Agenda:
Breakfast & registration – 7:30 a.m.
General Session Lecture – 8:00 a.m.
Lunch – 12:00 p.m.
General Session Lecture – 1:00 p.m.
Dismissal – 4:00 p.m.
Tuition Cost:
$0 Complimentary Tuition
*Includes Breakfast & Lunch
CE: 6 Lecture CE Credits
CE Code: 4 CE 135, 2 CE 430
Prerequisite: None
General Session #1
Title: Diabetes, Oral Health, and Lasers
Course #1 Description: The CDC estimates that roughly 37.3 million of the US population are diabetic. As a chronic disease, it significantly impacts various aspects of general health, including oral health. The most common challenges to face are delayed healing, persistent gum inflammation, fast advancing periodontal pockets and bone loss, burning mouth syndrome, taste disturbances, oral candidiasis etc. This course will look into diabetes and its effects on oral health, especially periodontal diseases, as well as what dental professionals should know about the disease and how to manage their patients using the newest laser technologies. The course provides evidence-based core knowledge in the use of lasers in dentistry, as well as some advanced skills and competencies regarding treatment of specific oral problems in diabetic patients. Emphasis is placed on integrating this course into the ongoing clinical practice.
Theoretical Session:
Part 1:
• Diabetes and its systemic complications
• Oral manifestations of diabetes
• Effects of diabetic medications on oral health and treatment
• Diabetic emergencies in the dental office
• Challenges to dental and periodontal treatment of diabetic patients
Part 2:
• Laser terminology, basic physics, parameters, and laser safety
• Lasers Overview
Part 3:
• Laser-assisted therapy of diabetic patients – non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy,
treatment of peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis, therapy of different oral mucosal lesions and
BMS, photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation (PBM).
Practical Session:
Training related to theory:
• Er:YAG and diode laser procedures on extracted teeth, soft tissue and bone (animal jaws) and
typodonts (including debridement and disinfection of implant surface)
Course #1 Objectives:
- Briefly review diabetes and its oral manifestations.
- Review the challenges to dental and periodontal treatment.
- Understand the basics of laser physics, operating parameters, and how different laser wavelengths interact with various target tissues.
- Understand the indications and advantages of Dental Lasers applications for treatment of diabetic patients in comparison to the conventional methods.
Meet the Instructor: Georgi Tomov, DD, PhD, MSc
Dr. Tomov is a Professor at the Department of Healthcare and Social Work, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria and Vice-President of the International Society for Laser Dentistry (https://isldlaser.
com/about/). He got his Master degree in Dental Medicine with Magna cum laude honors from the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria (2004). He received his PhD at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Plovdiv in 2009. Georgi Tomov holds two specialties – endodontics (2008) and periodontology (2019). He was appointed Professor (2012) and later Chairman of the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, MU-Plovdiv (2020-2024). Prof. Tomov also presides the Bulgarian Dental Laser Association.
General Session #2
Course #2 Title: Clinical Pearls for Treating Patients with Special Needs
Course #2 Description: In this session, attendees will gain a better understanding of effective communication with children, particularly those with special needs, while also learning how and when to transition or refer patients to the appropriate dental provider as they age. This presentation will also explore the important two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health, with special attention to the unique challenges faced by patients with special needs. Managing diabetes and oral health together can significantly improve a patient’s overall health and quality of life. For these patients, early intervention, compassionate care, and strong collaboration between medical and dental teams are essential for long-term success.
Course #2 Objectives:
- Create a positive and calm environment that helps both children and parents feel comfortable with treatment.
- Understand how early dental experiences influence a child’s long-term perception of dental care.
- Apply practical communication techniques when working with children, including those with special needs.
- Help patients and parents better understand treatment recommendations and feel confident moving forward.
- Prepare children to successfully transition from pediatric dentistry to a general dentist as they grow.
- Use techniques that help both children and adults feel comfortable receiving treatment in the dental office.
- Build patient confidence so more care can be completed safely in the dental office rather than in a hospital setting.
Meet the Instructors: Paul A. Kennedy, III, MS, DDS
With over 20 years of experience in practice management software and digital technologies, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the dental industry. A seasoned entrepreneur, he has co-founded multiple companies, including Five Lakes Professional Dental Solutions, Med Pro Technologies, a dental high-tech distributorship, and his latest venture, MCS Infection Control Solutions. Paul’s transition into long-term infection control reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing safety and efficiency in dental practices.
Meet the Instructors: Jordan Patrick Pirtle, DDS
Dr. Pirtle is a dedicated Prosthodontist who believes in providing every patient with personal attention and exceptional care. His approach focuses on creating a comfortable environment where patients
feel heard and understood. By taking the time to educate, clearly explain treatment options, and address individual concerns and anxieties, Dr. Pirtle ensures each patient feels confident in their care
and treatment plan.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pirtle has devoted his work to caring for patients with special needs, demonstrating a deep commitment to compassionate, individualized treatment for those who require
extra understanding, patience, and support.
Dr. Pirtle has advanced training in comprehensive adult dental care, including: Veneers, crowns, bridges, and denture restorations. Treatment for special needs patients and In-office conscious sedation.
Outpatient hospital dentistry for severely apprehensive adults and the Rio Grande Valley special needs adult population.
Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Dr. Pirtle completed his Prosthodontics specialty training at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His expertise includes crowns, implants, veneers,
and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Pirtle is honored to serve his community and is a past President of the Rio Grande Valley Dental Society
Meet the Instructors: Sima Habrawi, DDS
Dr. Sima Habrawi is committed to providing exceptional patient care while advocating for autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. With a strong foundation in general dentistry from both the UAE
and the US, she strives to create an inclusive dental environment that supports the unique needs of every patient.
As an advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum, her work focuses on ensuring that dental experiences are positive, supportive, and accommodating. She is dedicated to raising awareness within
the dental community about the importance of tailored communication, sensory-considerate care, and specialized support for neurodiverse patients. Her leadership experience includes serving as
Director of Research for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry from October 2022 to October 2023, as well as Head of the Scientific Committee within the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry,
where she helped guide research initiatives and professional collaboration within the field.
Beyond clinical practice, she has a strong interest in leadership and business development and has successfully led multiple international organizations in both the dental and business sectors. Her
experience has strengthened her ability to lead impactful initiatives while fostering collaboration among diverse, multinational teams. After leading autism awareness and advocacy campaigns across
two countries and in four languages, she founded The Spec Smiles Project in April 2025. This initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap in autism-friendly dentistry by raising awareness, training dental
providers, and helping practices create inclusive care environments.
The project’s first major initiative is the development of the first directory of autism-friendly dental providers in Texas, helping families connect with supportive practices while equipping providers with
the tools needed to better serve neurodiverse patients.
