FDA, ALD to host free symposium on dental lasers

FDA, ALD to host free symposium on dental lasers

By DrBicuspid Staff

November 19, 2008 -- The U.S. FDA and the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) will host a joint symposium on the uses of lasers and other light-based technologies in dentistry on December 8, 2008, at the FDA facility in Silver Spring, MD.

The symposium is designed to provide an overview on the impact that light-based technologies are having on dentistry, including how lasers and light-based technologies interact with oral tissues, the impact they presently have in the practice of dentistry and other healthcare professions, and the future potential of these technologies, according to a press release. The presenters include practicing clinicians, academicians, and researchers.

The presentations will cover the science, research, and utilization of lasers and light-based technologies in dentistry, their present uses, and the potential for additional applications in the future by dentists, dental hygienists, and other oral healthcare providers.

Research and applications for hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and related head and neck structures also will be discussed, including the use of lasers and light-based technologies in surgical, preventive, diagnostic, and potential healing applications.

This one-day symposium is free to attendees. Registration and eight hours of continuing education credit are being provided by the ALD. For more information, go towww.laserdentistry.org.

Social media are becoming vital to dentistry

Social media are becoming vital to dentistry

By Helaine Smith, DMD, MBA

November 18, 2008 -- Editor's note: Helaine Smith's column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on theDrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

During the recent ADA House of Delegates meeting, the delegates were asked how important it is for a dentist to incorporate social media into their practices.

Social media are Internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information. This is distinct from industrial media such as television, newspapers, and film. Sixty-eight percent of delegates thought it was very important for dentists to embrace social media, while 29% thought it was somewhat important. Only 3% thought not too important.

If you are reading my blog on DrBicuspid.com, you are using social media to gain information and communicate in today's world. The blogs and forums on DrBicuspid.com exemplify social media, and the hits they have generated show that dental health professionals are interested in receiving information in this format.

I have incorporated many other forms of social media into my practice over the past two years. Social media has been a useful tool to communicate, educate my patients, and open up dialogue. My blog on my Web site is geared toward educating the dental consumer. My YouTube videos are on topics such as oral cancer screening and infection control. I have two e-books, one on periodontal health and the other on dental health as it relates to overall health, since I am a firm believer that I am a "mouth physician."

Another type of social media is online social networks, such as those found on MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, and Squidoo. The popularity of these Web sites is phenomenal. MySpace had 55 million reported viewers in 2006. I am sure it is even larger now. College admission officers are looking at Facebook sites during the selection of an incoming class. This is here to stay.

Many people over the age of 30 do not understand the attraction of using online social networks. I personally do not use them as a form of communicating with my friends. But from a business standpoint I do use Squidoo, which profiles people's expertise in a niche subject -- mine being dentistry with an emphasis on cosmetics. My Squidoo page is a start for people to learn more and a tool to guide them to my Web site.

This is a paradigm shift in utilizing new ways of communicating. Being open and exploring this world are very important for having a fully rounded modern dental practice.

Business Week earlier this year stated that business people have to get on board with social media or be left behind. I agree and hope that those dentists who think social media are not important can put down their issue of the local paper and begin exploring the new world of communications and information sharing.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.

Copyright © 2008 DrBicuspid.com

Lares, Fotona extend laser distribution agreement

Lares, Fotona extend laser distribution agreement

By DrBicuspid Staff

November 18, 2008 -- Lares Research has extended its agreement with Fotona, the leading European manufacturer of all-tissue dental lasers, for an additional five years, according to the company.

Under the new agreement, Lares Research continues as the exclusive U.S. distributor of Fotona's all-tissue Er:YAG and Nd:YAG dental lasers, currently sold under the Lares laser model names PowerLase AT and PowerLase HT. The new agreement also provides for Fotona and Lares to work closely together on developing new lasers and laser clinical applications, in addition to enhancements to the existing products.

Lares Research and Fotona have worked since 2005, noted Craig Lares, president of Lares Research, in a press release.