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. Post-graduation Dr Cronshaw became a post graduate trainer in general dental practice. Following training in the USA under the tutelage of Dr. John Kois 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 New York based 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 recent 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 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 awarded UK National recognition earlier this year as one of the UK’s most influential dental professionals.

Title:

Dose Delivery Considerations in Photobiomodulation Therapies

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate dose delivery parameters of photobiomodulation therapies (PBMT) in vitro. The objective was to assist in the development of safe clinical parameters particularly with respect to higher power devices and with larger surface applicators.

Laser wavelengths in the range of 650-1064 nm were investigated using a beam profilometer and thermal camera. Beam spectral profile and thermographic measures of surface and sub-surface lean porcine muscle tissue samples were recorded for an extended series of calibrated experiments. In addition, a comparison was made between flat top and Gaussian beam spatial distribution devices.

Outcome data was subject to a statistical analysis applying ANOVA.

The beam profilometer images support the use of a surface optical beam application ≥ 1cm2 for the delivery of energy to volumes of sub-surface tissues in preference to single or multiple small optical spot size devices. The inherent Gaussian distribution of the power across the spectral beam profile clearly demonstrates a predominantly forward pattern of optical transport with little lateral scatter apparent in the tissue samples and wavelengths employed.

Results acquired at similar parameters of irradiance indicated that the 980 nm wavelength applied was associated with the highest rise in temperature, which decreased with other wavelengths in the order 980>1064 ≥ 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 parameter limits. Optical scanning by movement of the applied source over an area was found to offer an effective measure to facilitate the mitigation of these thermal rises.

An extended discussion section analyses the clinical significance of the study outcomes, and proposals are made and an outline description given of some continuing studies employing a combination of cryotherapy with simultaneous PBM to further enable safe delivery of energy to sub-surface targets. Recommendations are made to assist future clinical investigations within the limits of the in vitro study presented.