Dr Mark Cronshaw trained at Guys Hospital in London. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in biomedical sciences before completing his dental studies in 1984.

Dr Cronshaw has used lasers in his daily clinical practice since 2005 and he maintains a busy private general practice in Cowes, UK. He was appointed a Professor a.c. at the University of Genoa in 2014-2020 where he taught the Advanced Masters Degree course in oral laser applications and he lectures on oral laser applications Worldwide.

In 2012 he was awarded the prestigious Fellowship award of the International Academy of Dento-Facial Esthetics. Dr Cronshaw is on the editorial peer review panel of the journals Lasers in Medical Science and Photochemistry and Photobiology and also is a Board member of Laser Education International. His clinical interests are in phototherapy, aesthetic dentistry, holistic dental care, minimally invasive dentistry as well as the application of laser therapy as an adjunct to tissue regeneration and pain management in periodontics and surgery. In collaboration with his co-Director Professor Steven Parker he runs a highly active laser training academy offering a variety of dedicated oral laser training programmes.

President Pandora Dental Training and Guidance Ltd. Dr Mark Cronshaw trained at Guys Hospital in London. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in biomedical sciences before completing his dental studies in 1984. Dr Cronshaw has used lasers in his daily clinical practice since 2005 and he maintains a busy private general practice in Cowes, UK. He was appointed a Professor a.c. at the University of Genoa in 2014-2020 where he taught the Advanced Masters Degree course in oral laser applications and he lectures on oral laser applications Worldwide. In 2012 he was awarded the prestigious Fellowship award of the International Academy of Dento-Facial Esthetics. Dr Cronshaw is on the editorial peer review panel of the journals Lasers in Medical Science and Photochemistry and Photobiology and also is a Board member of Laser Education International. His clinical interests are in phototherapy, aesthetic dentistry, holistic dental care, minimally invasive dentistry as well as the application of laser therapy as an adjunct to tissue regeneration and pain management in periodontics and surgery. In collaboration with his co-Director Professor Steven Parker he runs a highly active laser training academy offering a variety of dedicated oral laser training programmes. Dr Cronshaw has written over 20 peer reviewed scientific papers on the clinical applications of lasers in dentistry and he is actively involved in continued research. Dr Cronshaw is a contributory author and provided a chapter on orthodontics in the best-selling textbook “Lasers in Dentistry: Current Concepts”, editors Steven Parker and Don Coluzzi, published by Springer in October 2017. Dr Cronshaw is actively involved in clinical research into laser tissue interaction in regards to clinical phototherapy and is currently studying for a doctorate at Birmingham University. As a researcher and active clinician Dr Cronshaw has studied the literature on the application of photobiomodulation therapies for very many clinical applications including sports physiotherapy, CNS disorders, peripheral neuropathic syndromes and the management of failed wound healing. Most recently he presented to the World Federation of Laser Dentistry on aspects of dosimetry in photobiomodulation therapies. His current research involves trans- national collaboration with groups involved in oncology in France and Poland. During the recent Covid-19 crisis he founded a UK national think tank Pandora Dental Training and Guidance Ltd. This has been influential in formulating a practical response to the challenges in general dental practice to the disruption caused by Covid-19. In recognition of his work, he was given a UK National award earlier this year.

Title: Photothermal Effects of High Energy Photobiomodulation Therapies

Objective: to investigate photothermal aspects of photobiomodulation therapies (PBMT) in vitro, to assist in the development of safe clinical parameters with respect to higher power devices and progressively larger surface applicators. Laser wavelengths in the range of 650nm -1064 nm were investigated using a thermal camera. Measurements of surface and sub-surface temperature variations of standardized lean porcine muscle tissue samples were recorded for a series of calibrated experiments. A thermal comparison was made between Flat-top and Gaussian beam spatial distribution devices. Outcome data was subject to a statistical analysis applying ANOVA.

Results acquired at the chosen parameters of irradiance demonstrated that the 980 nm wavelength applied was associated with the highest thermal rise, which decreased with other wavelengths in the order 980 >1,064 ≈ 650 >>> 810 nm. All wavelengths assessed were associated with a significant thermal rise, and with the exception of 810 nm, all exceeded a threshold of a 6°C rise within the prescribed parameters. Optical scanning by movement of the applied source over an area was found to offer a means to reduce the increase in surface temperature. Notable associated thermal rise was associated with progressively larger optical spot applicators employing a Gaussian beam at an equivalent average irradiance up to a depth of 2cm. Recommendations are made to assist future clinical investigations within the limits of an in vitro study.

Title: Photobiomodulation – from the laboratory to the clinic: current concepts (on-line lecture)

Photobiomodulation (PBM) offers a great opportunity to transform every aspect of clinical care in dentistry. The mitigation of pain and inflammation plus the amelioration and prevention of tissue swelling is a core treatment outcome target for many clinical interventions. Furthermore, the ability to promote excellent quality healing with an increase in matrix volume is a key ambition of many regenerative treatments such as osseous and soft tissue grafting as well as therapies coupled with growth factors such as enamel matrix derivative and autogenous blood extracts such as PRF. The potential synergy between approaches offers many interesting possibilities to enhance clinical outcomes. Given an ageing population combined with multiple medical pathologies represents a major clinical challenge and the potential added benefits of integrating PBM offers a new integrated approach to tissue management. In this lecture we discuss a philosophy of care which combines the current and emerging evidence base in PBM with the daily challenge to optimize the outcome of our interventions whilst minimizing trauma and enhancing the patient journey.