ALD 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Many of the members of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) submerge themselves in the dynamics of laser dentistry on a day-by-day basis. They put in long days at the office serving their patients, and in their “free time” dedicate themselves in even deeper ways. They spend time in research, developing new treatment techniques, write journal articles, teach at seminars, mentor colleagues, and spend countless hours volunteering on Academy committees. They do this without the thought of being given an award. 

 

In 2023 ALD recognized the commitment of four outstanding individuals, each contributing to the advancement of lasers in dentistry. 

Praveen Arany, TH Maiman Award 2023T. H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research

Praveen R. Arany, BDS, MDS, MMSc, PhD

Angie Wallace, RDH, Glenda Payas Award 2023

Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award

Angie Wallace, RDH

Walid Altayeb, Leon Goldman Award 2023

Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence

Prof. Walid Altayeb, DDS, MSc, PhD

Raminta Mastis, Sulewski Service Award 2023

John Sulewski Service Award

Raminta Mastis, DDS

 

The ALD has four awards to celebrate the hard work of its members: 

  • The T.H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research

  • The Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence,

  • The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Commitment and Contributions to the Academy, AND

  • The Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award that is presented this year for the first time for life-long leadership excellence in education globally. 

 

 ALD 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

 

Praveen Arany

T. H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research

 

Praveen R. Arany, BDS, MDS, MMSc, PhD
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA

 

Dr. Arany trained as a dentist, oral pathologist, and biomedical engineer. He served as an Assistant Clinical Investigator at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health (NIDCR/NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, from 2012 to 2015. He is an Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo, New York. He has received numerous awards, such as the National Institutes of Health, American Society of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Horace Furomoto and Wound Healing Society Young Investigator. He has been invited to speak in various national and international forums, reviews for over 100 scientific journals, serves on nine journal editorial boards, including associate editor for four of them, and reviews grants for national and international funding agencies. He is the immediate past-President of the World & North American Associations for Photobiomodulation Therapy and chair of photobiomodulation (PBM) groups in SPIE and Optica (OSA). He has 6 patents, more than 150 scientific publications with over 7500 citations, and an h-index of 35. His work has been featured in mainstream media highlights in over 100 countries.


Disclosure: Dr. Arany consults for Vielight, Kerber Applied Research, Luminance, IQ, Thor Photomedicine, Seaborough, and Shepherd University. His lab has received equipment as unrestricted gifts from Biolase, Summus, Weber Medical, Irradia, Kerber Applied Research. He is the cofounder of OptiMed Technologies, Conjunction, and Clinical Research Associates.

 

Acceptance from Dr. Arany
I would like to thank my colleagues at the Academy of Laser Dentistry for the honor of recognizing our research groups’ clinical translational research efforts in lasers in dentistry, especially with Photobiomodulation. The tremendous progress in this field is poised to change our fundamental approach to clinical dentistry with an emphasis on precision, individualized care. It is a truly exciting time to be involved with lasers in dentistry as several policy and regulation changes are recognizing the significant utility of the field.

 

The T. H. Maiman Award is presented for excellence in dental laser research. The first laser was developed by Theodore H. Maiman in 1960. In 2023, Dr. Praveen Arany is honored with the T.H. Maiman award for research excellence in light therapy. The candidates are required to provide supportive documentation displaying the candidates’ exceptional dental laser research. The criteria for the Maiman Award for excellence include publication in peer- reviewed journals as first or second author. This honor is not given every year. Dr. Arany joins a prestigious community of past recipients.

 Angie Wallace, RDH

Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award

 

Angie Wallace, RDH
Owasso, Oklahoma, USA

 

About Angie Wallace, RDH
Angie Wallace is a laser educator for the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), and has achieved her Mastership with ALD. She is currently the chair of ALD’s Education Committee and serves on several other committees. Angie was the 2014 recipient of the John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award from the ALD. She has been recognized as an international speaker and provides in- office laser certification courses.

 

Disclosure: Ms.Wallaceprovideslasertrainingandeducationalconsulting through her company Laser Hygiene, LLC. She reports modest earnings from tuition for courses, and receives support with lasers for her educational programs from several laser companies. She also speaks for King Dental and Biolase and receives honoraria.

Acceptance by Angie Wallace, RDH
Thank you so much for having so much confidence in me to be worthy of this award!
I love teaching others about lasers and being a mentor to anyone who needs help on their laser journey! From the bottom of my heart I’m honored and very blessed!


The Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award is presented for lifelong leadership excellence in education globally. This honor recognizes original research, years of educational instruction in multiple different educational environments from elementary school to postgraduate teaching, published articles, and distinguished volunteer leadership service that supports education globally. This honor is selected by the Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarship and Research Grants Board of Trustees.

 

 Walid Altayeb, DDS, MSc, PhD

Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence

 

Prof. Walid Altayeb, DDS, MSc, PhD
Doha, Qatar

 

About Professor Walid Altayeb, DDS, MSc PhD
Dr. Altayeb received his dental degree from the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, in 1998 and completed his Master of Science in Periodontics in 2004 and Doctorate of Philosophy in Periodontics in 2007. He has achieved Advanced Proficiency certificates from the Academy of Laser Dentistry in 980-nm diode and Er:YAG lasers. Dr. Altayeb has Mastership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry, is a member of the ALD Board of Directors and Speakers Bureau. He is Guest Professor, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Istanbul Ayden University, Istanbul, Turkey and Universiapolis The International University of Agadir, Agadir, Morocco, and Lecturer in Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma, Italy. Dr. Altayeb is Founder and Chair of the ALD Gulf Laser Chapter, and received The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award from ALD in 2019. He is the founder of the laser section in the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry (BAIRD). He is a speaker in many conferences in the Middle East, Europe, and USA in the fields of Periodontal Medicine, Implantology, and Laser Dentistry. He is a continuing education provider, over 1140 CPD hours in last 7 years. Dr. Altayeb is conducting “Pink Aesthetics & Laser Dentistry” courses with the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry in the Middle East and North Africa. He served as the General Secretary of the iLED 2018 and 2019 Conferences. He is working in private practice as a periodontist and implantologist in the Tamim Dental Polyclinic, Doha, Qatar, Dr. Imran Aestheticare Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Masters Dental and Aesthetic Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

 

Disclosure: Dr. Altayeb has no proprietary, financial, or personal interest of any nature in any product, service and/or company that will be discussed or considered during the program.

 

Acceptance by Dr. Atayeb
It is with sincere pleasure that I accept the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. I am deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition. I would like to thank my colleagues and committee for recognizing my work.
I have always been passionate about laser dentistry and its potential to revolutionize dental care. This award is a testament to the hard work that I have put in over the last 25 years and it serves as an inspiration for me to continue striving for clinical excellence in laser dentistry.

 

Earning this award would not have been possible without the inspiration I have received from my friends, mentors, students, and colleagues, for whom

 

I have the deepest respect, and from whom I have derived the strength to challenge myself and perform better at each stage. So, this award is not about me, but it’s about each of you as ALD leaders and members. I want to thank my patients, whose trust and confidence in me have allowed me to pursue new treatment approaches and continually improve my skills. You are the reason I come into work each day, striving to provide the best possible care using the latest technologies and techniques.

 

Thank you so much to my beloved wife and children for always being my source of inspiration and motivation. This award of excellence would not have been possible without your unwavering support and love. I am truly grateful to have you in my life.

 

I am committed to using this recognition as a platform to continue to strive toward excellence in all aspects of my work and to share my knowledge and expertise in laser dentistry and contributing toward its growth and development.

 

Once again, thank you for this incredible honor. It means a lot to me!

 

The Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence is presented for clinical excellence. Dr. Goldman was the first physician to report on laser exposure to a vital human tooth. In 2023 Dr. Walid Altayeb is honored with the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. The candidates are required to provide supportive documentation displaying the candidates’ exceptional clinical work. The criteria for the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence include: ALD membership, Advanced Proficiency Certification, clinical presentations annually, and recognized clinical excellence using lasers in dentistry in peer- reviewed journals. Dr. Altayeb joins a prestigious community of past recipients.

 

 Raminta Mastis

John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award

 

Raminta Mastis, DDS
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

 

About Dr. Raminta Mastis, DDS
Dr. Mastis is a 1987 graduate from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. She maintains a private dental practice, Michigan Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She served as ALD’s President 2018-2019, and in each Officer position prior to her Presidency. In 2023 Dr. Mastis is the Certification Chair. She previously served as Co-Chair of ALD’s Certification and Education Committees, Chair of Laser Safety Committee, Communications Committee, and was the 2018 Chair of ALD’s 25th Anniversary Conference & Exhibition in Orlando. Dr. Mastis has been using lasers since 2000 and has 18 lasers of various wavelengths in her practice. She holds Standard Proficiency certifications in Er:YAG, diode, Er,Cr:YSGG, and CO2 laser wavelengths, and has achieved Advanced Proficiency in the Er:YAG wavelength. Her practice is highlighted by implant surgery and restoration, laser dentistry, esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, and integration of advanced technologies into practice. Dr. Mastis also holds ALD Mastership status.

 

Disclosure: Dr. Mastis no commercial affiliations or personal conflicts of interest.

 

Acceptance by Dr. Mastis
I am very grateful to have been selected to receive the John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award. I am so honored to have my efforts in the ALD recognized in this way. It is a particular honor to receive this award named after my fellow colleague and practically neighbor from Michigan, dear friend John Sulewski, and for the inspiration from his dedication that made my leadership roles in the Academy possible. The ALD has become a part of my extended family, there are so many members that I hold dear. This camaraderie has helped fuel my passion for laser dentistry in helping not only advance its possibilities but also to broaden the acceptance of this amazing technology.


It has been a rewarding experience to have led the ALD in various capacities, and I can only hope that at least in some small way I helped make a difference. I am very appreciative of those who recommended me for this award. This award should be shared among many of you, my colleagues, who were always willing to help out. My gratitude goes out to you. I would also like to thank both my husband and my son for their patience and love throughout my years of service to the Academy. Oftentimes, they had to take a back seat to my
time spent with the ALD, but they have always been supportive. Thank you so much for this honor.


The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding commitment and contribution to the Academy. In 2023, Dr. Mastis is presented with the John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service honor. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes leadership and participation in the Academy far above the call of duty including Board of Directors service. Dr. Mastis joins esteemed colleagues as honorees.

 


 

ABOUT THE AWARDS

 

The T.H. Maiman Award is presented for excellence in dental laser research. The first laser was developed by Theodore H. Maiman in 1960. In 2023, Dr. Praveen Arany is honored with the T.H. Maiman award for research excellence in light therapy. The candidates are required to provide supportive documentation displaying the candidates’ exceptional dental laser research.  The criteria for the Maiman Award for excellence include publication in peer-reviewed journals as first or second author. This honor is not given every year.

 

Dr. Praveen Arany 2023

James Carroll 2021

Dr. Shalizah Patel 2019
Dr. Juliana Barros 2019

Dr. Georgios Romanos 2016

Dr. Sebastiano Andreana 2012

Dr. Wayne Selting 2011

Prof Dr. Daniel Fried 2009

Prof. Raimund Hibst 2008

Dr. Linda Otis 2006

Dr. Craig Gimbel 2003

Dr. John Featherstone 2002

Dr. Akira Aoki 2001

Dr. Frederick Parkins 2000

Dr. Peter Rechmann 1999

Dr. Terry D. Myers 1998

Dr. Richard Blankenau 1996

Dr. Lynn Powell 1995

Dr. Joel White 1993

 

The Leon Goldman Award is presented for clinical excellence. Dr. Goldman was the first physician to report on laser exposure to a vital human tooth. In 2023, Dr. Walid Altayeb is honored with the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. The candidates are required to provide supportive documentation displaying the candidates’ exceptional clinical work. The criteria for the Goldman Award for clinical excellence include: ALD membership, Advanced Proficiency Certification, clinical presentations annually, and recognized clinical excellence using lasers in dentistry in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Dr. Walid Altayeb 2023

Lynn Atkinson, RDH 2022

Dr. Grace Sun 2021

Dr. Nuran Çulcuoglu  2019

Mary Lynn Smith, RDH 2018

Dr. Kim Kutsch 1993
Dr. Robert Pick 1995
Dr. Steven Parker 1998

Dr. Donald J. Coluzzi 1999

Dr. Robert E. Barr 1999
Dr. Janet Hatcher Rice 2000

Ms. Nora M. Raffetto, RDH 2001
Dr. Duane H. Beers 2002
Dr. Gabi Kesler 2004

Dr. Glenn van As 2006

Dr. Frank Yung 2007 

Dr. Giovanni Olivi 2007

Dr. Stu Coleton 2009

Dr. Shigeyuki Nagai 2010

Dr. Giuseppe Iaria 2011
Dr. Mel Burchman 2012
Dr. Larry Kotlow  2014
Dr. Fred Margolis 2014 

Dr. Claus Neckel 2015

Dr. Gerry Ross 2016
Dr. Beatrijs Deruyter 2017
Dr. John Graeber 2018

 

The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding commitment and contribution to the Academy. In 2023, Dr. Raminta Mastis is presented with the John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service honor.  The Distinguished Service Award recognizes leadership and participation in the Academy far above the call of duty including Board of Directors service.  Dr. Mastis joins these esteemed colleagues as honorees.  

Dr. Raminta Mastis 2023

Dr. Lawrence Kotlow 2022

Dr. Ana Triliouris in 2020

Dr. Walid Altayeb in 2019 

Dr. Scott Benjamin in 2018

Dr. Arun Darbar in 2017

Dr. Glenda Payas 2016

Dr. Mitch Lomke 2015

Ms. Angie Mott, RDH 2014

Dr. Robert Convissar 2013

Dr. Emile Martin 2012

Dr. Charles Rhodes 2011

Dr. Steven Parker 2010

Dr. Dennis Pietrini 2009

Dr. Lester Burman 2008

Dr. Art Levy 2007

 Dr. Donald Coluzzi 2006

Dr. Joel White 2005

Dr. Tony Hewlett 2004

Dr. Donald Patthoff 2003

Dr. Stuart Coleton 2002

Dr. William Siminovsky 2000

Dr. Alan J. Goldstein 1999

Dr. David M. Roshkind 1998

University of California, San Francisco 1997

Mr. John Sulewski 1996

Dr. Scott Brundrett 1995
Dr. Stewart Rosenberg 1993

 

The Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award is presented for lifelong leadership excellence in education globally. In 2023, Angie Wallace, RDH is honored for her dedication to lifelong education with the Dr. Payas Distinguished Educator Award. This honor recognizes original research, years of educational instruction in multiple different educational environments from elementary school to postgraduate teaching, published articles, and distinguished volunteer leadership service that supports education globally.  This honor is selected by the Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarship and Research Grants Board of Trustees. 

 

Angie Wallace, RDH, 2023

Dr. Shigyuki Nagai, 2022

Dr. David Roshkind, 2021