- Technique of the Week
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Utilizing Lasers to Sculpt and Shape a Smile

NEW! DentistryToday.com now offers this quick and informative area with
video techniques from some of the top clinicians in dentistry.
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This featured Technique of the Week is led by Hugh Flax, DDS, who demonstrates how to sculpt and shape a smile using lasers. Dr. Flax discusses the benefits of lasers, namely that they provide artistic control for the dentist to create ideal flow and aesthetics for the patient. The video shows Dr. Flax sculpting the gums as he explains that learning to use a laser is similar to learning to use a handpiece; there is a learning curve, but any clinician can easily adapt to this technology.
| Hugh Flax, DDS |
![]() | Dr. Hugh Flax, an internationally known and accredited cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, simply loves cosmetic dentistry. Since graduating with honors from Emory University Dental School in 1983, achieving perfection has been his main purpose in life. He has continually attended and participated in the industry's best continuing education courses—over 100 hours a year, and he now teaches them himself. Dr. Flax built his Atlanta Cosmetic Dentistry Spa practice in 1987 with perfection in mind, bringing together health, function and natural beauty under one roof. His award-winning smiles have transformed the lives of his patients, and even turned some of them into cover models. |
TOOTHPASTE TABLETS - Archtek
Monday, 23 January 2012 18:49
Now offered in individually wrapped packets in 100-count display boxes, Archtek's Toothpaste Tablets are the perfect solution for brushing stations since they reduce mess and increase sanitation. They can also be handed out to patients as samples so they can become aware of this new unit-dose form of dentifrice. For more information, call (800) 763-8129 or visit archtekinc.com.
TASK-VISION LED GLASSES - Vision USA
Monday, 23 January 2012 18:48
Providing hands-free direct light, Task-Vision LED Glasses, available in 8 levels of magnification, feature 2 bright LEDs that focus directly on the area you are viewing and provide 50 hours of continuous use. (Lithium batteries are included.) For more information, call (800) 257-5782 or visit visionusasupplies.com.
IMPRESSION MATERIAL - DMG America
Monday, 23 January 2012 15:44
Honigum Pro is the only impression material with Directional Intelligence. This proprietary formula is engineered to find its way into tiny crevices and hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, providing unmatched accuracy. It also features a flexible working time formulation that provides the clinician with greater control prior to insertion in the mouth. For more information, call (800) 662-6383 or visit dmg-america.com.
ANTISEPTIC RINSE - Sunstar Americas
Monday, 23 January 2012 15:42
Unlike other commercial antiseptic rinses, G∙U∙M PerioShield Oral Health Rinse provides a unique, plaque-blocking technology that forms a shield to help prevent bacterial plaque from adhering to tooth and gum surfaces. This process of blocking the plaque from attaching and colonizing has been proven to help prevent and treat gingivitis. For more information, visit gumbrand.com or sunstaramericas.com.
Suzuki, Jon B.
Periodontics
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P: (215) 707-7667 Dr. Suzuki received his DDS from Loyola University (Chicago), PhD in Microbiology from the Illinois Institute of Technology, an NIH Fellowship in Immunology at the University of Washington in Seattle, a Clinical Certificate in Periodontics at the University of Maryland, and an MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business of the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Suzuki is a Fellow of both the American and International Colleges of Dentists, a Specialist Microbiologist of the American College of Microbiology, and Boarded Microbiologist of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and serves on the ICOI’s Board of Directors, Board of Examiners, and as Secretary. Dr. Suzuki has a Presidential Appointment as professor of Periodontology and Oral Implantology in the Kornberg School of Dentistry and Professor of Microbiology-Immunology in the School of Medicine at Temple University—where he also serves as the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and International Affairs as well as Director of Graduate. He is in private practice limited to periodontics and is on staff of the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Centers. He is a current member of the Dental Products Panel (Rockville, Md); is on the faculty of the US Navy, National Naval Medical Command (Bethesda, Md); and holds faculty appointments as clinical professor at the University of Maryland and as clinical professor at Maimonides University School of Medicine (Buenos, Argentina). He still servers as Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Supreme Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honorary Dental Society. He is the former Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Chief of Hospital Dentistry, UPMC-Presbyterian University Hospital. He is the immediate past chairman of the FDA, served as chairman of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, and served on the National Institutes of Health National Dental Advisory Research Council. Dr. Suzuki has published extensively in periodontology and microbiology, and authored one textbook in medical technology. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Contemporary Clinical Periodontics Periodontal Surgery for the General Practitioner, Extraction Site and Ridge Preservation: The Foundation for Dental Implants |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Jan 13 - Connecticut State Dental Association, CE Council, Plantsville, Conn
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Convissar, Robert A.
Lasers
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200 Park Ave South Suite 1414 New York, NY 10003
P: (212) 255-5730 Dr. Convissar is a pioneer in the field as one of the first dentists to incorporate lasers into general dental practice and has more than 20 years of experience with CO2, Erbium, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the International Academy of Dento-Facial Esthetics. He also has a Mastership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Convissar currently practices laser, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in New York City, where he also serves as Director of Laser Dentistry at New York Hospital, Queens. He is the author of 3 textbooks on laser dentistry and the forthcoming Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry. His peer-reviewed papers have been translated into 8 languages. An international lecturer from London to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, Dr. Convissar has delivered more than 150 laser certification courses on 5 continents. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Laser Dentistry |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Jan 23 - Georgia Academy of General Dentistry, Albany, Ga Apr 15-17 - Academy of Laser Dentistry Annual Meeting, Miami, Fla Jul 29-30 - Instituto de Tecnología Avanzada, Monterrey, Mexico Oct 22 - American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Boston, Mass |
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Deutsch, Allan S.
Endodontics
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Essential Dental Systems 89 Leuning St. South Hackensack, NJ 07606
Toll free: (888) 542-6376 As a partner in the largest endodontic practice in Manhattan, Dr. Deutsch's 35-plus years of practice experience have crafted him into one of the top authorities in endodontics. Dr. Deutsch is the executive vice president, co-director of Dental Research, and co-founder of Essential Dental Systems (EDS), a dental product manufacturing company located in South Hackensack, NJ. After much research and development, some of his patents include Flexi-Post, Ti-Core EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral. He attended Tufts University Dental School, receiving his DMD in 1973. An internship at the French and Polyclinic Hospital (1973-1974) and Endodontic specialty program (1974-1976) at Columbia University Dental School completed his postgraduate studies. He a member of the ADA, American Association of Endodontists, Academy of General Dentistry, The Dental Society of NY, First District Dental Society, Sigma Xi Research Society, Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, and the American Society of Lasers and Advanced Technologies in Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentistry. His lecture schedule has taken him to over 200 international locations. He has co-authored more than 250 articles in dentistry in various international dental journals, including Dentistry Today. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Endodontics |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| For a complete lecture schedule, please call (888) 542-6376 or visit essentialseminars.org. |
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Pick, Robert M.
Implants
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676 N. Michigan Avenue 35th Floor Chicago, IL 60611
P: (312) 274-3333 Dr. Pick received his dental degree, Certificate of Residency in Periodontics, and his Master's degree all from Northwestern University Dental School. Dr. Pick is currently engaged in full-time private practice of periodontics and implants in Chicago. He is also a member of the attending staff of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Pick is a Fellow in both the American and International Colleges of Dentists and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and a member of the OKU Honors Dental Society. Dr. Pick presents motivational and educational programs internationally on the topics of Perio-Restorative, Lasers, and Practice Management. He has published numerous articles in scientific literature and has been featured on live closed circuit TV programs at the Chicago Dental Society and at the Hinman Dental Meetings. He is an official spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Dr. Pick has frequently been featured in the broadcast and print media including Good Morning America, Fortune, Self, Wall Street Journal, Glamour, Popular Mechanics, Cosmopolitan, New York Times, Ladies Home Journal, Chicago Tribune and Sun Times, CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, CNN, and others. Dr. Pick was the recipient of the 1998 Gordon J. Christensen Outstanding Lecturer Recognition Award. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Perio-Restorative Periodontics |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Jan 28 - Ottawa Dental Society, Ottawa, ON, Canada Feb 26 - Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting (with Dr. David R. Newkirk), Chicago, Ill Apr 14 - West Suburban Dental Hygienists’ Society, Oak Brook, Ill Apr 17 - Academy of Laser Dentistry, Miami, Fla May 19 - Il Sardigna la Conferenza Dentale 2010, Sardinia, Italy May 21-22 - The American Dental Institute of Italy, Rome, Italy Jun 17 - Manus Healthcare Group, Chicago, Ill Nov 11-12 - Romanian Dental Expo: State-of-the-Art 2010, Bucharest, Romania |
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Freydberg, Barry K.
Technology
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P: (847) 567-9900 Dr. Freydberg is a 1968 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and has been in full-time practice since graduation. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists and the International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics. In 2007, Dr. Gordon Christensen appointed Dr. Freydberg as the Director of Technology at the new Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. In February 2009, the Chicago Dental Society awarded Dr. Freydberg the Gordon Christensen Lecture Recognition Award for his outstanding teaching contributions over the years. He was also a consultant to the ADA Council on Dental Practice for more than a decade. Dr. Freydberg, an active member of the Chicago Dental Society, was the 2002 Program Chairman for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, which drew more than 31,000 attendees. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Technology "Techsthetics:" Link Between Technology and Aesthetics Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Dentistry Cancer Detection Digital Photography Radiology Computers Practice Management Posterior Conservative Restorative Dentistry |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| For his complete and current lecture schedule, visit hitech2thdoc.com. |
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Shuman, Ian E.
Aesthetics
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8028 Ritchie Highway, Suite 306 Pasadena, MD 21122
Toll Free: (877) 4-SHUMAN Dr. Ian Shuman maintains a full-time general, reconstructive, and aesthetic dental practice in Pasadena, Maryland. An educator and author, he is a pioneer in developing advanced, minimally invasive techniques. He is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and member of the ADA and AAID. Dr. Shuman’s “Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Hands On Seminar Series” has one mission: to teach dental professionals current methods for creating beautiful, long lasting restorations that preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure. To have Dr. Shuman speak at your next seminar and to order educational materials online, visit the Web site ianshuman.com. Dentistry Today has recognized him as a leader in continuing education since 2005, and he was voted “Baltimore’s Best Dentist” for the past 3 years by Baltimore Magazine. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Implants Restorative Cosmetic Dentistry |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Please contact him for his complete lecture schedule. |
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Kurtzman, Gregori M.
Restorative
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3801 International Drive Suite 102 Silver Spring, MD 20906P: (301) 598-3500 Dr. Kurtzman is in private general practice in Silver Spring, Md, and is a former assistant clinical professor at the University of Maryland, department of endodontics, prosthetics, and operative dentistry. He has earned Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), American College of Dentists, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), Pierre Fauchard Academy and Academy of Dentistry International, as well as a Mastership in the AGD and ICOI and a Diplomate status in the ICOI and American Dental Implant Academy. He has lectured internationally on the topics of restorative dentistry, endodontics, implant surgery, prosthetics, removable and fixed prosthetics, and periodontics and has published more than 180 articles. He is privileged to be on the editorial board of numerous dental publications, a consultant for multiple dental companies, and a former assistant program director for a university-based implant maxi-course. He can be reached at dr_kurtzman@maryland-implants.com. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Restorative Dentistry Implant Surgery Implant Prosthetics Fixed Prosthetics Endodontics Removable Prosthetics Lab Technology New Adhesive Products Endodontic and Restorative Treatment Bipolar Electrosurgery and Dental Implants |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Jan 29 - Yankee Dental Meeting, Boston, Mass Mar 28 - Punjabi Study Club, San Jose, Calif Apr 8 - Punjabi Study Club, San Jose, Calif Apr 24 - Miami Implant Update Symposium, Miami, Fla May 30 - Punjabi Study Club, Brea, Calif |
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Hyman, Mark E.
Periodontics
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P: (336) 282-8850 Dr. Hyman is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC School of Dentistr, and holds a Mastership Award granted by the Academy of General Dentistry. He is an active faculty member at Pankey Institute for Advanced Education in Biscayne, Fla. He also serves as adjunct associate professor at the UNC School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC, where he has addressed the freshman class every fall for the past 18 years, and he has served on the surgical staff of Moses Cone Health System (Greensboro) for the past 2 decades. Dr. Hyman's dynamic approach to practice enhancement, team building, and relationship dentistry has propelled his 23-year-old Greensboro, NC, practice to among the top 1% in the nation. An internationally recognized and highly regarded speaker, he has received highest ratings at every major dental meeting throughout North America. He has been named a leader in continuing education by Dentistry Today magazine for the past 11 years, and was named Young Dentist of the Year by the North Carolina Dental Society in 1995. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Practice Enhancement Complex Treatment Planning Case Acceptance Cosmetic Dentistry Leadership Team Building Communication Skills |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Feb 5 - Puerto Rico Dental Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico Feb 26 - Virginia Academy of General Dentistry, Richmond, Va Mar 12 - UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC Apr 16 - Michigan Dental Association, Novi, Mich Apr 23-26 - Central Florida District Dental Association Bahamas Cruise May 7 - Texas Dental Association, San Antonio, Tex May 28 - Discus Dental Extravaganza, Las Vegas, Nev Jun 26 - ADA New DDS Conference, San Diego, Calif Oct 10 – ADA, Orlando, Fla Oct 18 - UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC Dec 9-10 - Wisconsin Dental Study Club, Lake Geneva, Wis |
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Glass, Richard T.
Oral Medicine
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P: (918) 561-8240 Dr. Glass is a board certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist, who for more than 40 years has treated patients clinically, including those who had cancer, AIDS, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). For more than 23 of those years, he was also the Chief Forensic Dentist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (Okla). He is presently professor of Forensic Sciences, Pathology, and Dental Medicine and adjunct professor of Microbiology at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. While he has been involved in more than 4,000 medical-legal cases in his career, he is probably best known for directing the dental team that identified the 167 bodies in the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. He has recently had a textbook published, entitled Practical Forensic Dentistry to aid dental personnel with this aspect of their practice. His published research in transmission of both oral and systemic diseases by toothbrushes, toothpaste, toothpicks, floss, dentures, make-up, contact lenses, protective athletic mouth-guards, and band musical instruments has lead to important changes in use and care of these devices. He has also published studies on HIV/AIDS and CFS. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Forensic Dentistry Forensic Dentistry in Mass Disasters Forensic Dentistry Response to Bioterrorism Disease Transmission by Dental Means AIDS, Hepatitis, and the Dental Patient Your Heart, Your Toothbrush, Your Denture—Even Your Athletic Mouthguard—Are They Related in Disease? And What About Anthrax and What About Exercised-Induced Asthma? The Forensic Dentistry Side of Your Practice |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Mar 13 - Ontario Dental Association, Toronto Convention Center, Toronto, Canada |
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Sangrik, Larry J.
Medical Emergencies
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401 South St. Ste 3B1 Chardon, OH 44024
P: (440) 286-7138 Dr. Sangrik, a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, completed the intravenous sedation program at Miami Valley Hospital of Dayton, Ohio, and a comprehensive externship at the Midwest Implant Institute. He maintains a full-time general practice in Chardon, Ohio, with an emphasis on the treatment of apprehensive patients with IV sedation. He lectures at most of the nation’s leading meetings on the techniques to deal with apprehensive dental patients and how to respond to medical emergencies in the dental office. His article, “Understanding Dental Fear” appeared in the January 2008 issue of Dentistry Today. |
| Lecture Topics: |
| Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office Dental Fear Nitrous Oxide Sedation Monitoring Vital Sign |
| 2010 Lecture Highlights: |
| Jan 29-30 - Yankee Dental Congress, Boston, Mass Feb 19 - University of Mississippi, Jackson, Miss May - North Coast Spring Meeting, Cleveland, Ohio September - Ohio Dental Association Annual Session, Columbus, Ohio November - Chicago Dental Society, Chicago, Ill |
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