LEADERSHIP AWARDS


ALD 2020-2021 Award Honorees

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. 

 

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 timefor life-long leadership excellence in education globally.

In 2021 ALD honors the commitment of four outstanding individuals, each contributing to making our world a kinder, gentler place.



 

 

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

 

James Carroll, AMInstP, RSM
CEO, THOR Photomedicine Ltd, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom


James Carroll has been working on photobiomodulation for 34 years and is a recognized authority on photobiomodulation dose, dose rate effects, and the measurement and reporting of treatment parameters. He has written or co-authored 24 academic papers and co-authored four books on the subject. 

 

His most recent appointments include: Co-Chair of the Biomedical Optics Society Conference on Photobiomodulation Mechanisms; Board Member of the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy; Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine. 

 

Through his company THOR Photomedicine, he is working with 36 medical institutions across the world, including Harvard Medical School, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the UK National Health Service (NHS), on photobiomodulation treatment for a range of conditions such as traumatic brain injury, the side effects of cancer treatments, and managing acute and chronic pain.

 

James has presented at the United Nations Global Health Impact Forum on Photobiomodulation and to Congress on photobiomodulation treatments that could help solve the opioid crisis. 


ALD honors James Carroll with ALD’s highest research honor, the T.H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Research.


Acceptance by Mr. Carroll

I am grateful to the Academy of Laser Dentistry and hundreds of scientists and doctors and their patients for this special moment in my life.  We are all indebted to Ted Maiman for inventing, building, and patenting the world’s first laser in 1960.

 

Just seven years later, Professor Endre Mester discovered that low-intensity laser treatment improves the speed and quality of tissue repair via a mechanism that today we call Photobiomodulation or PBM for short.  We now know that PBM also reduces inflammation and reduces pain.  There are early indications that PBM helps improve the function of the Central Nervous System and for debilitating conditions such as macular degeneration, brain injury, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

 

I first heard about PBM in 1987 from Endre's son, Adam Mester, who presented evidence of 1361 patients successfully treated with PBM at his father's hospital.  Right then, I knew PBM should be in every hospital in the world, and I have been working to achieve that goal ever since.  PBM has now been validated in 700 randomised controlled clinical trials on humans, and my THOR products have delivered over 30 million treatments.

 

A patient named Judith wrote to me saying:

 

“30 years ago, I was hit by a car which broke my collarbone and injured my shoulder.  Decades later, the pain still required eight anti-inflammatory pills every day.  Eventually, I could not use my arm.

 

But PBM therapy saved my life.

 

I no longer need pain killers because I live pain-free, so please thank everyone who helped bring this technology to people like me.  It has been a miracle!”

 

It's letters like that which inspired me to establish the goal of having PBM accepted as a first-line medical treatment, for 100 different diseases, in 100 different countries, by the time I'm 100 years old.

 

PBM is like something out of science fiction, but Ted Maiman and Endre Mester made it a reality, and I look forward to continuing this quest with all of you as we make PBM a global standard of care. 


Contact James Carroll by e-mail at [email protected].

 

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 2021, James Carroll 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.  Mr. Carroll joins a prestigious community of past recipients

 

 

 

Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence

 

Grace Sun, DDS, MALD, MAGD, MICOI, FAACD

Private Practice, Los Angeles, California, USA

 

Dr. Sun has practiced comprehensive and restorative dentistry in Beverly Hills since 1983 and is responsible for many healthy beautiful and happy smiles. Her prestigious accreditations include Master of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (the Academy’s first female fellow), Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Senior Instructor with the International Association for Orthodontics. An early adopter of lasers in dentistry, Dr. Sun has integrated lasers of multiple wavelengths, including low-level laser therapy, into her practice since 1997. She co-authored the first academic journal article on low-level lasers in the Dental Clinics of North America in 2004.

 

It is an honor to recognize Dr. Grace Sun with The Leon Goldman Award, ALD’s highest recognition of clinical excellence.

 

Acceptance by Dr. Sun

What a humbling experience this has been! I have been fortunate, throughout my career, to know and learn from many teachers, mentors, colleagues and peers, who have enabled me to deliver the best care possible for my patients and for my community. I am proud to be a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. I am honored and humbled to receive this Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. Thank you.


Contact Dr. Sun by e-mail at [email protected].

 

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 2020 Dr. Grace Sun 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. Sun joins a prestigious community of past recipients

 

 

 

John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Commitment and Contributions to the Academy

 

Dr. Ana Maria Triliouris, DDS

Private Practice, Merrick, New York, USA

 

Lasers became her passion in 1991 and Dr. Triliouris has been using lasers in her practice ever since in Merrick, Long Island, New York.  She was among the early pioneers that incorporated lasers in the 1990s.  Together a small group met often to learn about laser technology and later founded an organization that later became the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD).  Dr. Triliouris served as the first editor of Wavelengths, a precursor of the Journal of Laser Dentistry, as the Ethics Committee Chair for many years, as a member of the Board and the Chair of the Dr. Eugene Seidner Scholarship Fund for many more years.  One highlight was in 2011 when she served as the ALD President.  Additionally, as the Dr. Seidner Scholarship Fund became successful and permanent during her tenure and because of the work she contributed in fundraising and networking, the Seidner Board of Trustees was able to add Research Grants to the program in 2018.

 

Dr. Triliouris continues to be active in the ALD, volunteering now as Chair of the Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarships and Research Grants Program.  Since the program’s inception in 2004, ALD has presented $120,000 in students scholarships to 36 students in 6 countries, and $56,000 in 3 research grants to 6 researchers at 4 universities globally.  In addition, The Seidner Silent Auction has raised $31,000 with over 96 items donated.  The $153,000 Scholarships and Research Grants fund continues to grow.

 

It is an honor to recognize Dr. Ana Triliouris with the 2021 John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Commitment and Contributions to the Academy

 

Acceptance by Dr. Triliouris

I would like to thank everyone at the Academy of Laser Dentistry for honoring me with this award.  I would especially like to thank those that helped me through the years as we worked to accomplish our goals with the Journal of Laser Dentistry first, with the Dr. Eugene Seidner Student Scholarship Fund second, then with developing academic grants in the last few years, and finally with working together with and in the ALD Ethics Committee to try to avoid and confront conflict of interest and other ethical issues.  These are just a few of those individuals:  Terry Myers, Gene Seidner, Alan Goldstein, David Roshkind, Don Patthoff, Glenda Payas, John Featherstone, and of course Gail Siminovsky.

 

They made all these years of work at this Academy lots of fun even as we worked so hard to accomplish our goals.  I’m very proud of my contributions to the Academy of Laser Dentistry and of how we both grew and enjoyed success as lasers became a part of dentistry.  They are now a tool that anyone that calls herself or himself a dentist should own.  I accept this award with pride and I assure you that all these years were and will continue to be a source of satisfaction and gratification to me as I have helped and will continue to help the Academy to carry on its work of making lasers a very important part of dental education and dental practice.


Contact Dr. Triliouris by e-mail at [email protected].

 

The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding commitment and contribution to the Academy. In 2021, Dr. Ana Triliouris 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. Triliouris joins esteemed colleagues as honorees.

 

 

 

The Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award 

 

Dr. David Roshkind, DMD, MBA, FAGD, MALD

Private Practice, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

 

Dr. Roshkind has been involved in the dental field for over 45 years, and laser dentistry since 1990.  He has held positions as President of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, Chairman of Regulatory Affairs, Chairman of Scientific Sessions, and Chairman of Certification.  He has held appointments as Senior Clinical Instructor at the Institute of Laser Dentistry, a Certified Laser Educator, Member of the House of Delegates Florida Dental Association, Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

 

Dr. Roshkind is a charter member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, received the Academy’s Outstanding Service Award in 1998, holds the Master of Laser Dentistry designation, and is an associate of Laser Education International, LLC.  Dr. Roshkind has presented seminars, lectures, workshops, and has published locally, nationally, and internationally.  Some of the venues include the annual sessions of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Fédération Dentaire Internationale, California Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and The Greater New York Dental Meeting.  He has practiced General, Cosmetic, and Laser Dentistry in West Palm Beach, Florida, for over 36 years and practiced for 8 years in Gainesville, Florida.  Dr. Roshkind holds the following degrees and honors:

  • Cornell University – BA
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine - DMD
  • Wharton School - MBA
  • Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
  • Advanced Proficiency Laser Certification
  • Master of the Academy of Laser Dentistry
  • Certified Dental Laser Educator – University of California San Francisco 

ALD honors Dr. David Roshkind as the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award.

 

Acceptance by Dr. Roshkind

I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award.

 

I began teaching the use of lasers in dentistry shortly after the dLase 300 Nd:YAG, the first surgical laser in the world designed specifically for general clinical dentistry. was cleared on May 3, 1990, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by dental practitioners.  I had the good fortune to be in the first group of dentists in the United States to be taught and mentored by the late Dr. Terry D. Myers, the inventor of that first dental laser.  After learning as much as was available about dental lasers at the time, and gaining some clinical practice, I became a Senior Clinical Instructor for the Institute for Laser Dentistry.  In this position I had the distinction to teach and offer some of the first educational programs to train other dental clinicians in the U.S. and from around the world.  I was given the opportunity to help develop the Curriculum Guidelines for Dental Laser Education which was used for decades as the standard in dental laser education.  Additionally I introduced one of the first dental laser courses within a dental college for predoctoral students.  After teaching now for more than 30 years, in venues of all varieties and sizes from 800 participants to one-on-one, I am proud to say that many of the outstanding and leading laser educators, authors, and researchers today were once students of mine.

 

It is my desire to dedicate this tribute and acceptance of my award to Dr. Terry D. Myers, my first dental laser teacher and mentor.  Furthermore it is my wish that those whom I have had the privilege to help along the path of their dental laser education will continue to teach, mentor, improve, and advance the teaching of laser integration into clinical and academic dental education.

 

I wish to express my thanks to the Awards Committee for honoring me with the Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award.333

 

Contact Dr. Roshkind by email at [email protected].

 

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. The 2021 inaugural honor of the Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award is presented to Dr. David Roshkind.

 

 

 

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 2021, James Carroll 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. Joel White 1993
Dr. Lynn Powell 1995
Dr. Richard Blankenau 1996
Dr. Terry D. Myers 1998
Dr. Peter Rechmann 1999
Dr. Frederick Parkins 2000
Dr. Akira Aoki 2001
Dr. John Featherstone 2002
Dr. Craig Gimbel 2003

Dr. Linda Otis 2006

Prof. Raimund Hibst 2008
Prof Dr. Daniel Fried 2009
Dr. Wayne Selting 2011
Dr. Sebastiano Andreana 2012
Dr. Georgios Romanos 2016
Dr. Shalizah Patel 2019
Dr. Juliana Barros 2019

James Carroll 2021

 

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 2020 Dr. Grace Sun 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. 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
Mary Lynn Smith, RDH 2018
Dr. Nuran Çulcuoglu  2019

Dr. Grace Sun 2021

 

The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding commitment and contribution to the Academy. In 2021, Dr. Ana Triliouris 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. Triliouris joins esteemed colleagues as honorees:

 

Dr. Stewart Rosenberg 1993
Dr. Scott Brundrett 1995
Mr. John Sulewski 1996
University of California, San Francisco 1997
Dr. David M. Roshkind 1998
Dr. Alan J. Goldstein 1999
Dr. William Siminovsky 2000
Dr. Stuart Coleton 2002
Dr. Donald Patthoff 2003
Dr. Tony Hewlett 2004
Dr. Joel White 2005
Dr. Donald Coluzzi 2006

Dr. Art Levy 2007

Dr. Lester Burman 2008
Dr. Dennis Pietrini 2009
Dr. Steven Parker 2010
Dr. Charles Rhodes 2011
Dr. Emile Martin 2012
Dr. Robert Convissar 2013
Ms. Angie Mott, RDH 2014
Dr. Mitch Lomke 2015
Dr. Glenda Payas 2016
Dr. Arun Darbar in 2017
Dr. Scott Benjamin in 2018
Dr. Walid Altayeb in 2019 

Dr. Ana Triliouris in 2020 

 

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. The 2021 inaugural honor of the Dr. Glenda Payas Outstanding Educator Award is presented to Dr. David Roshkind.

 


2019 Award Recipients

The Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence

Nuran Çulcuoglu, DDS, MSc. Private Practice - Istanbul, Turkey
About Dr. Nuran Çulcuoglu

Dr. Çulcuoglu graduated from Ankara University Dental Faculty in 1977. She conducted research on denial originated focal infections in the early 1980s. Sheachieved ALD’s Standard Proficiency certification in1994 and Advanced Proficiency in1996. Dr. Çulcuoglu completed her MSc program at Genoa University in November 2014. She is practicing as a general dentist in Istanbul. Dr.Çulcuogluis a long-time ALD member and has attended just about every Academy of Laser Dentistry annual session for 25 years.

 

About this honor from Dr. Çulcuoglu
Since my childhood, I always wanted to be a scientist and do something for humanity. People are created beautifully and so, whether primitive or advanced, poor or rich, everyone deserves the best treatment especially about health. Continuing my work in accordance with this principle, I found laser dentistry. When I learned the capabilities of lasers, I felt like none of the treatments that I had been performing on my patients was sufficient. Finally, in 1990, I joined a laser course in Birmingham, Michigan. Following the course, I purchased a dLase 300 Nd:YAG dental laser and started incorporating laser treatments for my patients. In 1991, at the International Academy of Laser Dentistry meeting in Geneva, Professor Arthur Dugoni, who was the dean of the San Francisco University School of Dentistry, said, “These years are the golden age of dentistry! Implant treatment is very important to progress in dentistry, but laser treatment is a revolution because our patients can continue to use their own teeth.” That speech widened my horizon further and in time I observed this result in my own treatments. Today I continue to follow the progress of lasers closely. In light of high scientific technology, receiving this award for the clinical success I had due to my responsibility and respect toward my patients and their trust in me is a great honor.
I wish to express my thanks to the Awards Committee for honoring me with the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence.


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

Juliana A Barros, DDS, MS
Associate Professor
Department of Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics
UTHealth | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | School of Dentistry

About Dr. Juliana Barros

Dr. Barros is an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics at The University of Texas School of Dentistry (UTSD) atHouston. She earned her DDS from the University of Uberaba, Brazil, in 1995. She has postgraduate training in Restorative Dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. In addition, she earned a master’s degree in Laser Dentistry from the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute and University of São Paulo, Brazil. Recognizing great opportunities to advance knowledge and treatment in laser dentistry, she became the Director of Dental Laser Studies and designed a didactic and laboratory-based teaching curriculum for laser education at the UTSD at Houston. She also collaborated with UTSD’s Endodontics Department where she studied the effect of low-level laser irradiation on the migration and proliferation of dental follicle progenitor cells. She is also worked with UTSD’s Orthodontics Department in investigating the effects of low-level laser irradiation on bone regeneration and healing. Dr. Barros is currently collaborating with the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences and Baylor College of Medicine Sjögren’s Syndrome Clinic in studying the effectiveness of photobiomodulation on xerostomia and sensory alterations. Dr. Barros lectures and conducts research in the fields of restorative dentistry, biomaterials, and hard/soft tissue laser applications. She developed the laser dentistry curriculum at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) School of Dentistry at Houston and is the acting director of the laser clinic. Dr. Barros is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s University and Academia Relations Committee, American Dental Education Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, International Association for Dental Research, and Consortium of Operative Dentistry Educators. 

 

About this Honor for Dr. Barros
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the T.H. Maiman award. To be recognized by my peers for laser dentistry research and teaching is very special. Many years ago, when I first learned about lasers in the Special Laboratory of Lasers in Dentistry (LELO) in San Paolo, Brazil, I was completely amazed and intrigued. That experience inspired me to pursue a master's degree in laser dentistry. Years later, as a faculty at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, I was determined to share my laser knowledge with my colleagues and students. This laser adventure started more than 10 years ago and has resulted in many CE courses, clinical teaching, and research. I could not have achieved all of this without my dear friend Dr. Patel and wonderful mentors, Drs. Hoopingarner, Bouquot, Streckfus, Eduardo, and Zezell. 
I wish to express my thanks to the Awards Committee for honoring me with the T. H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research.

 
Shalizeh “Shelly” A. Patel, DDS
Associate Professor, Director of Clinical Simulation
Department of Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics
UTHealth | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | School of Dentistry

About Dr. Patel

Dr. Patel is an associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Shereceived her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School in 2001. As the Director of Clinical Simulation, Dr. Patel is involved in simulation teaching, curriculum development, and research. She also designed the didactic, lab and clinic-based teaching curriculum in laser education at UTSD. She has served as the principal investigator/collaborator in several research projects in the field of caries diagnosis/management, laser dentistry, simulation, and advances in teaching and learning. These efforts have led to numerous scholarly publications, a textbook chapter, and a number of presentations at both state and national levels. In 2012 and 2015, Dr. Patel was recognized with the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awards for “Innovation in Teaching” and the “Scholarship of Teaching,” respectively. She was the 2014 winner of the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching, as well. To serve her institution and the field of dental education, Dr. Patel is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education in Curriculum and Instruction.

 

About this honor from Dr. Patel
My desire to learn and discover knowledge in the field of laser dentistry has motivated me to initiate, collaborate and pursue a scholarly investigation. As a result, I have discovered clinical avenues in dentistry that I did not dare to explore previously. I have studied the effects of photobiomodulation on tissue engineering and wound healing. I have provided palliative treatment options to patients with chronic xerostomia and facial pain. I have helped design surgical protocols for a laser-focused biopsy service. I have designed a robust laser curriculum and mentored countless dental students and practicing dentists in pursuit of their knowledge in laser dentistry, and somehow in the process, I have grown and learned the most. To me, this award acknowledges the spirit of collaboration, persistence, and advancement. Without my collaboration with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Barros, and many other mentors such as Drs. Hoopingarner, Bouquot, and Streckfus, I would have never advanced in learning about lasers nor contributed in implementing a robust dental laser program at my institution, against all odds.
I wish to express my thanks to the Awards Committee for honoring me with the T.H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research.


The John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award

Walid Altayeb, DDS, PhD, MSc, FALD, MALDPrivate Practice, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

About Dr. Altayeb

Dr. Altayeb received his dental degree from the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, in 1998 and completed his Master of Science in Periodontics in 2004and Doctorate of Philosophy in Periodontics in 2007. He had been working as a clinical supervisor in the Department of Periodontics, Damascus University, Syria. Dr. Altayeb achieved an advanced level of knowledge in the application of lasers in dental science and patient treatment (Advanced Proficiency certificates from the Academy of Laser Dentistry in 980-nm diode and Er:YAG lasers). He has Mastership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry, is a member of the ALD Board of Directors and Speakers Bureau, Chair of the ALD International Relations Committee, and Founder and Chair of the ALD Gulf Laser Chapter. He is the founder of the laser section in the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry (BAIRD) and the founder of the Professional Diploma in Advanced Laser Dentistry of BAIRD. Dr. Altayeb conducts “Pink Aesthetics & Laser Dentistry” courses with the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and UAE. He has participated in many conferences in the Middle East and USA as a speaker in the fields of periodontal medicine and laser dentistry. He is working in private practice as a periodontist and implantologist in the Tamim Dental Polyclinic, Doha, Qatar, The British Lasik and Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dubai, UAE, and the Masters Dental and Aesthetic Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

 

About this honor from Dr. Altayeb
I am deeply honored to receive such an important award and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected. I have experienced great support and love from my friends who embraced me from the first day of joining the ALD. I joined ALD in 2011 and attended my first ALD Conference in 2012 in Arizona. An enormous salute goes to John Sulewski. John’s distinguished work and professionalism inspire me to give my maximum to our family in ALD. From the moment I joined ALD, I knew it is the organization where I belong. Laser dentistry added many advantages to my career. Laser dentistry has allowed me to improve my skill and treatments results, and enhance my patient’s convenience and comfort. Laser dentistry gives me the chance to meet friends and colleagues from around the world and share with them the knowledge and the good times. Earning this award would not have been possible without the inspiration I have received from my friends 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, speakers, and members. I look forward to successfully completing my mission in ALD and spread its values internationally. I promise to make all efforts to bring energy, passion, and optimism to the ALD. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success. Thank you! I wish to express my thanks to the Awards Committee for honoring me with the John G. Sulewski Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Commitment and Contributions to the Academy of Laser Dentistry.