Dentistry and Oral Health

Abstract

My name is Dr.Mel Burchman and I have been using photobiomodulation(PBM) in my practice for over 23 years. It is my pleasure to present to you about the many benefits of using photobiomodulation for the treatment of Oral Mucositis and the many other side effects of chemo and radiation therapy. Photobiomodulation is a response of the body to light in the 600 – 1064 nanometer range that elicits a large range of beneficial effects. 
When the cells are in stress, nitric oxide binds to the Cytochrome C Oxidase in the mitochondria and causes oxidative stress. We get reduced oxygen consumption and ATP production. When light in this range is introduced to the body we remove the NO from the Cytochrome C Oxidase freeing up the electron transport chain, restoring ATP production, producing Reactive Oxygen Species. We get gene signaling, gene transcription thereby reducing inflammation and helping tissues heal more quickly.
The following is an article written by Dr. Charles Whitney, the co-chair of the American Academy of Oral and Systemic Health in their journal about my treatment of oral mucositis in one of his patients.

Biography

Dr. Burchman has maintained a general dentistry practice in Bucks County, Pennsylvania since 1976. He began using lasers in 1998 and now has eight lasers in his practice. I also have 7 lasers in my home. In 2001 he received Advanced Proficiency in Nd: YAG from the A.L.D. In November 2003 He received the “The Science Behind the Clinic of Laser Dentistry” award for his Keynote Presentation on, “Nd:YAG and Diode Laser Therapy in the Medically Compromised Patient”. Also in 2003 his office was written up in Men’s Health Magazine in an article titled, “The Drill Is Gone.” In 2005 he received “Certified Laser Educator” status from the Academy. He received his “Certificate of Mastership” from the Academy in 2008. He has been published twice in the laser academy journal “Wavelengths” on “Lasers in the Medically Compromised Patient” and “Using Dental Lasers to Treat a Severe Parkinson’s and Cancer Patient.” In 2012 received the “Leon Goldman Award” for laser clinical excellence from the ALD for this work. He has presented on this topic over a 100 times both nationally and internationally and it is his passion. He has served the academy as: Mentor, Examiner, and Chairman of many committees, a member of the Academy Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President. In 2014 he was the Keynote Speaker at the OCMIS Laser Conference in Philadelphia PA.  In 2015 & 2016 he was a Keynote Speaker for the Dental Session of the ASLMS. In 2019 he was the Keynote Speaker for the ALD-BAIRD laser conference in Qatar, for the Australian Medical Laser Society and the Australian Dental Society in Sydney Australia.  In 2015 he was the General and Scientific Chairman of the A.L.D conference and in 2016 was the Co-Program Chair of the ASLMS conference. In 2016 he received his, “Recognized Course Provider” certification and was the Chairman of the 2019 academy conference.  Also in 2019 his article on “8 Ways Your Patients Will Benefit from Low-Level Laser Therapy” was published in Dentistry Today. In 2018 he had the honor to testify before a Congressional Subcommittee on, “Using Dental Lasers to Help Control Opioid Abuse”. He was the President of the Academy of Laser Dentistry in 2019 - 2020 and also help found GMA Laser Education. In October of 2022 GMA Laser Education was the keynote speaker for the Asia Pacific Laser Institute Annual Conference.