Company Updates
Innovative Hands-On Biolase Diode Laser Training at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry General Practice Residency
By BIOLASE
The University of Alberta is one of the first Universities in Canada to own 2 Waterlase iPlus, and several Epic X TDS in their faculty. Biolase has maintained a long-term partnership with the University of Alberta School of Dentistry as a lead contributor to deploy a wide range of programs incorporating Biolase’s all tissue and soft lasers into the school’s curriculum.
Adapting today’s new virtual technology, the two were able to bring a unique hands-on training course this January to four General Practice Residents (GPR) and two faculty Oral Surgeons at the School of Dentistry for the first time.
The online and hands-on course focused on cutting, troughing and frenectomies was presented and instructed by Dr. Brad Labreque. Both Residents and Oral Surgeons were required to complete the University Laser Physics and Safety Course in addition to a Biolase diode laser course prior to the hands-on training.
Using microscope technology and Zoom video communications software, Dr. Labreque was able to share the microscope view with the trainees providing detailed instructions and feedback in real-time.
“Trainees worked in pairs with the non-operator using HVE to manage the plume. As each trainee received feedback from Dr. Labreque and achieved the intended learning objective, they would cycle to the next mic to repeat the process. The trainee would then become the plume manager as the teammates switched roles. This allowed Dr. Labreque to deliver input continuously to multiple learners in a highly time-efficient manner,” shared Dr. James Cornish, Assistant Clinical Professor Department of Dentistry.
Dr. Cornish also shared how quickly the residents and surgeons were in acclimating themselves to the nature and pace of hand movements for optimal use of the laser. “This was an advanced group of learners which greatly benefited from Dr. Labreque’s meaningful feedback and relaxed manner allowing trainees to be open-minded and receptive to his message. Dr. Labreque is truly a gifted educator and I hope to continue our efforts together to move lasers to the forefront of our clinical regimens.”
Residents were also supported on-site by the school’s consulting prosthodontist and long-term Waterlase dental laser owner, Dr. Keith Compton. “The GPRs are very keen to use and feel comfortable with lasers – they are very motivated to get further exposure to using the Epic X,” said Dr. Compton.
As universities are moving forward on adopting new technology to stay relevant and competitive with their programs, Biolase remains committed to bringing their dental laser technology into the hands of these future dentists and dental practices around the globe.
Contact Canada Biolase Representative, Jill Carlson, for more information.
Email: [email protected] | Mobile: 780.266.9541
About University of Alberta
Dental education was instituted at the University of Alberta in 1917 in the School of Dentistry under the Faculty of Medicine. The first full degree program was offered in 1923 and the first class graduated in 1927. When the school’s first dean, Dr. H.E. Bulyea, came here from Harvard University in 1917, he patterned this school’s curriculum after that of Harvard.
The school became the Faculty of Dentistry in 1944, and until 1958, this was the only dental school in Western Canada. The U of A dental faculty trained practitioners for all the western provinces, promoted dental health in the community and in the schools, and conducted research into the prevention of dental diseases, which led to the fluoridation of water in Edmonton.
In 1996, the Faculty of Dentistry merged with the Faculty of Medicine to become the U of A’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, which has achieved national and international prominence for the high quality of its teaching, research and clinical programs.
About BIOLASE
BIOLASE is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, markets, and sells laser systems in dentistry and medicine. BIOLASE’s products advance the practice of dentistry and medicine for patients and healthcare professionals. BIOLASE’s proprietary laser products incorporate approximately 259 patented and 41 patent-pending technologies designed to provide biologically and clinically superior performance with less pain and faster recovery times. BIOLASE’s innovative products provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices to deliver superior results for dentists and patients. BIOLASE’s principal products are revolutionary dental laser systems that perform a broad range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications. BIOLASE has sold over 41,500 laser systems to date in over 80 countries around the world. Laser products under development address BIOLASE’s core dental market and other adjacent medical and consumer applications.
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