Er:YAG and CO2 Laser Dental Applications

This presentation will focus on two different wavelengths of all-tissue lasers: Er:YAG and CO2. Tissue interactions will be compared for each wavelength and supported by clinical cases. Techniques highlighted will include restorative dentistry and surgical procedures.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: 

• Understand the physics, tissue interaction, and operation of 2 all-tissue lasers
• Describe the similarities and differences of Er:YAG and CO2  lasers
• Compare outcomes of laser-tissue interactions with traditional techniques

Dr. Schuster completed his dental training at the University of Washington in 1992. Upon graduation he maintained a private practice in Sumner, WA until 2000 when he opened and maintained his practice in Bozeman, MT. In 2011, he joined Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona as a full-time faculty member. It was there where he was introduced to the benefits of laser dentistry and in 2015, became certified in the use of the 9250nm CO2 Solea laser for hard and soft tissue applications. He has since shared this experience with hundreds of students and faculty at MWU. He is currently Chair-Elect of the ADEA SIG:Lasers in Dentistry committee and faculty advisor to the MWU student laser study club, Wave Runners. Efforts in both groups focus on improving collaboration on the benefits of laser dentistry with additional faculty and students. In his free time Dr. Schuster enjoys spending time with his wife, photography, model railroading, and fly-fishing for trout in the Rocky Mountains.