Functional Frenectomy for Every GP: Soft Tissue Microsurgery (Frenectomy Basics)
This hands-on course empowers general dentists to confidently diagnose and perform functional frenectomies (release of tethered tissues) across all age groups. Led by experienced providers, participants will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, diagnosis protocols, and both scalpel and CO₂ laser techniques. The course emphasizes real-world applications, including interdisciplinary collaboration, documentation, and patient management. Whether you're seeking to expand your service offerings or improve outcomes in airway, speech, and orthodontic cases, this course delivers the surgical and clinical tools every GP needs.
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November 5th 2025
5214 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
Learning Objectives
- Understand Frenum Anatomy & Embryology: Identify and describe the seven oral frena and their implications in oral function and development across age groups.
- Accurately Diagnose Functional Ties: Utilize multiple diagnostic tools such as Kotlow, TRMR, and Hazelbaker assessments to evaluate lingual and labial ties in children, and adults.
- Perform Frenectomies Using Scalpel and CO₂ Laser Techniques: Gain direct, hands-on experience with both scalpel-based and laser-assisted frenectomy workflows, including tissue handling, anesthesia protocols, and suturing.
- Integrate an Interdisciplinary Treatment Model: Collaborate with allied providers—such as IBCLCs, SLPs, OMTs, and bodyworkers—to deliver comprehensive pre- and post-op care for functional improvement.
- Apply Practice-Ready Coding, Documentation, and Setup: Learn ICD-10/CPT coding, streamlined instrument setup, and patient communication strategies to incorporate frenectomies into your general dental practice efficiently.
Deliverables & Key Influencers to Join the Workshop
- Live Patient Demonstrations (Adult+ Adolescent): Watch real-time frenectomy procedures performed on adults—see the exact techniques used, tissue response, anesthesia approach, and post-op instructions.
- Hands-On Surgical Practice: Perform both scalpel and CO₂ laser frenectomies in a controlled, mentor-led environment to build confidence and surgical skill—no more second-guessing.
- Fear-Busting Protocols for All Ages: Learn how to overcome clinical hesitation by understanding anatomy, contraindications, anesthetic protocols, and step-by-step workflows designed to make frenectomies predictable and safe.
- Boost Production Without Expensive Overhead: Frenectomies require minimal instruments and can be performed chair side with your existing setup—no major investment needed. You’ll leave with everything you need to start offering this high-value service Monday morning.
- Add Frenectomies to Existing Procedures for Better Out: comesDiscover how to bundle frenectomies with other treatments—perform one while delivering a full arch, uncovering ortho brackets, or treating airway/sleep issues. Maximize your clinical impact without extending chair time.
- Step-by-Step Protocols for Child & Adult Cases: Clear, reproducible workflows tailored to each age group, including how to manage caregivers, explain benefits, and ensure safe healing.
- Practice-Ready Toolkits: Receive coding and documentation templates (ICD-10/CPT), informed consent forms, supply lists, and case selection guidelines—streamlined for implementation.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration Made Simple: Get connected to a care model involving lactation consultants, SLPs, bodyworkers, and myofunctional therapists. Learn how to co-manage cases and build a strong referral network.
Practical Attendee Goals
Diagnose Confidently
- Be able to confidently identify when a frenectomy is indicated using clinical markers for tongue ties, lip ties, and buccal ties
- Learn the functional impacts of restricted tissue on airway, speech, ortho, and feeding
Perform with Confidence
- Complete 3–5 hands-on frenectomies under supervision
- Learn blade and/or laser technique based on comfort and tools used in their practice
- Manage bleeding, wound care, and common complications
Integrate Immediately
- Know how to set up the procedure room with the correct instruments and team flow
- Build a step-by-step clinical protocol for how to perform frenectomies in-office
- Learn post-op protocols and patient communication for healing and follow-up
Increase Case Acceptance
- Learn how to explain the need for frenectomies in patient-friendly language
- Roleplay scripting for presenting the treatment plan to parents and adult patients
- Get templates for informed consent, before/after care, and team member training
Monetize the Procedure
- Build a billing and coding process for laser or scalpel frenectomies
- Learn how to present this as a health-boosting service (not just cosmetic)
- Add 2–4 new case opportunities per week from current hygiene patients
Meet Your Instructors
Dr. Michael J. Dienberg
Dr. Michael J. Dienberg is a hospital-trained general dentist with a special focus on CO₂-laser tongue- and lip-tie releases for patients of all ages. After earning his BS and DDS from Marquette University, he completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Over the past decade in hospital settings he has performed or supervised thousands of tongue- and lip-tie releases using multiple methods on infants, toddlers, school-age children, special-needs patients, medically complex adults, and everyone in between—experience first honed at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and refined while guiding day-to-day training for Oregon Health & Science University’s hospital residency. He is now a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. Based in the Columbia River Gorge, Dr. Dienberg provides comprehensive care—including laser frenectomies, IV-moderate sedation, and complex extractions—throughout Oregon and Washington and draws on more than a decade of hospital-based surgical experience to deliver predictable, evidence-based dentistry.
Outside the operatory, you’ll catch Michael “shredding the gnar” on Mt. Hood, cranking 70s classic rock, or roaming Gorge trails and rivers with his wife and three kids—often ending with a Sunday-morning coffee stop. He brings the same calm, upbeat energy to patient care; a favorite memory is the day a mother of siblings with Crouzon syndrome burst into grateful tears after their post-frenectomy speech finally took off.
Dr. Bethany Dienberg
Bethany Dienberg is the behind-the-scenes side-kick who keeps frenectomy and surgery days humming at Otter Oral Care in the Columbia River Gorge. Backed by a B.S. in Exercise Science from Marquette University, she blends movement science with chairside assisting, practice operations, and patient coaching. Since joining the practice she has supported hundreds of laser releases and wisdom-tooth procedures—crafting team-based after-care protocols and guiding patients of every age, with a special knack for helping postpartum families navigate feeding milestones, all while juggling scheduling and insurance details.Outside the clinic, you’ll find Bethany carving turns on Mt. Hood’s ski slopes, sampling Columbia River Gorge coffee roasters on rotation, or exploring trails and waterways with Michael and their three adventure-ready kids—always dreaming up her next creative project along the way.
Add On To your Course
Dental Assistant
Bring your dental assistant along! They'll learn alongside you, ensuring seamless integration of new techniques into your practice workflow.
Observations Before Your Course
Not ready for surgery just yet? Observe a course and apply 50% of the observation tuition towards attending as a surgical participant.
Additional Observations After Your Course
Your registration includes one free observational experience within the next 12 months. Plus, enjoy 20% off additional courses with CSI to further expand your skills and knowledge.
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