All the news you need to stay current with ALD activities.

Winter 2016 Issue
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Ed Kusek, DDS
chairCOMMUNICATIONS CHAIR CORNER - FINAL REMARKS
By Dr. Ed Kusek, Communications Chair

When I accepted the Communication Chair's position, my goal was to improve the messages to our members about the organization. I felt that ALD needed to improve communication to members and share ALD's activities within the laser dentistry profession and get members more involved. Many improvements to reach this goal were made to the format of the newsletter. 

I have taken Lightwaves from electronic case reports to who, what, and where things are happening for Academy of Laser Dentistry. The Q and A serves to inform members of past presidents and their contributions to ALD and the laser profession. They are members who gave an incredible amount of time, money and effort to make our organization what it is today. Speaking of time and effort, our Executive Director, Gail Siminovsky, falls into this category. We are lucky to have Gail lead us in the day-to-day journey of ALD. My hope is that many of you will get to know her and work with her to lead ALD, which means stepping up to volunteer positions within the organization. The story with "Light at the End of the Tunnel," was inspired by a similar series by Academy of General Dentistry. After being in practice, you forget some of the excitement, fear, insecurity and hope that goes with the long days of dental school. I also arranged dental school Lunch-n-Learn sessions as a bridge to introduce laser information to dental students.  This simple effort enables us to teach these dental students about laser basics, in a fun and engaging lunch session, sponsored by the ALD. Laser Lunch-n-Learn sessions provide education for a sector of dentistry that in most schools is not taught, introduces ALD as a membership organization to students early in their career and demonstrates ALD's educational role in dentistry. ALD provides 1-year membership to all students who participate in Lunch-n-Learn sessions. If you would like to hold a session at your alma matter or any dental school, please reach out to Gail or me and we will provide guidance on organizing a session.

This is my last issue as editor of Lightwaves. I have included the lawsuit by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) vs. Texas Board of Dental Examiners, just settled in Texas. This is the third lawsuit that AAID has won against state boards of California and Florida to enable their credential members to advertise such "specialty", even though this is not a "specialty" according to the ADA's guidelines. Along with the AAID, the plaintiff organizations included the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists (ASDA), the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), and the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP). What does this mean? The American Dental Association (ADA) most probably will not be the governing agency to dictate what is a specialty of dentistry. Specialty status has become a turf war of existing specialties to limit what the public sees as an  expert in that particular field. What is in store in the coming months is a new governing agency to allow "specialty status." That is what is now called the American Dental Board of Specialties. They will grandfather the existing specialties into membership and add implant, anesthesia, cosmetic and pain management into this group. Some of you will say, how can this be so and how does that effect the ALD? The greed and politics of a number of the specialties has caused this situation. All of the associations mentioned in the lawsuits have applied for specialty status and have had been rejected by the ADA, even though each has educational requirements that mimic the rest of the specialties of the ADA. This change is needed to protect the public from those that advertise to have the correct education to treat patients in such sectors of dentistry and those that have not had the university education, yet do have special training tested by peers in associations with bona fide credentialing programs. This is one of the inherent reasons for the existence of associations, groups of people gathering formally to benefit society. This will push dental schools to increase education in the graduate level, to train students in these specialties, thus raising the bar for training and thus protecting the public from "cowboys/girls" of dentistry.

The ALD will not qualify for a specialty under this organization as it is an organization dedicated to an instrument. The ALD may gain sub-specialty status, if and only if, ALD pursues to gain a consistent training and testing that is psychometric analyzed to be fair and just. ALD is on the path to do just that. If ALD fails to complete this task in the next few years, it may become a non-vital organization as the sections of dentistry will re-align. This is my opinion, and the opinion of many members from the organizations included in the lawsuit. I will continue to be involved in ALD and work to move it forward, specifically in the area of certification testing. As a father to a dental student, I want to train my son to be the best dentist, to complete treatment in anesthesia, cosmetics, implant dentistry and other areas in dentistry, which includes lasers. Learning dentistry begins the day after your graduation. The day you stop learning new things in dentistry, is the time to quit. As laser dentists, we are on the cutting edge of technology, but let us not rest in our past. The ALD is positioned to serve society with means for dentists and hygienists to be credentialed with laser education. This goal is inherent in our mission.

I hope you have enjoyed the effort put forth by me and hope our new editor will push you to pursue more education, training, volunteerism and camaraderie with our organization. I look forward to continuing my service to ALD for many years to come.
PresidentPRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Dr. John Graeber

An anonymous poem, reprinted from the December issue of the Brookline Elks Lodge No. 886 newsletter, and adapted for the Academy of Laser Dentistry
 
Are you an active member, the kind that would be missed?
The Academy is an organization of out-of-the-box thinkers who learn from each other.
 
Or are you just content your name is on the list?
What good does it do for your patients unless they positively benefit from you learning more about lasers?
 
Do you attend the meetings, and mingle with the flock?
Meet colleagues from all over the world at the Academy meetings and events.
 
Or do you stay at home, to criticize and knock?
We are primarily a Volunteer-led organization; how about you volunteering too- many hands make light work!
 
Do you take an active part, to help the work along?
There are a lot of little projects which a few people just can't get to, like editing videos for inclusion on our website or writing an article about an interesting case for LIghtwaves or the ALD Journal.
 
Or are you satisfied to only just belong?
         You will only receive what you put into it!
 
Do you work with the committees, get right in and mix?
We welcome committee members (there are about 20 of them) covering all aspects of Laser activities
 
Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the "cliques?"
Everyone is most welcome - you just might be working alongside a new mentor or mentee!
 
Think this over, member, you know right from wrong! Amen.
 
Are you an active member or do you just belong?
Gail
EDEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
By Gail Siminovsky, CAE

Orlando - Where Magic Happens!
Connect. Learn. Lead with Lasers.

Are you registered for Orlando and ALD's 23rd Annual Conference? Are you Riding the Wavelengths into the Future? Whether a member, a speaker, already a registered attendee or an exhibitor, you are making magic happen by propelling dentistry forward.

Reward yourself and your team. Make Magic Happen in Orlando from April 14-16, 2016. Plan the fun and balance it with all the laser education offered. Here's why: 





Book Disney Multi-Day Tickets, Tour Information or Planning Ideas. 



Once a year, we bring everything together that you need to improve your knowledge, the quality of care you provide, and ways to grow in your profession that you simply can't get anywhere else.

For 16 years, I have had the pleasure of serving as Executive Director of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and have planned 16 of our 23 meetings. Each year, ALD strives to plan a meeting that surpasses the previous year. We realize the value of your time and strive to provide exceptional education in a collegial welcoming space. This year over 60 speakers will share their laser knowledge in Orlando - where magic happens!

Everyone is friendly and willing to share. Everyone is making a contribution to dentistry and to improved patient care. That's a unique quality and speaks volumes about our organization. Together and individually, we are sharing knowledge and gaining experience in the application of lasers in dentistry.

I invite you to the Caribe Royale Orlando to embrace your commitment to dental laser education. Register and come play and learn with us.  Our meeting is planned from the perspective of how we would want to spend our time, and our promise to you - your time will be well spent.

Make ALD your annual place for lasers in dentistry in Orlando, April 14-16. Plans are already in the works for ALD's 24th Conference and Exhibition, April 6-8, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona.

It is my pleasure to serve as your Executive Director for an organization in dentistry that gives back their time and knowledge just because they want to.

See you in Orlando! You simply must go!
Article1
MEET THE NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS
By Ed Kusek
 
In November, ALD's Nominating Committee, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gabi Kesler, nominated 4 members for ALD board service:  Dr. Walid Altayeb, Dr. James Carreiro, Dr. Rishita Jaju and Dr. Gerald Ross. Dr. Jaju is completing two years of service and is nominated for a 3 year term. Let's get to know our newest nominees:  Dr. Altayeb, Dr. Carreiro and Dr. Ross.

Dr. Walid Altayeb, DDS, MScD, PhD  
Doha, Qatar
I received my dental degree in 1998 from the Faculty of Dentistry at Damascus University. I completed my high studies diploma in Periodontics in 2001, Master of Science in Periodontics in 2004, and Doctorate of Philosophy PhD in Periodontics in 2007. I have been working as lecturer in the department of Periodontics, Damascus University. I achieved an advanced level of knowledge about the application of lasers in dental science and patient treatment with the Academy of Laser Dentistry Ad
vanced Proficiency certificate in Er:YAG 2940nm in 2014, and received ALD Mastership in 2015. I established the Qatar Laser Club in 2014, and we are going to expand it as Gulf Laser Chapter, which will spread the vision of ALD in 6 Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE).  ALD is now the most active laser organization in Qatar, and I promise to achieve the same results in other Middle East countries in the near future. I have built a wide network with dental organizations in the Gulf countries, and this network will be the base of future growth of ALD in these countries. I have been working in continuous dental education since 2006, and have organized many dental educational programs in the field of cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and laser dentistry in Qatar and UAE.  For the past two years, I have organized two SP certification courses in Qatar (a small country with less than 1000 active dentists), which lead to the enrollment of approximately 50 new SP certified members in ALD.
 
What type of dentistry do you practice?
I have a private dental practice as a periodontist, and I am a speaker at the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry (BAIRD) in the fields of periodontal plastic surgery and laser dentistry.
 
How did you became involved with lasers?  
My desire to study laser dentistry stemmed from the realization that not only does a laser have the ability to improve the mouth aesthetically and ensure people feel more confident, but a dentist can also alleviate pain and make a huge difference to the quality of life of a patient. I began to explore the world of laser dentistry 8 years ago. I am interested in using the latest, scientifically proven laser technologies so that I can obtain and maintain optimal oral health for my patients. Dental lasers have added many advantages to my career, and have improved my skill and treatment results, while enhancing my patients' convenience and comfort.
 
How has lasers changed your practice of dentistry?
Lasers are as innovative as it gets, and they have helped me work with my patients more efficiently and effectively. Lasers have made the complicated cases simpler.  My practice has become more advanced since I started using lasers; they are the future of dentistry.
 
What are your goals for the future of ALD?
My first goal for the future of the Academy of Laser Dentistry is international expansion. I think that the benefit of growing often far outweighs the risks and challenges. An international conference would be a great project to pursue in the next 2 years. "Think globally, act locally" is a quote I first heard in an ALD international welcome meeting in 2011. A second goal is to enhance the educational programs of ALD by adding specific advanced short courses. Thirdly, I would like to pursue collaboration with universities. Universities offer great promise, since they allow access to an enormous global pool of talent and skills, which can attract new members. Creating an academic program with Universities would be a milestone for the ALD in future.

Do you have any closing thoughts?
Finally, becoming part of the ALD Board will help me acquire innovative skills, initiatives, and opportunities for my full-time work.  I feel excited about this opportunity, as it will allow me not only to give back to the ALD, but it will also help me gain new proficiency.  I hope that I help spread the ALD vision in my region. This will improve the skills of my colleagues in our region, which will reflect, at the end of the day, on the quality of patient care we provide.
 
Dr. James s Carreiro
Largo, Florida
I received my Bachelor of Science, Biology at Fordham University, and my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Boston University College of Dental Medicine. I have achieved Standard Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency parts 1 & 2, Fellowship from the Academy of Laser Dentistry and Fellowship from the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI).  Currently, I am a co-Chair on the Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarship Committee. I served as an examiner for Standard Proficiency Clinical Simulation exam at ALD 2015, and assisted as an instructor for the Standard Proficiency course given in Orlando, FL in October, 2015. I have presented a Lasers in Dentistry lecture series at the University of Florida, Dental Residency Program in Seminole, FL. I am an instructor in Lasers in Periodontics courses at the University of Florida College of Dentistry Department of Continuing Education in Gainesville, FL, and at the World Clinical Laser Institute Laser Periodontal programs.  I am also an educator for Biolase Corporation.  I serve as a volunteer dentist for the Homeless Emergency Project and Isaiah's Inn, Clearwater, FL. I have a general dentistry practice, which incorporates lasers into almost every aspect of patient care.              
 
How did you became involved with lasers?  
My involvement with lasers started when I attended a periodontal symposium for general dentists at the University of Florida with Dr. Sam Low in 2006.  Attendees were introduced to the benefits of various laser wavelengths in treating periodontics.  I investigated various lasers that would be suitable for our practice, purchased one, and started attending training courses where course attendees were introduced to the benefits of various laser wavelengths in treating periodontics.  We now have a Diode, CO2, and Erbium wavelengths in the practice.  I joined the Academy of Laser Dentistry
in 2007 and started attending the ALD annual conferences.  It was there that I realized the full potential of various laser wavelengths, gained additional training, and became involved in the organization.

How has lasers changed your practice of dentistry?
Lasers have definitely improved our practice care and variety of services offered.  We are now able to offer a more minimally invasive approach in our restorative procedures and have the technology to manage our periodontal patients with updated, proven treatment protocols.  From a marketing aspect, we are finding more patients, old and young, who are attracted to our technology.  Even though we are in an area with a high concentration of dentists with some who have added lasers to their approach, we are one of the few offices that have ALD certification and advanced training.

What are your goals for the future of ALD?  
My future goals are to continue to help grow membership by developing affiliations with dental schools and other professional organizations.  I also hope to develop close relationships with the ALD and laser manufacturers that can lead to more uniform training programs for dental personnel.

Do you have any closing thoughts?
This nomination to the ALD Board is a tremendous personal honor that comes with great responsibility.  I have great respect for the past and current leadership. 
 
Dr. Gerald Ross
Ontario, Canada
I received my dental degree from the University of Toronto in 1971. Since that time, I have carried on a General Practice in Tottenham, Ontario, a small town 45 minutes north of Toronto. Throughout my career, I have been a lifelong student always trying to better myself, and currently spend considerable time treating facial pain on a referral basis. I purchased my first laser in 1992 and have been an ALD member since the academy was formed. I acquired a low level laser in 1993, bringing Photobiomodulation (PBM) to dentistry and learning about it has been my passion since 1993.

How have lasers changed your practice of dentistry?
I could not imagine practicing dentistry without my lasers; they are there whenever
needed and I usually use lasers on every 2nd patient on average, so about ˝ of the patients I see in any given day may have lasers used in the treatment.
 
Why are you interested in serving on the ALD Board?
I have a long history of volunteering in organizations.  In addition to practicing dentistry, I have been heavily involved in organized dentistry, as well as my community. I have served three different 2-year terms as president of my local dental society and have served on their executive committee and performed many roles locally. In addition, I spent 6 years on the General Council of the Ontario Dental Association and 4 years on their Board of Directors, also chairing 2 committees. Locally, I was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 30 years and was President 1996-1998.
 
What are your goals for the future of ALD?  
My goals on coming to the ALD board are to work with the Board to continue the fine work that they are doing. I have been a member since inception and have noticed in the recent years the ALD has worked very hard at being open and inclusive. I praise the current leadership, and am looking forward to working with them. I hope with my past experience with previous organizations that I too can contribute to improving the success and work of ALD. I think ALD is raising the bar and setting a fine example of making laser dentistry evidence-based and will hopefully soon be part of the curriculum in all dental schools.  
 
Do you have any closing thoughts?
I am humbled by the nomination from my peers and look forward to leading together for the betterment of dentistry.
Article2GET TO KNOW DR. JANET RICE
An interview with ALD's first Woman President 2004-2005
 
What has been your involvement in ALD?
I started using lasers in early 1993 and joined the ALD right away and received my Standard proficiency in New York City in early 1993. I started photographing my cases and preparing for the Advanced Proficiency in Houston, Texas in 1994. I was like a sponge and wanted to know everything about lasers. ALD staff were there for me and all the members were so giving in their knowledge. I was hooked after the first meeting I attended. In 1996, at the 3rd Annual ALD meeting in New Orleans, I presented my cases in a lecture titled, "Laser Assisted Periodontal and Implant Surgery"; two procedures that I "envisioned" lasers could be used for before I ever knew anyone that was utilizing lasers for those procedures. It was at this meeting that Dr. Bill Siminovsky asked me, on behalf of the Board of Directors, to become a Board member. I was President Elect of the American Association of Women Dentists at the time. And I was a Past President of my local Rotary Club, so I felt that I had the leadership qualities ALD needed. So I accepted. 

How did you get involved with ALD?
I just started by getting my Standard and Advanced Proficiency and then I was asked to present and publish my case studies and then asked to join the Board. After serving on the Board for several years, I was asked to be on the track for President. I am proud to say I was the first woman President. It was really an honor. The dedication and commitment of the Board of Directors and the ALD director, Gail Siminovsky, was inspiring. I could not have worked with a better group of people; lots of passion for getting the organization to the level of becoming "The Source for Dental Laser Education". I am very proud of how far the organization has grown. I think the turning point was my year as President, when I nominated Dr. Don Patthoff as editor of the Journal of Laser Dentistry. He was instrumental in moving the newsletter style publication into the Journal we see today. He was also instrumental in bringing American College Ethics to the Academy. Before that, we were influenced by laser companies. After, we stood on our feet and truly became The Source of unbiased laser education. No other laser group in the world has achieved that. 
 
What value does ALD give to membership?
The greatest value is the educational opportunity, the mentorship and one-on-one training to achieve certification is second to none. The ALD Annual Meeting is chock full of courses and certification levels.However, I found that the greatest advantage to me, as a practicing dentist, was the camaraderie with fellow members, the invaluable teaching and the validation that I was using lasers ethically and correctly. 
 
Where do you see ALD involvement with laser education of dental clinicians and public?
I believe the ALD is the number one source for education and training on lasers in dentistry. ALD has established itself as unbiased and not company driven. Although, many companies support ALD, and without that corporate support, particularly in the beginning, ALD would not exist. As far as the public is concerned, they do not know us and that should be the next focus. 
 
What excites you about laser dentistry?
I use lasers every day, but not just when I happen to be doing implant or periodontal surgery, but also when I am doing everyday bread and butter dentistry. I use it for laser sulcular development (LSD) a term I coined in a lecture many years ago but it did not get the same notoriety as troughing. I hated that word. I have the CEREC machine and you need to use a laser for the best digital impressions! Also, my 3 favorite procedures using my Er:YAG laser for everyday are retreading (my own term again) the incisal edges of anterior teeth, which is a fast, painless and most profitable procedure;  the removal of existing composites without anesthesia and; the most under treated area, abfractions.

I must also talk about my latest use of lasers, releasing tongue and lip ties in infants to aid in nursing. I have an adult practice and I was not receptive to the first call from a local lactation nurse but when I could not find a pedodontist willing to see infants, I decided to treat them. I remembered Dr. Bill Siminovsky did the first published laser frenectomy on a new born in the early 90's. And I had attended Dr. Larry Kotlow's lectures later that demonstrated the technique. Dr. Kotlow has the best videos and information currently available on his website. So after 2 ˝, years I have treated over 150 babies. This has been life changing for me. I cannot tell you the immediate gratification for all involved. As a mother, I struggled with breast feeding, so naturally, I feel that this service is the most rewarding. I could not practice dentistry if not for my Er:YAG, 980nm Diode and CO2 lasers. Get educated and get excited. 
 
Any final comments to the membership? 
My practice is a very busy crown and bridge practice that I inherited from my father and my first mentor, Dr. Ed Hatcher. He was a pioneer in dentistry, placing his first implant in 1968 under the teaching guidelines of Dr. Linkow of New York City. Those were the blade implants and many have survived and I still see in my practice today. When I was ready to place implants in 1989, I took many courses and studied under many top names. It was shortly after this juncture that I read in the ADA Journal that Dr. Terry Myers was utilizing lasers in his practice. Immediately I could see how they could benefit my practice and patients, particularly in the area of implants. In fact, I was one of the first to document flapless implant placement and uncovering. Something many people told me should not be done. Now, everyone is doing flapless! The progression for me was one of learning as much as I could, and one thing lead to another and I have never looked back. So I want to encourage all of the members to think beyond the limited education of dental school. See the possibilities and treat your patients like you would want to be treated. Let's keep the ball rolling. It is up to you new members to carry the torch. 
Article3ALD INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2016 EARLY ROUND UP
By Dr. Arun Darbar

The activities in the ALD's international arenas have just started to take on great momentum. Thanks to the loyalty and commitment to ALD by all of our international members, we plan to expand our international study clubs.
 
The Qatar Affiliate study club has recently been granted a regional ALD chapter status. This chapter incorporates the Middle East Gulf states. Education is the main stay of these associations, and ALD SP courses have now been extended into Dubai and Bahrain as well. They will be followed by Qatar's SP course, together with possibly AP1 and AP2 examinations later in the year.
 
Top: ALD ASC Official recognition of collaboration with (l to r) Dr. Raminta Mastis Dr. Noemi Pato, Dr. Judith Yap and Dr. Arun Darbar.
Bottom: Alumni Day "Live Clinical hands-on session"
This past November, the Education and Certification committee co-chairs responded to an email for help from the Philippines and provided a 3-day Intro to the Laser Dentistry course with a hands-on workshop there in late November, 2015. The initiative in the Philippines was lead by ALD members, Dr. Noemi Pato and Dr. Judith Yap, to establish the first Laser Dentistry Center in the Philippines. A presentation by the course speakers, Dr. Arun Darbar and Dr. Raminta Mastis, to the hospital faculty and medical directors prior to the intro course, resulted in a collaboration with a leading government hospital and confirmed a laser dentistry centre. This lead to the formation of our newest Affiliate Study Club in the Philippines. All the hard work by Dr. Noemi Pato and Dr. Judith Yap has paid off and I would like us all to welcome them to our laser family as co-chairs of the Philippine ALD ASC.
 
The energy of these remarkable individuals lead to a second course in late February in the East Avenue Medical Centre Hospital Laser Dentistry Centre. A four-day event included one- day of intermediate level hands-on with a clinical case live workshop for the alumni from the first course, followed by another three-day Intro course for a new batch of participants.  Also, an opportunity was gained to meet with the dean of the National University Dental School (the top of 7 dental schools in Metro Manila) when we were able to fix an idle Er,Cr:YSGG laser in their clinical auditorium. Several members of this newly formed affiliate study club will be at our annual meeting in Orlando.
 
2016 has had a really super start for ALD representation internationally, starting in early February in Dubai, followed by the Philippines, early March in Egypt, ASLMS in Boston in late March, along with Dubai and Bahrain, Canada and finally April in Orlando. There has also been interest in ALD collaborations from Iran, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt and Israel.
 
A special international relations meeting has been scheduled for the 2016 annual session in Orlando to prepare for all these interests and the formation of an adhoc committee for the ALD 25th anniversary celebrations with an International conference in 2018. Early counts for the upcoming 2016 conference reflected nearly 25% of all registrants to be international attendees, and this could rise in the coming months.  ALD international is on the move and we are in the first quarter of the year and looking good.
 
I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our members for their continued support and friendship in helping spread the light of laser dentistry across the globe.

Radiant energy and enthusiasm in the Philippines!
AKusek
Article4LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
By Alex Kusek, Student at University of Nebraska

Being able to document my progress and struggles through dental school has continually humbled me. It allows me to look back and see how much I've grown, not only as a future clinician, but also as a person. I am reminded of my very first patient and how tentative and unsure of myself I was. I am reminded of struggling through a class for the first time in my life. I am also reminded of writing my personal statement for dental school applications and realizing why I wanted to be a dentist. I remember being interviewed at the school I currently attend and being quizzed about three traits I gave myself in my personal statement; they asked why I would presume these traits to be "ideal" for a dentist. While I may not have had a good answer for them that day, I am confident that I can explain why those traits have helped me succeed in dental school. The three traits included in my personal statement were being attentive, adaptable and personable.  These traits have even more meaning to me today than when I started this journey. 

Just as in life, as a dentist there are going to be good days and bad, highs and lows. Something that I shared with someone close to me, who was struggling in their own way was, "It is the highs in life that make the lows worth dealing with and living through". It fills me with a sense of motivation to keep moving. Early on in my dental education, I admit that the ratio of lows to highs was unpleasant and stressful. As I continue to move forward in my dental education, I am humbled again in the sense that I am exponentially increasing, not only my skill and abilities, but the efficiency in performing procedures. Not only is it rewarding to get a clinically good results when dealing with esthetics and function, but also gaining praise from a patient and have them trust you as an experienced clinician. These are exactly the highs that make life as a dentist so wonderful. 

However, I do believe, especially as students, we must not rest on our laurels; we must never allow ourselves to fall back into the lows of lacking proper knowledge and skill. The advancements that are constantly being made in dentistry and medicine make it essential to keep evolving and learning new materials and techniques. It is my hope that this encourages me to continually motivate myself as a young dental student. Clinically, it is crucial that I use every patient as an opportunity to learn. I would like to leave dental school with something more than a basic knowledge of how to practice dentistry and a pocketful of debt. Many of our faculty are tremendous clinicians and can demonstrate how to achieve the same result more quickly, with more predictability, and more longevity. In the next few months, I will have the opportunity to attend the Chicago Midwinter and ALD Annual Conference. These conferences offer the opportunity to further my education and learn how experts in the field achieve the results they do. I was lucky enough to attend my first hands-on CE course before I was even in dental school, and although my understanding was limited, I feverishly took notes as if any fact gained could make me a better dentist than the person next to me. Although I have many goals in life and in dentistry,one of them is to always have that same drive of a clueless 22 year old.
CEUPCOMING CE COURSES
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