Courses

Courses

Master Course in Pediatric and Adolescent Laser Dentistry
- 2 days (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)Includes the Academy of Laser Dentistry's Standard Proficiency Course below.
Standard Proficiency Course in Laser Dentistry approved by the Academy of Laser Dentistry (click here to see outline of course) 12 hours (Dr. Fred S. Margolis)*

* Note: After April 1, 2007 the ALD will be administering the the written test for the Standard Proficiency Course on-line with a separate fee charged by the ALD.
Introductory Course in Laser Dentistry 1-6 hour course (Dr. Fred S. Margolis)
Behavior Modification Techniques for the Pediatric Dental Patient - 1 to 2½ hours (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

Esthetic Dentistry for Tots and Teens - 2½ to 4 hours (NOTE: A hands-on participation program can be included with this lecture) (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

Traumatic Injuries of the Primary and Permanent Dentition - 1½ to 2 hours (NOTE: A hands-on participation program can be included with this lecture) (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

Practice Management and Marketing Techniques
1 to 5 hours (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

Interceptive and Minor Orthodontics - 1 to 5 hours
(NOTE: A hands-on participation program can be included with this lecture) (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

Dentistry for the Specially Challenged Patient
2 ½ to 5 hours (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

The Erbium:YAG Laser: "The 'Star Wars' of Dentistry"
1 to 5 hours
(NOTE: A hands-on participation program can be included with this lecture) (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)
Update in Pediatric Dentistry - 3 to 6 hours
(NOTE: A hands-on participation program can be included with this lecture) (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)
Obesity - Helping Our Patients Achieve Total Health -
1 to 3 hours (by Dr. Fred S. Margolis)

MASTER COURSE IN PEDIATRIC
AND ADOLESCENT LASER DENTISTRY

Biolase

The successful completion of this course will grant the participant Associate Fellowship certification from the World Clinical Laser Institute

This Course is an approved Standard Certification Course by the Academy of Laser Dentistry

AGD Credits 16 hours

Hands On, Live Patient Demo Laser Training Course

THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY IS IN YOUR HANDS-LEARN NEW TECHNIQUES TODAY - THAT YOU CAN USE TOMORROW!

This 2-day educationally packed course in laser dentistry will teach you the best ways to maximize the value of your investment in laser technology.
You will learn by modern educational methods of combining seminars with hands-on education. You will watch by closed-circuit television live laser dentistry performed by experienced laser users. Our goal is to teach you how laser dentistry will allow you to have less stress and be more productive.

Who is this Laser Training Program for? This course is for the new laser owner who desires to quick-start his laser practice AND the laser dentist who wants to increase his knowledge and expertise on various aspects of hard and soft tissue laser dentistry. This course includes the Standard Certification Course of the Academy of Laser Dentistry(ALD). Dr. Margolis has Educator Status with the ALD and is proud to offer this certification to the attendees.

This two day laser course will give you:

Laser Training for the new laser owner.
Laser Training for the laser owner that wants to learn additional skills.
The knowledge in how to make your investment in laser dentistry advantageous for you, your patients and your practice's production.
Marketing programs will be illustrated-- how to market your laser dentistry and differentiate your practice.

This interactive course will provide you with knowledge of laser physics and laser safety. You will learn how you can use your laser every day for working smarter and being more productive.

Learn how to use the Waterlase for performing restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal and surgical techniques.

The didactic portion of the course will include educational and entertaining slides and videos in a multi-media presentation.

There will be a hands-on program which will allow you to learn by doing.

Live patient demonstrations will allow you to see how master laser instructors perform laser restorations and surgical procedures.

Hard tissue laser dentistry: Class I thru VI cavity preparations will be illustrated. "Conditioning" or "Numbing" the teeth with the Waterlase will be taught so you learn how to provide NO ANESTHESIA dentistry in 90+% of the time.

Soft tissue laser dentistry: You will learn how to perform the following procedures with your Waterlase:

Labial Frenectomy
Lingual Frenectomy
Operculectomy
Excision of Gingiva over Unerupted Teeth
Fibrotomy
Gingivectomy
Gingivoplasty
Apthous Ulcer and Herpes Labialis treatment
Pulpotomy
Direct Pulp Capping
Root Canal Cleansing

Download Registration form (Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Standard Proficiency Course Outline

Introduction
Fundamentals of Lasers
1. Production of laser light
  1. Quantum Theory of Matter and Radiation
    2. Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission
    3. LASER
2. Electromagnetic Spectrum
  1. Regions and Boundaries
    1. Ultraviolet
    2. Visible
    3. Infrared
  2. Laser Wavelengths
3. Characteristics of Laser Light
  1. Spatial and temporal beam coherency
  2. Monochromaticity
  3. Collimation
4. Laser requirements, delivery systems and emission modes
  1. Laser cavity
    1. Active medium
    2. Pumping mechanism
    3. Optical resonator
  2. Delivery System
    1. Fixed Lens and mirror
    2. Articulated arm
    3. Waveguide
    4. Optical fiber
  3. Emission mode
    1. Continuous
    2. Chopped or gated
    3. Pulsed
5. Summary of laser effects on tissue
  1. Reflection, scattering, transmission, absorption
  2. Photothermal effects
    1. Warming
    2. Coagulation, tissue shrinkage, hemostasis
    3. Vaporization, ablation
    4. Carbonization
  3. Photoacoustic effect
  4. Photochemical effects
    1. Stimulation of chemical reactions
    2. Breaking of molecular bonds
  5. Fluorescence
  6. Biostimulation
    1. Photodynamic therapy
Review of Laser types, device characteristics, and clinical applications in dentistry
1. Laser types
  1. Argon laser
  2. CO2 laser
  3. Diode laser
  4. Erbium laser
  5. Holmium laser
  6. Neodymium laser
  7. Other lasers
2. Device characteristics
  1. Wavelength
  2. Beam diameter (spot size)
  3. Power
  4. Energy density
  5. Repetition rate
  6. Exposure duration
  7. Total Energy
3. Clinical applications
  1. Intraoral soft tissue surgery
  2. Treatment of apthous ulcers
  3. Sulcular debridement (soft tissue curettage)
  4. Composite curing
  5. Tooth shade lightening
  6. Caries removal
  7. Cavity preparation
  8. Enamel modification
  9. Illumination for caries detection
  10. Illumination for endodontic orifice detection
  11. Removal of coronal pulp
  12. Experimental applications
Laser safety
1. Standards organizations and regulatory requirements
  1. U.S. FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
  2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  3. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  4. State and local regulatory agencies
2. Laser safety officer
3. Laser safety mechanisms
4. Adverse effects reporting mechanism
5. Eye and tissue protection
6. Environment
  1. Proper warning sign posted
  2. Limited access
  3. Reflective surfaces minimized
7. High volume evacuation present
8. Laser external cooling system (if applicable)
9. Electrical components (cords and footswitches)
10. Gases
11. Training
12. Laser Use Documentation
Clinical Simulation (specific hands-on demonstration)
1. Laser instrumentation set-up and operation
  1. Delivery system
    1. Type
    2. Assembly
    3. Inspection
    4. Maintenance
    5. Sterilization standards and protocol
2. Infection control
  1. Identification and disposal of biologic hazards
  2. Plume hazards and precautions
  3. Sterilization
3. Treatment objective and surgical technique simulation on bovine tissues or other suitable biological tissues or inanimate objects
  1. Indications and contraindications of laser use in dentistry
  2. Alternate methods of treatment
4. Discussion of treatment sequence, patient management, postoperative instructions
5. Management of complications
6. Surgical and healing assessments
Practice Management
1. Practice organization and management, staff training and patient education
2. Financial and insurance considerations
3. Malpractice considerations, jurisprudence, ethics
4. Record keeping, adverse effects reporting mechanism, informed consent
Laser Bibliography
1. General bibliography for lasers in dentistry
2. Subject bibliography for specific dental applications
Current research and future developments
Conclusion
1. Written post-test
2. Post-test clinical simulation
3. Course evaluation
4. Certificate of attendance

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE PEDIATRIC DENTAL PATIENT

ABSTRACT: Utilizing slides, real-life anecdotes, and videotapes the participant will learn how to utilize various techniques to teach the patient that dentistry does not have to be fearful and can even be fun! The welcome letter and a computer-generated personalized book about going to the dentist are great beginnings for the first time patients. When to have parents in the operatory and how to utilize familiar objects will be illustrated. How to assess the child's potential behavior will be taught. Radiographic techniques will be covered. Vocal intonation, mouthprops, body wraps, and rubber dam techniques will be reviewed. Various techniques for giving "painless" injections will be illustrated. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques will be discussed, including nitrous oxide sedation.

AUDIOVISUAL REQUIREMENTS: Audiocassette player, wireless lavaliere microphone, Podium, Laser Pointer, LCD projector for PC Computer Power Point Presentation (minimal 1000 lumens), audio connector for PC to play audio over sound system available.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction:
1. Slide/Audio Introduction
2. Introduction and Objectives of the Course
The Welcome Packet
Assessing Patient Behavior
Parents In/Out of the Operatory
Tell-Show-Do Technique
Modeling
X-Ray Techniques
Local Anesthesia Techniques
Positive Reinforcement
Physical Restraints
The Rubber Dam
Pre-Medications
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
General Anesthesia

ESTHETIC DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

ABSTRACT: Today's parents demand the restoration of their children and teen’s teeth for function and esthetics. Self-image of our patients is very important. Glass ionomers, resinomers, composites, and various types of crowns will be illustrated on children and adolescents. Esthetic facings for stainless steel crowns will be illustrated and chairside/laboratory steps necessary will be given. Treatment planning of these restorations will be taught, as well as the proper tooth preparation and steps necessary for esthetic, long-lasting restorations. Esthetic space maintainers will be shown and the participant will learn the ease with which these can be fabricated. Use of various matrices for interproximal restorations will be discussed. Enamel microabrasion, direct-bonded and porcelain veneers will be shown for esthetics for our teenage patients. Both traditional and Erbium Laser preparations will be illustrated. Utilizing slides and videos, step-by-step procedures will be shown.

AUDIOVISUAL REQUIREMENTS: Wireless lavaliere microphone, Podium, Laser Pointer, LCD projector for PC Computer Power Point Presentation (minimal 1000 lumens), audio connector for PC to play audio over sound system available.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Open-faced Stainless Steel Crowns
Porcelain to Stainless Steel Crowns (pre-fabricated)
Porcelain to Stainless Steel Crowns (lab. fabricated)
Composite to Stainless Steel Crowns
Celluloid Strip Crowns (step-by-step fabrication)
Glass Ionomers
Compomers
Composites
Esthetic Space Maintainers
Enamel Hypoplasia
Ankylosed Primary Molars
Bruxism
Sealants
Enamel Microabrasion
Direct-bonded composite veneers
Porcelain veneer preparation, impressions, and seating
Use of various matrices for interproximal restorations

TRAUMATIC INJURIES OF THE PRIMARY
AND PERMANENT DENTITION

ABSTRACT: Using patient's photos, radiographs, and case histories, various types of traumatic injuries and their treatment will be reviewed. Invulsions, dislocations, avulsions and the Ellis Classification of traumatic injuries will be discussed. Various radiographic techniques for hard and soft tissue injuries will be illustrated. The protocol for reimplantation of permanent incisors, including various splinting mechanisms will be covered. The dark primary incisor and treatment of trauma to primary teeth will be discussed. Pulp therapies of traumatically injured teeth will also be reviewed.

COURSE OUTLINE:

TRAUMATIC INJURIES OF PRIMARY TEETH

Prevention of Traumatic Injuries
1. Mouthguards
2. Face Shields
Evaluation of the Patient
Invulsion
Dislocation
Avulsion
The Dark Primary Incisor
Pulp Treatment:
1. Vital Pulpotomy Technique
2. Non-Vital Pulpotomy Technique

TRAUMATIC INJURIES OF PERMANENT TEETH

Ellis Classification of Traumatic Injuries
Evaluation of the Patient
Invulsion
Dislocation
Concussion
Avulsion
Pulp Treatment
Reimplantation
Splinting
Prevention- Mouthguards

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING TECHNIQUES

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this course is to provide the dentist with knowledge of the different modalities of private practice. The pros and cons of solo, group, and solo-group practice will be explained and illustrated. Recall systems, hiring and firing, how to keep your staff happy, and bonus systems will be discussed. Various marketing techniques will be shown giving the dentist the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Internal and external marketing will be discussed which includes newsletters, yellow page ads, and direct mail ads. Public relations programs will also be covered in this presentation.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Solo Practice
Group Practice
Solo-Group Practice
Recall Systems
Hiring
Firing
Associates
Bonus Systems
Marketing
1. Internal Marketing
2. External Marketing
3. Logos
4. Newspaper Ads
5. Community Service
6. Lectures to Professionals
7. Lectures to Lay Groups
8. Yellow Page Ads
9. Newsletters

INTERCEPTIVE AND MINOR ORTHODONTICS

ABSTRACT: In this course the participant will learn the rationale behind early interceptive and minor orthodontic treatment. The participant will learn how to diagnose and treat orthodontic problems in the early mixed dentition stage of development. The hands-on portion will review "Mixed Dentition Analysis" and teach orthodontic band selection, seating, cementation, and removal. Interceptive and minor orthodontic treatment will be taught in a step-by-step approach so that the participant will be able to utilize the practical knowledge. Utilizing slides, models, and videotapes, the participant will learn how to diagnose, treat, prescribe to the laboratory, and adjust both removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.

AUDIOVISUAL REQUIREMENTS: Overhead Projector, blank transparencies, colored markers. Wireless lavaliere microphone, Podium, Laser Pointer, LCD projector for PC Computer Power Point Presentation (minimal 1000 lumens), audio connector for PC to play audio over sound system available.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction
Rationale Behind Early Treatment
Record Taking
Eruption Sequence and Timing
Premature Loss of Teeth
Over-retained Primary Teeth
Ectopic Eruption of Permanent Teeth
Angle's Classification of Occlusion
Primary Spacing
Oral Habits
Space Maintenance
Space Regaining
Study Model Analysis
Mixed Dentition Analysis*
Anterior Crossbites
Posterior Crossbites
Band Selection and Seating*
Removable Appliance Adjustment

Note: *Denotes hands-on portion of course

DENTISTRY FOR THE SPECIALLY CHALLENGED PATIENT

ABSTRACT: This multi-media presentation is to inform dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants, who have an interest in treating the disabled and/or elderly patient, how the practice of dentistry can be modified to provide for the needs of these patients. This course will enable the dental team to better serve a population that desperately needs our help. Techniques for working with cognitively impaired patients will be discussed. Definitions and demographics of various types of disabilities will also be discussed.

During the discussion there will be three main areas of concern addressed. The first will be on treatment modifications for the special and geriatric patient. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods of behavior modification will be illustrated and discussed. The second area will be preventive techniques. The participants will learn how to practice and teach preventive dentistry for the disabled and geriatric patients. The third area of concern is oral habits related to the disabled and geriatric patients.

AUDIOVISUAL REQUIREMENTS: Audiocassette, Wireless lavaliere microphone, Podium, Laser Pointer, LCD projector for PC Computer Power Point Presentation (minimal 1000 lumens), audio connector for PC to play audio over sound system available.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction:
1. Slide/Audio Introduction
2. Introduction and Objectives of the Course
The Welcome Packet
Assessing Patient Behavior
Parents In/Out of the Operatory
Tell-Show-Do Technique
Modeling
X-Ray Techniques
Local Anesthesia Techniques
Positive Reinforcement
Physical Restraints
The Rubber Dam
Pre-Medications
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
General Anesthesia
Preventive Dentistry for the Disabled
1. Children with Disabilities
2. At-Home Dental Care
3. Toothbrushing
4. Flossing
5. Positioning the Patient
6. Common Dental Emergencies Affecting the Disabled
7. Checklist for Finding the Right Dental Office
8. The Dental Visit
9. Growth and Development
10. Professional Dental Care
11. Support Groups
Special Patient Care:
1. Using Portable Dental Equipment
2. Transfer Techniques for Geriatric and Disabled Patients
3. Oral Hygiene Techniques for the Disabled
4. Oral Hygiene and Denture Care
5. Some Children Need Special Care
Oral Habits
1. Thumb-sucking
2. Finger-Sucking
3. Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples
4. Lip Biting
5. Nail Biting
6. Tongue Sucking
7. Tongue Thrusting
8. Mouth Breathing
9. Ankyloglossia
10. Bruxism
11. Drooling
Volunteer Programs for Dentists and Dental Team

THE ERBIUM LASER:
"THE 'STAR WARS' OF DENTISTRY"

ABSTRACT: This course will teach the participant how lasers work and the different types of lasers. Clinical cases will be shown to compare the differences in hard tissue laser procedures versus the high-speed handpiece and air abrasion. Soft tissue cutting and cauterization techniques will be illustrated. Class I through V cavity preparations will be shown. The research on lasers in dentistry will be reviewed. Purchasing a laser, marketing, and return on investment will be discussed. A highlight of this course is the use of videotapes to illustrate the various hard and soft tissue surgical procedures.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Laser Physics
Introduction to Hard Tissue Lasers
1. Laser Categories
2. Worldwide Placement of Lasers
3. Laser Wavelengths for Hard Tissue
4. Erbium Mechanism of Action
Clinical Cases Using the Erbium Laser
1. Hard Tissue Procedures
2. Advantages of the Laser vs. Air Abrasion vs. High Speed Handpieces
3. Soft Tissue Cutting and Cauterization
4. Clinical Cases: Class I through V Cavity Preparation
5. Frenectomies with the Erbium Laser
Scientific Studies of the Erbium Laser
1. Evidence Based Dentistry and the Laser
2. Medline Search
3. Clinical Trials
4. Anesthetic Regimen
5. The Rubber Dam
6. Sterilization of the Delivery System
7. The Erbium Tips
Purchasing a Laser, Marketing, and Return on Investment
1. What to look for in buying a laser
2. Buyers Guide to Lasers
3. Dentists' Perceptions
4. Public Perceptions
5. Marketing your Laser
6. Return on Investment
7. Staff Perceptions
Conclusions
OPTIONAL: HANDS-ON PORTION

UPDATE IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

"The Stainless Steel Crown Preparation Made Easy"
Stainless Steel Crowns are often utilized for the restoration of moderately to severely carious teeth. The step-by-step preparation of these teeth for stainless steel crowns will be illustrated. The modified Stainless Steel Crown: "Open-Face" technique will also be taught. The participant will have the opportunity to prepare a plastic primary molar for a stainless steel crown and learn how to adapt the crown to the prepared tooth. The cementation of stainless steel crowns will also discussed during the didactic portion of the course.

"Pulp Treatment and Techniques for Primary Teeth"
Pulpotomy and pulpectomy treatment can be used effectively for vital and non-vital anterior and posterior primary teeth. This course will teach when a pulpotomy vs. a pulpectomy is indicated. Step-by-step instructions will be taught concerning the diagnosis and treatment of primary teeth that have carious exposure vs. abscess. Simulation of the pulpotomy technique on a plastic primary molar with simulated pulp will be performed.

"The Celluloid Strip Crown: An Esthetic Technique for Primary Incisors"
This program will teach the diagnosis and treatment plan for celluloid strip crowns. The preparation of the primary incisor for the strip crown will be illustrated. The selection, preparation and placement of the strip crown will be shown. Included will be a discussion of when to use the "sandwich technique" with the strip crown for a more durable and lasting restoration. Each participant will have a model with a plastic tooth for the preparation and seating of the celluloid strip crown.

"Space Maintainers- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning"
This course will teach when a space maintainer is indicated. The proper choice of space maintainer will be taught. Various types of space maintainers including both removable and fixed will be illustrated. This course will include band seating, band removing and band cementation. A chart will be given to each participant which can be used for reference in deciding if a space maintainer is indicated for each stage in dental development. Each participant will have a model with a band for simulating band seating.

Instruments needed for Hands-on Course: Band Pusher, Band Seater, Posterior Band Remover.

Optional: Magnification Loops

Note: Models, Plastic Teeth, Burs, and Crowns will be given to each participant.

A Course Manual will be distributed to each participant.

OBESITY - HELPING OUR PATIENTS ACHIEVE TOTAL HEALTH

ABSTRACT: Unhealthy diets, lack of fitness, and obesity are serious problems in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control, the Surgeon General, and the Department of Health and Human Services are calling for action to address these problems. Behavioral and environmental factors are large contributors to overweight and obesity and provide the greatest opportunity for actions and interventions designed for prevention and treatment. This multi-media presentation is intended for dental professionals and their teams who are interested in learning about obesity-physical, social, and psychological. By learning about good nutrition and exercise we can inform and consul our patients and their families. Various demographic and ethical considerations are discussed. The MyPyramid program of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be reviewed. References are included for furthering our knowledge of the subject.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction
a. Surgeon General declares war on obesity
b. Overweight and Obesity in the USA
c. Obesity in adults
d. Obesity in children
e. What is the dentists role in fighting obesity
Obesity and Systemic Diseases
a. Heart Disease
b. Cancer
c. Diabetes
d. Stroke
e. Psychological Disorders
f. Economic Cost
Obesity and Demographic Differences
a. Racial differences
b. Men vs. Women
Etiology of Obesity
a. Caloric consumption
b. Physical activity
c. Genetics
d. Behavioral factors
e. Environmental factors
Physical Activity
a. Recommendations for Children
b. Recommendations for Adults
USDA Secretary-Ann M. Veneman
a. Her commitment to the obesity issues.
b. United Nations appointment by Kofi Annan
Early signs of obesity
a. Parents
b. Pediatricians
BMI-Body Mass Index
a. How to measure
b. What does it mean
Calorie Consumption
a. Soft drinks
b. Fast food restaurants
c. Attention to labels
d. Portion size
e. Sample Menus
MyPyramid Food Guidance System
a. Food Intake Patterns
b. Educational Framework
Key Concepts for Educators
a. Calories
b. Physical Activity
c. What is a healthy diet
d. How can these actions be implemented
e. Why the action is important for health
References