This lecture will describe the most current understanding of the use of lasers for periodontal and peri-implant therapy as well as for restorative and aesthetic periodontal tissue modifications. Questions and discussions are highly encouraged. Appropriate literature citations will also be included.

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe the concepts of both non surgical and surgical periodontal and peri-implant therapy

  Apply the role of dental lasers for initial periodontal therapy

  Understand how dental lasers are used during both restorative and aesthetic procedures where the periodontal tissue is involved

Meet the speaker:

Donald J. Coluzzi, DDS, a 1970 graduate of the USC School of Dentistry, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. He retired from general practice after 35 years and is a life member of both the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He has served as a past president of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, received its Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence and is a past editor of the Journal of Laser Dentistry. He has used dental lasers since early 1991. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. He serves as a reviewer for several journals, and is a founding associate of Laser Education International. He recently received the outstanding faculty member award from the American College of Dentists. Dr. Coluzzi has presented about lasers worldwide, co-authored three text books, and published several peer-reviewed articles and chapters in dental books.