Pediatric Tongue- and Lip-Ties: Diagnosis and Treatment with Soft-Tissue Lasers (3-Day Hands-On Course)

Boston, MA •Thursday, June 27, 2019, 9 a.m. - Saturday, June 29, 2019, 3 p.m.

In this combination lecture and hands-on course, attendees will be introduced to the concept of laser frenectomies, an increasingly popular method by which dentists and physicians can treat tongue- and lip-ties in their patients.

 Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. Tongue and lip ties can prevent proper nursing in infants, due to inability to latch onto the nipple. Failure to latch correctly can then result in the infant swallowing air rather than milk, leading to gas, belching and colic symptoms, and failure to gain weight.

Symptoms of tongue-ties include:

  • Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side
  • Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
  • A tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out

Tongue-ties can be corrected via the use of soft-tissue lasers, which provide a quick, mostly painless release, while minimizing bleeding and the risk of infection.

In this course, attendees will receive an overview of best practices regarding tongue- tie assessment and treatment, and will participate in a hands-on workshop on how to remove tongue-ties through the use of soft-tissue lasers. They will also have the opportunity to view videos and case studies, as well hearing from current laser frenectomy practitioners about billing and insurance issues.

Location/Venue
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
One Kneeland Street
Boston, MA 02111
Course Information

In this combination lecture and hands-on course, attendees will be introduced to the concept of laser frenectomies, an increasingly popular method by which dentists and physicians can treat tongue- and lip-ties in their patients.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. Tongue and lip ties can prevent proper nursing in infants, due to inability to latch onto the nipple. Failure to latch correctly can then result in the infant swallowing air rather than milk, leading to gas, belching and colic symptoms, and failure to gain weight.

 Symptoms of tongue-ties include:

  • Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side
  • Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth
  • A tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out

Tongue-ties can be corrected via the use of soft-tissue lasers, which provide a quick, mostly painless release, while minimizing bleeding and the risk of infection.

In this course, attendees will receive an overview of best practices regarding tongue- tie assessment and treatment, and will participate in a hands-on workshop on how to remove tongue-ties through the use of soft-tissue lasers. They will also have the opportunity to view videos and case studies, as well hearing from current laser frenectomy practitioners about billing and insurance issues.

 Day 1 of the course will consist of:

 · Introduction to laser tie intervention

· Ankyloglossia 101, including its history and impact on newborns, necessary terminology, assessment protocols, and the team approach to intervention

· Information on Oral Physiology, including variations in oral development and specific bodywork interventions to aid Ankyloglossia recovery

Day 2 of the course will consist of:

· Discussion of the potential role of soft tissue lasers in conducting frenectomies, as well as video demonstrations of frenectomies

· Q and A with the instructors and a variety of experts

· Discussion of screening procedures and patient care

 Day 3 of the course will consist of:

· Detailed discussion of laser tissue interaction

· Hands-on workshop on chicken wings


IBCLC's and other non-dentists who are not qualified to use soft-tissue lasers may choose to attend only Days 1 and 2 as observers.

Lodging Information
The hotels listed below are within walking distance of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and offer a Tufts rate to program participants. Because rates vary depending on availability, please book your room early.

Courtyard by Marriott
Boston Tremont
275 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
Reservations: 800.321.2211
Phone: 617.426.1400
Fax: 617.482.6730
www.CourtyardBostonTremont.com

The DoubleTree Hotel
821 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617.956.7900
Fax: 617.956.7901
www.hiltonfamilyboston.com/downtown

The W Hotel Boston
100 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617.261.8700
Fax: 617.310.6730
www.WHotels.com/boston
Speaker Information

MICHELLE EMANUEL, OTR/L, CIMI, CST, NBCR, RYT 200; 
Occupational Therapist, Creator of the TummyTime! Method, Yoga Teacher, Reflexologist, CranioSacral Therapist

JOY P. FUNSTON, RN, IBCLC, RLC, Founder & CEO, Lead IBCLC & Ankyloglossia Specialist, Joyful Start LC, Charlottesville, Virginia


ROBERT M. MARCUS, D.D.S., Dr. Marcus obtained his D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, and also completed a two year residency for specialized training in Pediatric Dentistry at facilities in both the University and at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at John Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Marcus maintains a pediatric dental office in Reisterstown, Maryland, where his practice focuses on complete, compassionate dental services for infants, children, teens, adults, and those with special needs. He has experience in treating thousands of babies and older patients via dental laser surgery for their lip and tongue ties.


EDWARD KUSEK, D.D.S., Diplomate of American Board of Implant Dentistry, Mastership in Academy of Laser Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Recognized course Provider for ALD. Graduate of University of Nebraska Medical. 



Credit Information
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine designates this activity for 19.0 continuing education credits.

 
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. Approval Date12/15-11/19. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit house by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ADA.org/goto/cerp. 
Cancellation Policy
The Division of Continuing Education reserves the right to end registration when enrollment limit is reached and to cancel, modify, or alter content or faculty for any course if circumstances indicate the need for such a change. If the school finds it necessary to cancel a course, a full refund will be granted. All attempts to contact registrants will be made as soon as possible in the event of a course cancellation. The school will not be held responsible for any losses due to travel arrangements made by the registrant.

In the event of inclement weather (such as a snow emergency) or other extenuating circumstances, the Division of Continuing Education may be forced to cancel a course. If a course has been cancelled, we will contact participants by the phone number and/or email address provided. You may call or email our office on the day of the course if you are uncertain of a course’s status.

Refunds

Full tuition refund or credit will be given for cancellations received at least two weeks prior to course date. Refunds or tuition credit will not be issued for participant no-shows.
Learning Objectives
  • Understand infant feeding physiology and how tongue- and lip-ties impair infant intake
  • Use reliable diagnostic criteria to screen babies for Ankyloglossia
  • Understand all of the consequences and benefits of using lasers to release tongue- and lip-ties
  • Become familiar with using dental lasers on frenum-like substances
  • Understand how some structural issues that impact feeding can be addressed with the use of a variety of Bodywork techniques
Target Audiences
GPs, Specialists