A guest lecture and workshop on “Lase like a PRO – Elevate your Dentistry to the Next Level” was organized by the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in association with Spandana Alumni Association, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad on 24th July 2024 from 2-5 pm. The guest speaker was Dr. Chandrashekar Yavagal, Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere.

The workshop was conducted in a hybrid mode: offline at Hamsadhwani Auditorium, SDM Dental College and Hospital, and online via Google Meet. The Master of Ceremony, Dr. Veena B Pujari, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDMCDS, began the session with an invocation for blessings from the almighty. The invocation song was rendered by Panchami, an intern.

Dr. Kirty R Nandimath, HOD of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDMCDS, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Veena B Pujari gave a brief introduction of the speaker, followed by an address from Dr. Balaram Naik, Principal of SDMCDS. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Mahima Tilakchand, Secretary of the Spandana Alumni Association of SDMCDSH.

Dr. Chandrashekar Yavagal started the session with a brief introduction to lasers and their applications. In the guest lecture, he explained and presented various oral and maxillofacial pathologies treated by lasers. During the workshop, Dr. Chandrashekar Yavagal demonstrated various modalities and wavelengths of lasers used for surgical and photobiomodulation purposes.

The workshop was well received and attended online by 140 participants, including faculty members and postgraduate students across various fields of dentistry from dental colleges all over India, as well as private practitioners. Offline, 60 participants, including interns, postgraduates, and faculty members of SDMCDSH, attended the workshop at Hamsadhwani Auditorium. The session was highly interactive, with active participation from both the attendees and the speaker.

An appreciation certificate and memento were awarded to Dr. Chandrashekar Yavagal on behalf of the Department and the Spandana Alumni Association of SDMCDS. All participants received digital certificates of attendance.

This event exemplifies our commitment to continuing education and the advancement of dental practice through the integration of innovative laser technology.