dental procedures.
3. Explore case studies showcasing successful clinical outcomes with laser applications. 

Lecture #6: Navigating the Complications & Side Effects in Laser: A Comprehensive Approach to Management (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This lecture aims to provide a thorough understanding of the side effects associated with surgical laser and photobiomodulation, along with effective strategies for managing clinical complications. Participants will gain insight into the potential risks, preventive measures, and evidence-based interventions to enhance patient safety and optimize outcomes in surgical laser and photobiomodulation procedures. 

Speaker: Alan Rogers Santos-Silva, DDS, Ms, PhD
Associate Professor of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology
Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil

Learning Objectives:

1. Acquire a detailed knowledge of the common side effects associated with laser procedures encompassing both immediate and delayed reactions.
2. Identify and mitigate potential risks before, during, and after laser and photobiomodulation procedures.
3. Develop a systematic framework for recognizing and managing clinical complications. 

Lecture #7: Optimizing Dental Practices with Laser Technology: Infrastructure Development, Team Training, Coding, and Billing Strategies (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This comprehensive lecture aims to guide dental practitioners through the seamless integration of laser technology into their practices. From establishing the necessary infrastructure to training the dental team, understanding coding, and implementing effective billing strategies, this session will provide valuable insights into the successful incorporation of lasers in dental procedures. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the benefits, challenges, and practical steps involved in harnessing laser technology for enhanced patient care and practice efficiency. 

Speaker: Jaisri Thoppay, DDS, MBA, MS
Center for Integrative Oral Health 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify essential infrastructure requirements for incorporating laser technology and evaluate cost-effective and scalable solutions for integrating lasers into dental practice.
2. Foster a team-oriented approach to ensure effective training, communication, and collaboration during laser-assisted procedures while addressing common challenges among team members related to the adoption of laser technology.
3. Explore current procedural terminology (CPT) codes relevant to laser-assisted dental procedures and develop a systematic approach to billing for laser procedures, including fee structures and reimbursement considerations. 

Lecture #8: Future Perspectives: Charting the Course Ahead (30 minutes)

Synopsis: This online module concludes with key takeaways from the program and discuss future trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of laser dentistry. 

Speaker: Jaisri Thoppay, DDS, MBA, MS
Center for Integrative Oral Health 

Learning Objectives:

1. Synthesize key insights from the comprehensive program.
2. Appreciate the future of laser dentistry.
3. Identify potential avenues for continued professional development in the field of laser dentistry. 

Mastering Laser Technology: Advanced Workshop for Oral Healthcare Providers
Wednesday May 14
8:00AM – 1:30PM          

Illuminating the Past: The Evolution of Laser Therapy in Oral Medicine
8:00AM – 8:30AM

Synopsis: This lecture delves into the history of laser technology and photobiomodulation (PBM) in oral medicine, with a focus on oral oncology, tracing their development from early theoretical foundations to modern clinical applications. We will explore pivotal milestones, the evolving understanding of light-tissue interactions, and how these advancements have shaped the management of oral diseases. 

Speaker: A. Migliorati DDS, MS, PhD
Professor of Oral Medicine
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences
University of Florida College of Dentistry 

Learning Objectives

1. Appreciate the key historical milestones in the development of laser technology, with an emphasis on their relevance to oral medicine.
2. Earn the foundational principles of laser technology that have informed their clinical applications.
3. Understand how advancements in laser/PBM have transformed the management of oral condition, with focus in oncology patients. 

Precision in Practice: Mastering Laser Dentistry and Photobiomodulation - Clinical Cases
8:30AM – 9:00AM

Synopsis: This comprehensive lecture offers attendees a guided tour through diverse clinical cases and emphasizes the multifaceted clinical indications for advanced laser technologies. From addressing soft and hard tissue pathologies to enhancing wound healing through photobiomodulation, this lecture provides a holistic understanding of the capabilities and nuances involved. Special attention is given to the pivotal role of correct machine settings and accurate application techniques, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction. Through engaging exploration of real-world cases, participants will gain invaluable insights into integrating laser dentistry and photobiomodulation into their clinical practices. 

Speaker: Manoela Martins, DDS, PhD
Associate Professor of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the diverse clinical indications for different laser technologies.
2. Gain insights into the importance of correct machine settings for maximizing the effectiveness of laser treatments.
3. Acquire proficiency in accurate application techniques to achieve precise and predictable outcomes in a minimally invasive manner. 

Panel discussion
9:00AM – 9:20AM

Synopsis: During this 20-minute panel discussion, the expert team behind the laser workshop will present in-person to engage in an open, interactive dialogue to address questions and discussion points raised by participants. The panel will provide a dynamic platform for oral healthcare providers to delve deeper into practical applications, challenges, and advancements in laser therapy. This interactive session aims to clarify key concepts, share expert insights, and foster collaborative discussion on real-world scenarios, enabling participants to leave with a more comprehensive understanding of how to integrate laser technology into their practice effectively. 

Coffee break: 9:20AM – 9:30AM 

Advanced Workshop for Oral Healthcare Providers
Hands-on Session
9:30AM – 1:30PM

Synopsis: This practical hands-on session is designed for attendees to establish proper devices settings and apply correct clinical techniques to deliver safe and effective soft and hard tissue surgeries and photobiomodulation procedures while being directly supervised by experts in the field. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Navigate the settings for various laser devices for soft and hard tissue surgeries and photobiomodulation.
2. Practice safe handling of devices and develop proficiency in proper soft tissue incision and excision techniques, tissue hemostasis, bone enamel/dentine shaping and contouring, and pain management.
3. Practice troubleshooting of common issues related to device operation and surgical procedures while adhering to ethical standards. 

Session demonstrators: Jaisri Thoppay, James Carroll, Cesar Migliorati, Manoela Martins, Alan Rogers Santos-Silva, Luiz Alcino Gueiros, Marco Meleti, Jennifer Julian, Christy Jones, Ken Ikeda, Manoela Martins, Alex Disessa, Jonathan Luo, Bryon Walker and Arwa Farag

Register for this workshop as part of the AAOM/EAOM Joint Annual Meeting.