2023 Asia-Pacific Symposium

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
OCTOBER 7-8, 2023

WCLI 2016 APAC Symposium

The World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) is putting on a symposium focused on laser application in periodontology, implantology, endodontics, restorative dentistry, pain therapy and others. The WCLI’s International Symposium will feature educational content suited for every dental professional.

This event will also include fascinating keynote addresses from leaders in the dental world, along with multiple social and networking opportunities to relax and make new friends while learning about new groundbreaking dental technologies. The WCLI’s Symposiums are one of a kind in the dental profession! We look forward to seeing you there!

Why Attend?

The World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) is more than an educational association of dentists seeking clinical knowledge and tips on the latest technologies in dentistry. The largest group of its kind, the WCLI is a closely knit network of thousands of dental professionals who share a passion for improving the patient experience, elevating their clinical results to the highest level, and building the best possible practice they can.

 At this year’s Asia-Pacific Symposium, dental professionals will improve their knowledge and techniques for established laser procedures, such as laser-assisted periodontal treatment, endo, implant placement, pain therapy and cosmetic dentistry.

Above all else, the WCLI’s 2023 APAC Symposium is a great place to see old friends, meet new colleagues and forge friendships with mentors from around the world.

It’s a weekend of education and fellowship. Register today; don’t miss out!

  • DOCTORS: General Registration $695 US

    Doctor tuition cost.

  • RDH/Office Staff/Student: General Registration $295 US

    Tuition cost for Dental Hygienists, office staff members or current dental students.

Due to global pandemic conditions, if registered attendees encounter last-minute travel restrictions, WCLI will process tuition refunds within 30 to 60 business days of cancellation.

Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Prices including lunches, coffee breaks and Gala Diner.

Cancellation Policy – Refunds less a $150.00 cancellation fee will be given for cancellations received in writing to [email protected] prior to August 30, 2023. Following this date, no refunds will be given, but a credit will be issued to use towards another event within one year. Event schedule is subject to change without notice.

Event Registration

2023 Kuala Lumpur
Asia-Pacific Symposium

Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Sunday, October 8, 2023
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hotel Information

Hilton Kuala LumpurHilton Kuala Lumpur
Special Group Pricing

Event Information

Speakers

Dr. Apoorva Gupta - India

Dr Apoorva Gupta, a Gold Medalist Post Graduate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology is one of the principal expert on Laser Dentistry in India. She is the first and only Periodontist in New Delhi and NCR to implement Waterlase All Tissue Laser procedures into her specialty practice and has become the only dentist in North India to obtain Masters in Laser Dentistry from World Clinical Laser Institute, California, USA.

She graduated from Meerut University with distinction and completed her Post graduation (Cert) in Endodontics from IGNOU, at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi. She is trained and certified in Periodontal Plastic and Esthetic Surgeries, Bologna, Italy. She has also received certification in Advanced Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry at Belgium and Switzerland.

She is a certified inhalation conscious sedationist. She has been honoured with Best Specialists of the year – Periodontist award at Famdent, Indian Dental Oscars, Mumbai. She is the Course Director and Principal Instructor of WCLI Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry program in India. She is also a trainer and speaker for National and International Laser Dentistry Courses. She mentors Clinical Periodontics workshop at Smile India Academy, New Delhi. She has to her credit several papers and publications in various National and International Dental Journals.

Dr. Lawrence Lau

Dr. Lawrence Lau - Australia

Before entering dentistry, Dr Lawrence attended boarding school at St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill. In 1997, he graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, with honours, receiving an academic prize in Prosthetic Dentistry.

Since graduation, Dr Lawrence has spent extensive time on continuing education, to keep his dental practice at the forefront of dental technology. This includes the use of CEREC technology, to optimise the outcomes of his cosmetic and restorative procedures, laser dentistry, guided implant surgery, and a range of orthodontic treatments. His enthusiasm in expanding his knowledge comes from understanding the fact that dentistry is a relentlessly evolving practice.

Dr Lawrence is always eager to contribute to the dental scholarship of his colleagues. Lawrence frequently gives lectures both locally and internationally on the subjects of cerec, laser, and guided implant surgery.

Outside of dentistry, Lawrence is chasing around his three adorable (sometimes) children. He also lets off steam by working out in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Dr. Phillip Kang - United States

Dr. Kang is a recognized lecturer and researcher on dental implant-related topics, laser therapy, as well as traditional periodontal therapy. He is involved in multiple clinical research trials evaluating immediate dental implant placement, immediate provisionalization and loading, various surgical techniques, designs of dental implants, laser-assisted treatment of periodontal diseases and peri-implantitis, and management of complications.

Dr. Miguel Martins

Dr. Miguel Martins - Netherlands

Miguel Rodrigues Martins graduated as Doctor in Dental Sciences (DDS) in Universidade do Porto, Portugal. Soon after, he followed an University Specialization in Oral Implantology at Universidade Santiago de Compostela, Spain. From 2008-2010 he completed his Master of Science (MSc) Lasers in Dentistry at RWTH Aachen University in Germany where he also obtained the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) certification. In a joint-venture between Porto and Aachen Universities, in 2014 he successfully accomplished his Doctorate (PhD) by carrying,  presenting and publishing a Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial regarding the application of Radial Firing Tips and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in Endodontics. So far it is still the only Randomized Clinical Trial ever published about any laser applications in endodontics. 

Dr. Martins was elected as Vice-President of the Portuguese Society for Medical Lasers (SPILM), Member & Keynote Speaker for the International Society for Lasers Dentistry (ISLD),  earning the WCLI’s (World Clinical Laser Institute) Ambassador Award. Moreover he is engaged in scientific peer-review as Editorial Consultant in Lasers in Dental Science Journal (ISSN 2367-2587), and Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery (ISSN: 1549-5418). He has also been publishing several scientific papers addressing the application of different wavelengths in Endodontics. He is an Academic Co-Worker & International Lecturer for the AALZ institute, while running his practice in the Netherlands, where he is exclusively focused in Laser-Assisted Endodontics and Microsurgery. 

Robert Miller

Dr. Robert Miller - United States

Dr. Miller received his B.A. from New York University and M.A. from Hofstra University, both in biology. He graduated with honors from New York University College of Dentistry where he received the International College of Dentists Award for clinical excellence and then completed his residency at Flushing Hospital and Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Miller is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Diplomate International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and Diplomate Academy of Osseointegration, Dr. Miller is Chairman of the Department of Oral Implantology at the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic in Palm Beach, Florida, Director of The Center for Advanced Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry in Delray Beach, Florida, and been a pioneer in the use of CBCT imaging, surgical navigation, surgical microscopes, and lasers for over two decades.

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu - Singapore

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu completed his BDS degree at the National University of Singapore and was awarded The Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation Annual Scholarship Award. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute. He is also a Member of the Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons, England. An ISCD-Certified International CEREC trainer (Paris 2010, Istanbul 2012 and Barcelona 2014). He has also obtained his Certificate of Oral Implantology from Frankfurt University.

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu completed the full TMD continuum at Occlusion Connections under the tutelage of Dr Clayton Chan. Dr Yue has been lecturing and conducting hands-on courses on Clinical Digital Photography, CAD-CAM, Laser Dentistry and TMD. He is the Clinical Director of DP Dental and his six-chair practice focusing on integrated utilization of advanced dental technology such as Laser, CAD-CAM and 3D jaw tracking and imaging to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Ashish B. Parmar

Dr. Ashish B. Parmar - United Kingdom

Dr Ashish B Parmar (Ash) qualified at Guys Dental Hospital in 1991. Since then, Dr. Parmar has been trained by some of the best clinicians in the world in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, as well as occlusion. He has also been coached by leading dental business coaches in the USA to develop his communication, leadership, management and business skills. Ash runs a private, referral dental practice in London (www.smiledesignbyash.co.uk). He has also been extensively featured in the media in the UK (national television, newspapers and magazines).

Dr. Parmar is a national and international lecturer, and has his own training academy in the UK. He runs a 2-day Hands-On Course on the A-Z of providing Smile Makeovers with porcelain restorations (www.veneersmasterclass.com), and his signature 8-day Aesthetic, Restorative and Occlusion Hands-On Course (www.theacademybyash.co.uk), where dentists treat a patient that requires 8-10 porcelain veneers/crowns, under Dr. Parmar’s expert supervision and guidance. Due to his experience, skills and knowledge, many dentists refer complex restorative cases to Ash for treatment, and he also has many dentists as his patients. Dr. Parmar uses the latest technology (including a CT Scanner, lasers, T Scan, and 3D Scanners) to ensure that his patients receive high quality dental care resulting in beautiful, healthy, long-lasting smiles.

Dr. Su Preen

Dr. Su Peen - Malaysia

Dr. Su Peen is a graduate from Penang International Dental College / Vinayaka Missions University in 2012. His exposure to dental laser started in 2018 and he has attended courses in Chen’s Laser Institute in Missouri, USA. He completed his Root Camp Level I to IV endodontic program in Oregon and Texas between 2018 to 2022. He has been published in The International Journal of Microdentistry with a paper on the application of laser.

Dr. Su Peen is currently a clinician based in Terengganu, Malaysia operating a private practice that fully utilizes dental laser on a daily basis. His scope of treatment applications includes endodontics, periodontic, restorative, soft and hard tissue surgery as well as management of myofascial pain. He looks forward to growing the usage of the technology in his country.

Dr. Marina Polonsky - Canada

Dr. Marina Polonsky is a Dean’s Gold Medal graduate from University of Toronto, Canada, 1999. She maintains a private general practice in Ottawa, Canada with focus on multi-disciplinary laser-assisted treatment approach. Dr. Polonsky holds Mastership with WCLI, Mastership and Lecturer status with ALD, Master of Science degree in Laser Dentistry from RWTH University in Aachen, Germany. She is a peer reviewer for Lasers in Dental Science Journal and General and Laser Dentistry, editor for Oral Health Journal and the Journal of Laser Assisted Dentistry.

Lectures

Dr. Apoorva Gupta (India) — Diode

940 nm Diode Laser- Predictable and Long-Term Outcomes

940 nm Diode Laser is indicated as adjunct in various dental procedures in different phases of the treatment. Day to day applications include minor soft tissue procedures like Laser bacterial reduction, gingivectomy, frenectomy, depigmentation, excision, tissue retraction for impressions and major soft tissue procedures like Periodontal & Peri implant pocket disinfection, vestibuloplasty, crown lengthening, flap deepithelisation and dual laser pocket therapy. The beneficial properties of 940 nm includes sterilized incisions, bacterial reduction, coagulation, minimal scarring and photobiomodulation. Biomodulatory effect of diode laser leads to faster healing, early recovery and minimal postoperative discomfort especially in medically compromised patients. The presentation will provide an overview of diode assisted soft tissue procedures with special emphasis on predictability and long term outcomes in healthy as well as medically compromised patients.

Dr. Lawrence Lau (Australia) – Cosmetic Dentistry

Laser Assisted Same Day CAD/CAM Smile Makeovers

A harmonious result with cosmetic procedures rely not only on great looking aesthetic restorations but also on healthy symmetrical gum tissues which compliments the new teeth. Combining Cerec CAD/CAM with Biolase iPlus all tissue lasers allows the modern dental office to offer so much more to the ever-increasing patient demand for aesthetic solutions. Synergy between these two technologies transforms the patient experience from that of needing multiple and often painful appointments into a seamless single visit procedure giving immediate results with reduced healing time. The many cosmetic indications of an all tissue laser like the Biolase iPlus includes gingival recontouring, gingival depigmentation, tissue control for accurate margin reproduction, gingivectomy and crown lengthening for extreme smile correction will be discussed as it applies to same visit cosmetic procedures using CAD/CAM technology.  

Dr. Philip Y. Kang (USA) – Periodontology

The Use of YSGG Laser to Treat Periodontitis and Peri-implant Diseases: an Overview of the Mechanism, Efficacy, and Advantages

Various dental laser wavelengths have emerged as adjunct tools to treat periodontitis and peri-implantitis.  In particular, Er,Cr:YSGG with a wavelength of 2,780 nm has shown enhanced disinfection, promotion of wound healing, and histologic regeneration around both ailing teeth and implants.  The REPAIRä protocols are minimally invasive procedures that may result in less post-operative discomfort, faster treatment times, and comparable clinical outcomes to the traditional non-surgical and surgical techniques.  The presentation will highlight an unbiased review of Er,Cr:YSGG laser’s mechanism, clinical indications, advantages, and currently available scientific evidence.

Dr. Miguel Martins (Netherlands) - Endodontics

Be Outstanding and Bring Light to the Depths: Lasers Will Revolutionize Your Endodontic Treatments!

For many years research has been focused on attaining the best results regarding disinfection in endodontics. However, despite several decades, traditional irrigants such as NaOCl, EDTA, Chlorhexidine etc. have failed to show any superiority and still today there is no gold standard regarding the most significant factor influencing endodontic outcomes: debridement and deep disinfection! 

Lasers have long been proposed as a valuable tool to help in debriding and disinfecting root canals. However, facts such as protocol’s variability and absence of proper knowledge often makes clinicians doubt about the true possibilities of what a laser can really do. Spoiler Alert: Lasers can totally transform and boost your endodontic outcomes!

The aim of this lecture is to practically address in a simple way the outstanding clinical possibilities by using either the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, the 940nm diode laser, or combining both.

Because clinical healing can’t lie, you should expect an amazing journey through all endodontic complications easily managed with light and energy! 

Dr. Robert Miller (USA) – Oral Surgery

New Strategies in the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Laser Based Approach

With an increased number of implants being placed annually, we are starting to see a dramatic increase in complications and peri-implant infections. Many clinicians opt for a minimally invasive approach in the early stage consisting of debridement, chemotherapeutic agents, and antibiotics. However, most of these cases tend to be refractory, leading to continued bone and soft tissue loss. Early and definitive treatment of peri-implantitis tends to be the most effective, requiring an open flap regenerative procedure. Complete debridement and decontamination of the implant surface is an absolute requirement prior to bone grafting if reintegration is the goal. This lecture will discuss the bioactivity of metallic oxide surfaces and how they become more biologically active following laser treatment. A discussion of grafting protocols and biomaterial selection will be included with clinical cases and video-based learning.

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu (Singapore) – General Dentistry

Laser Application for Tethered Oral Tissues

Restrictive lingual and labial frenula can contribute to functional problems such as speech, feeding and even breathing. From birth, the suck-swallow-breathe reflexes require the tongue to exert its full range of motions. The lecture will present the fundamental functions of the tongue and explore the clinical implications of tongue restriction or poor habits. The importance of myofunctional therapy will be discussed as the integral part of laser frenulotomy.

Dr. Ashish B. Parmar (United Kingdom) – Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Analysis & The Use of Lasers in Cosmetic Dentistry

To achieve a beautiful smile requires a detailed understanding of the shape of a face, lips, teeth and healthy/even gum tissues. Patients present with a wide variety of clinical situations, and each smile has to be designed to suit the individual. Smile Analysis is important to assess a defined set of aesthetic parameters that constitutes an ideal smile, and is integral in treatment planning of cosmetic cases. There are precise guidelines on the gingival zenith positions, and lasers are excellent to carry out gingival recontouring. A soft tissue laser can be used to make small changes, and an all tissue laser like the Biolase iPlus is required for osseous crown lengthening (often possible non-surgically). Communication with the patient is also important as patients often want to have a preview of what their smile will look like before they make a commitment to carry out procedures such as composite or porcelain veneers.The dentist is responsible for precise and detailed communication with the dental laboratory to ensure that the final results are optimum for the patient.

Dr. Su Peen (Malaysia) – Endodontics

Stressful Endo to Joyful Endo

Is endo treatment stressful and unpredictable to you? Your endo treatment failed, you did exactly everything you’ve learned, your endo radiographs looked nice and perfect. Yet, the lesion is still there waving happily at you, and patient still complaining of symptoms. Have you lost confidence in doing successful endo and considering giving up on it?

This lecture will help you to understand the reasons for treatment failure and how to overcome it, as well as to introduce the usage of laser in endo for better treatment outcome. CBCT has provided us detailed insight of the complexities of root canal anatomy system, where these ramifications are inaccessible, therefore unable to clean and disinfect, resulting in compromised outcome.

Laser-assisted endodontic treatment using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser is able to achieve better and deeper three-dimensional cleaning and disinfection, allowing us to clean and disinfect effectively. Laser-assisted treatment will lead to a paradigm shift in the world of dentistry.

Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada) – Restorative Dentistry

Extending the Life of Compromised Dentition by Overcoming Conventional limitations Using YSGG technology

This lecture will present several clinical cases with long term follow-up where YSGG technology was able to preserve and prolong the life of compromised dentition. By understanding reasons why limitations exist in our conventional treatment, knowing the benefits of laser-tissue interactions which are well documented in scientific literature, we can achieve surprising results, thus benefiting our patients. When we know our limitations and the advantages of laser technology, we can property select and treatment plan challenging cases, market our practice, achieve professional satisfaction and return on investment.

Agenda

Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Ballroom A, Level 6

7:30 to 8:30 

Registration

8:30 to 8:40

Opening Event & Welcome Address  Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada)

8:40 to 10:10

Dr. Robert Miller (United States) — New Strategies in the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Laser Based Approach

10:10 to 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 to 11:50

Dr. Miguel Martins (Netherlands) — Be Outstanding and Bring Light to the Depths: Lasers Will Revolutionize Your Endodontic Treatments!

11:50 to 13:10

Dr. Ashish B. Parmar (United Kingdom) — Smile Analysis & The Use of Lasers in Cosmetic Dentistry

13:10 to 14:20

Lunch — Ballroom B, Level 6

14:20 to 15:40

Dr. Yue Weng Cheu (Singapore) — Laser Application for Tethered Oral Tissues

15:40 to 16:00

Coffee Break

16:00 to 17:10

Dr. Apoorva Gupta (India) — 940 nm Diode Laser- Predictable and Long-Term Outcomes

17:10 to 18:00

Laser Physics Review for Associate Fellowship Examination (Optional) – Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada)

18:00 to 19:00

Cocktail Hour

19:00 Onwards

Gala Dinner – Ballroom B, Level 6

Sunday, October 8, 2023 – Ballroom A, Level 6

7:30 to 8:30 

WCLI Associate Fellowship Exam  (Optional)

8:30 to 8:40

Second Day Opening Remarks – Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada)

8:40 to 10:10

Dr. Phillip Kang (United States) — The Use of YSGG Laser to Treat Periodontitis and Peri-implant Diseases: an Overview of the Mechanism, Efficacy, and Advantages

10:10 to 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 to 11:50

Dr. Lawrence Lau (Australia) — Laser Assisted Same Day CAD/CAM Smile Makeovers

11:50 to 13:10 

Lunch — Ballroom B, Level 6

13:10 to 14:10

Panel Discussion: Defining Laser Assisted Minimally Invasive Dentistry (Dr. Robert Miller, Dr. Phillip Kang, Dr. Miguel Martins & Dr. Lawrence Lau)

Moderated by Dr. Ashish B. Parmar

14:10 to 15:30

Dr. Su Peen (Malaysia) — Stressful Endo to Joyful Endo

15:30 to 15:50

Coffee Break

15:50 to 16:50

Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada) — Extending the Life of Compromised Dentition by Overcoming Conventional Limitations Using YSGG Technology

16:50 to 17:00

Closing Remarks – Dr. Marina Polonsky (Canada)