INTRODUCTION
In 1993, Laser Dentistry was initiated at the Faculty of Dentistry, KKU. That was the time when the first Nd-YAG laser was used in Thailand for dental therapy by Assoc Prof Aroon Theerakapong. With the glory vision of Late Assoc Prof Nitipavee Srisuk, the former dean, the first continuing education of laser dentistry in Thailand and the project of establishing laser dentistry centre were commenced in 2001. Then Assoc Prof Dr Niwut Juntavee, the next former dean, was the first chairman of this project. Regarding the international recognition, Assoc Prof Dr Sajee Sattayut has posted to be the Thailand country representative of World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) since 2003 and be the General Secretary WFLD from 2016 to 2018. According to endless enthusiasm and attention of the members of this group, the contribution in laser dentistry has been increased in terms of scientific innovation education and collaboration. This also resulted in respectable connection with the World Federation for Laser Dentistry, particularly Asian Pacific Division chaired by Prof Loh Hong Sai to arrange the First Basic Laser Certification Course, WFLD in 2007. With the recognition from Khon Kaen University and the support by the former Vice President in Research and Technology Transfer Affairs, Assoc Prof Dr Kittichai Triratanasirichai, the Lasers in Dentistry Research Group (LDRG: KKU) has been established since April, 2011. Assoc Prof Dr Sajee Sattayut has been the chairman of the research group. Since then, the lasers in dentistry research group has been invented more than 10 clinical techniques of laser dentistry such as soft tissue welding technique for healing chronic oral ulceration, photocoagulation for initiating blood clot, photodynamic therapy for remitting oral potentially malignant disorders and oral candidiasis and non-ablative gingival depigmentation. The lasers in dentistry research group has been transferred these innovative laser techniques to be utilized for patients in the public health sectors as networks in Thailand, besides, enhanced and developed laser dentistry education for local and international dentists, dental health personal and related organizations.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT/RESEARCH INTEREST
- Innovation laser surgical techniques; laser soft tissue welding, photocoagulation and interstitial laser therapy
- Photodynamic therapy; oral microbial disinfection and potentially malignant disorders therapy
- Lasers for hard tissue and ceramics; regimens for root surface treatment, ceramic surface treatment and preparation for minimally invasive restoration
COLLABORATION
- International collaboration
- World Federation for Laser Dentistry
- Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam
- Local collaboration
- Maharad Nakon Ratchasima Hospital
- Namphong Hospital
- Bua Ngoen Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital
SELECTED PUBLICATION
Please visit: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ldrg_Kku2
CONTACT ADDRESS
Lasers in Dentistry Research Group
5th floor, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University
123 Mittraphap Rd., Muang, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
Phone 043 202 405 ext. 45265
E-mail: ldrg@kku.ac.th
