Profile of a Laser Dentist

Years in practice: 20

Number of operatories: 3

Number of Hygienists: 1

Staff Members: 6

Insurance accepted? Yes

How many lasers do you have? 3

Type of Lasers: Biolase Waterlase, Biolase LaserSmile and KaVo Diagnodent

When did you purchase? Dec. 2001

Why did you purchase a laser? I just wanted to have the best dentistry currently had to offer and a laser that could cut both hard and soft tissues seemed very intriguing.

Procedure(s) you started doing with your laser: I began using my laser to do some Class IIs and then some Class Vs. Once I got comfortable with those, I started doing Class Is and now I even do crown preps and porcelain veneers with my laser.

What kind of training did you receive before using the laser? I initially took the training class offered by Biolase at their Dana Point Laser Seminar.

How long did it take you to ‘come up to speed’ using your laser vs conventional equipment? Well, my goal is to have a “drilless” practice, so I came up to speed fairly quickly, maybe in about six weeks. I learned quickly because I use the laser for EVERYTHING I can. At least 90% of all my procedures are done with the laser.

What was the best training class/seminar you have attended? The World Clinical Laser Institute meetings in Nice, France, and Dana Point, California by far. Also, developing a personal relationship with other laser dentists, like Dr. Stu Rosenberg, has helped to shorten my learning curve tremendously. I never could have achieved my current proficiency without interaction with other dentists.

How did your staff react to the new laser in the office? At first, they were really against it, but after a week, they couldn’t believe what this thing can do. They insist I use it as much as possible now...quite a change from the beginning I must say!

How did your patients react to the laser? No shots, no drill, no aftereffects of the anesthetic...they absolutely love it and talk about it all the time! Because of all the recent media coverage about lasers, the thought of the latest technology in our office was a major plus for them. They tell everyone about it.

Did you market your laser to patients? Actually, we have never ‘actively’ advertised our lasers. We did receive visits from two television stations in our area who came out and did news stories on us. We also had some radio interviews and even our hometown newspaper has run a few features on our practice. I feel like a celebrity!

Did you finance your purchase? Yes

What was the hardest thing to master with your laser? Learning when to NOT use it! Seriously, I really love using it for EVERYTHING! It’s hard to figure out when it would be better to use a handpiece. Secondly, mastering the “learning curve” by understanding the lasers’ properties, how to “anesthetize” a tooth, how to vary the ablation rates, and how to use the different power, air, and water settings effectively at first.

What would you tell a group of non-laser users to encourage them to ‘take the plunge’ into laser dentistry? DON’T wait, the technology is HERE. With regular use, the learning curve gets shallower, and this wonderful modality of treatment is not only the best thing for the individual tooth, but also your patients, AND of course your bottom line. You can do more procedures, in much less time, without changing your fee schedule. I have had to anesthetize only seven patients since December of 2001. It’s a no brainer, a win-win situation for everyone involved. Contact me, I will be happy to share my experiences with you and I know that Stu Rosenberg will also share his incredible knowledge.

You should really visit the DentalTown message boards and check out all the posts on laser dentistry. You will learn so much there and you’ll also be able to connect with other laser users.

If you don’t get ‘on board’ soon you will be left behind!

Mark Colonna, DDS
General Practice
The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, PC
6516 Hwy 93 S
Whitefish, MT
406-862-1010
Townie Name: mcolonna
Email: doc@whitefishdental.com
www.whitefishdental.com