American Laser Study Club Announces 2026 Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery Recipients: Ann Bynum, DDS, and Boaz Man, DVM
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LAS VEGAS - Washingtoner -- The American Laser Study Club (ALSC) today announced the 2026 recipients of the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery, recognizing two clinicians whose work has advanced laser surgery education and innovation across human and veterinary medicine.

The 2026 Award Winners Are:

• Ann Bynum, DDS - In recognition of her outstanding contributions to pediatric dental laser surgery education.
• Boaz Man, DVM - In recognition of his outstanding contributions to BOAS laser surgery education.

The award ceremonies will take place during the ALSC's Annual Symposia in Las Vegas, featuring two events in 2026: the Breathe and Thrive Symposium (February 6-8) and the Veterinary Laser Surgery Symposium (May 15-16). For further details, visit americanlaserstudyclub.org/symposium.

About the Award Winners

Ann Bynum, DDS

Dr. Bynum is originally from Ocala, Florida. She completed her undergraduate studies at Florida State University, earned her dental degree from the University of Iowa, and completed two years of specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

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In 1997, Dr. Bynum moved to Greenville, South Carolina, and opened her practice in Simpsonville. While she has used lasers throughout much of her career, she began focusing more specifically in 2013 on tethered oral tissues (TOTs) and related care approaches. She supports families in the Upstate of South Carolina and surrounding regions through a collaborative model.

Dr. Bynum is a Diplomate of the ABPD and a member of the SSPD, AAPD, and ADA. She has lectured and written on laser frenectomy, customer service, marketing, leadership, and teamwork. She continues to contribute to clinician education while balancing practice, family life, and travel with her husband, Dr. Matt Bynum, and their three sons.

Boaz Man, DVM

Dr. Man is a South Florida native who began working in veterinary hospitals as a teenager. He earned a BS in Biology from the University of Miami in 1999, with minors in Chemistry and Judaic Studies. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2004 and completed his clinical training at Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Man completed an internship at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists, working alongside board-certified internists, surgeons, and critical care veterinarians. Over the past two decades, he has served patients at several prominent animal hospitals in South Florida. In 2013, he became owner and medical director of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital (AAHA-accredited) and is Fear-Free certified.

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He serves on the editorial advisory board for DVM360 and contributes educational content through publications and social media. He is also a practice management advisor for Fear Free and has lectured on topics including digital cytology and laser surgery. He lives in Boca Raton with his wife, Jade, their three children, and their rescued dogs.

About the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery

Established in 2018 by the ALSC, the Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery honors individuals who have substantially contributed to laser surgery through research, education, or clinical practice. The prize, named for Dr. Kumar Patel, inventor of the CO₂ laser, is presented annually at the ALSC Annual Symposia. Learn more about the Kumar Patel Prize.

About the ALSC

Founded in 2017, the ALSC is dedicated to education and training in the application of lasers in dentistry and surgery, and to promoting evidence-based laser surgery and safety education.