Academy of Laser Dentistry Names 2018-2019 Officers

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) installed Raminta Mastis, DDS, as its president for 2018-2019 during its recent 25th Anniversary Meeting in Orlando. The organization also named its president-elect, treasurer, secretary, and immediate past president for its next term during the event.

A 1987 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Mastis operates Michigan Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry in St. Clair Shores, Mich. She previously served as co-chair of the ALD’s certification and education committees and chair of its laser safety and communications committees. Also, she was the 2014 Annual Meeting General & Scientific Sessions chair.

Mastis has been using lasers since 2000 and has 18 lasers of various wavelengths in her practice. She holds ALD Standard Proficiency certifications in Er:YAG, diode, Er,Cr:YSGG, and carbon-dioxide laser wavelengths. She also has achieved ALD Advanced Proficiency in the Er:YAG wavelength. She holds ALD Mastership status as well.

President-elect Mel Burchman, DDS, has maintained a private practice in Lanhorne, Pa, for 38 years. He has been using lasers for more than 17 years and has eight lasers in his office. He has served on the ALD Board of Directors and as chair of the 2015 Annual Meeting General & Scientific Sessions. And, he holds ALD Mastership status.

Treasurer Ed Kusek, DDS, has served as ALD communications chair and testing subcommittee chair. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He also holds a Mastership in the AGD and the ALD. He maintains a private practice in Sioux Falls, SD.

Secretary Arun Darbar, BDS, DGDP, has been using lasers for nearly 25 years. He holds ALD Mastership and Educator status and served as co-chair of the ALD’s education and certification and international relations committees. Also, he is an accredited member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Credentialing Committee. He maintains a private practice in Leighton Buzzard, UK.

Immediate past president Charles R. Hoopingarner, DDS, has maintained a private practice in Houston since 1973 and is a member of the adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He has served on the ALD Board of Directors and has served as various chairs for the organization. He holds Advanced and Standard Proficiency certifications for the Er:YAG laser wavelength and ALD Mastership status as well.