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Interviews

Biotech

August 11, 2025

The importance and the future of photobiomodulation in Dentistry: An interview with Dr. Miguel Stanley

Dr. Miguel Stanley

• Founder and clinical director of the White Clinic
• Co-founder of the Slow Dentistry Global Network
• Founder of the Missinglink.ai
• Co-Founder of Denturline
• Vice President of the Digital Dentistry Society
• Member of many nternational scientific and academic organization
• Adjunct professor at the prestigious Upenn, USA.
• Named one of the “32 Most Influential People in Dentistry” by Incisal Edge Magazine, 2022
• He is one of the first dentists to ever give a TEDx talk and the only to host a documentary on dentistry for National Geographic
• He has published several studies and articles over the years
• Over 300 lectures in over 50 countries
• Host of the podcast “Biting into Healthcare”

Discovery and First Steps

Discovery and First Steps

How did you discover the ATP38 technology and photobiomodulation in dentistry?

I first discovered the ATP38 in 2016 at the ExpoDental in Madrid. At the time, I had never seen anything quite like it—not just in dentistry but across healthcare. It stood out as a futuristic, clinically advanced piece of technology. Until then, I hadn’t seriously considered photobiomodulation as part of dentistry, but a personal experience with the device—where it significantly relieved pain in my foot after just 1 session—made me curious. That moment prompted me to delve into the science, and what I found was solid, credible, and aligned with the principles of regenerative medicine.

This was, in fact, the very first advanced regenerative technology we acquired for the White Clinic. I was so impressed by the difference it made in post-op healing that it became the catalyst for exploring what else was out there. Since then, we’ve integrated hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and other integrative tools—all with the goal of enhancing healing, reducing inflammation, and improving clinical outcomes. As a result, we clearly have a competitive advantage over most clinics in the region.

It’s also a true testament to the foresight of Mr. Philippe Vèran, founder of Biotech Dental, that he acquired this technology nearly a decade ago. His vision of expanding dentistry beyond the mechanical and into a truly integrative medical model continues to inspire me today.

What motivated you to integrate this technology into your daily practice?

At the White Clinic, we’re deeply committed to advanced oral rehabilitation and regenerative and biological dentistry. Once I understood how photobiomodulation supports ATP production, stimulates healing, and reduces post-operative inflammation, it was a natural fit. We were already focusing on minimally invasive protocols, so adding a tool that enhanced natural healing aligned perfectly with our philosophy. It truly is a revolution when applied to dentistry.

What’s more, as I began to observe the dramatic difference in how our patients responded to surgery with ATP38 compared to before we had it, it became clear: this wasn’t just complementary—it was transformative. That led us to look beyond dentistry for technologies that could meaningfully support our outcomes and build an integrative healing environment for our patients.

Why did you choose ATP38 over other available products?

The ATP38 is in a category of its own. From its uniform light diffusion to its multi-wavelength capacity and wide treatment field, it delivers consistent and high-quality results—and that’s critical in clinical dentistry. It’s also incredibly versatile and user-friendly, making it ideal for a multidisciplinary clinic like ours. Articles from NASA as far back as 2001 already discuss the benefits of this technology. Also, I must add that it is manufactured in Switzerland, which obviously carries huge weight when it comes to excellence in manufacturing.

We now have 3 units running daily across our 7 dental chairs. It’s so embedded into our workflow that it’s hard to imagine practicing without it. And from a business perspective, it’s also worth saying—it paid for itself very quickly. Patients talk about it, they ask for it, and they refer their friends and family because of it. It has become one of the most effective marketing tools we’ve ever adopted, and it’s an excellent example of technology that delivers strong clinical ROI (return on investment).

“We were already focusing on minimally invasive protocols, adding a tool that enhanced natural healing aligned perfectly with our philosophy.”

clinical application

clinical application

In which types of pathologies/fields do you use the ATP38 (implantology, orthodontics, periodontics, etc.)?

We use it extensively across multiple fields: implantology, oral surgery, periodontics, orthodontics, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) therapy, and in all of our biological and detox protocols. It’s also part of our systemic support strategy, especially for patients with chronic inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders.

For each indication, what is your protocol? How do you use the ATP38 (program, number of sessions, sessions before or after the procedure, etc.)?

Here’s a general outline of our protocols:
Implantology: One session immediately after surgery to boost the affected tissues, followed by 2–5 sessions post-op for pain and healing modulation.
Orthodontics: Weekly sessions during the first 6–8 weeks of treatment to support accelerated movement and reduce discomfort.
Periodontics: Used in conjunction with non-surgical therapy and laser treatments, typically over 4–6 sessions.
TMJ dysfunction: 2–3 times per week for symptom management and inflammation control, usually for 2 weeks.
Oral detox/cavitations: One session immediately post-op and at least 4 follow-ups within the first week.

Obviously, we discuss with the patient prior to any intervention. They need to come in regularly post-operatively, and this is not always possible, but we managed to do this in almost 80% to 90% of our patients.

Can you share some standout clinical cases where ATP38 made a significant difference?

There are many, as we’ve been using this for many years now, but one that stands out involved a patient with multiple autoimmune disorders undergoing oral surgery to remove over 14 seriously infected teeth beyond salvation. In the past, she had poor healing and significant post-op symptoms. With ATP38, her recovery was smooth, inflammation was minimal, and her overall health trajectory improved. She later told us it was the first time she felt supported in her healing—not just treated. This technology played a major role in that success.

We also treat a few athletes who come in for a hygiene appointment, and we apply this to their legs; they instantly feel better after and love it. Sometimes, they come just for that.

FIG. 1 Dr. Miguel Stanley.

Patient Experience

Patient experience

How do you explain or recommend photobiomodulation sessions to your patients?

We describe it as a way to naturally stimulate the body’s healing capacity using specific wavelengths of light. It’s completely painless, has no known side effects, and often replaces or reduces the need for medications. Once patients understand this—and many have already seen red light therapy trending online—they’re highly receptive to it. Luckily, there is more information online nowadays about light therapy, so it is becoming more mainstream and accepted.

How and why are your patients satisfied with the ATP38?

They feel better faster. Post-op discomfort is lower, swelling is reduced, and they can return to normal activity sooner. It’s relaxing, it works, and it gives them confidence in their treatment plan. Many of them actively ask for it—some even book extra sessions.

What benefits do your patients gain from the use of photobiomodulation?

Accelerated healing, reduced inflammation, less reliance on medication, and better tissue response. For medically sensitive patients, it can mean the difference between an ordinary recovery and an exceptional one.

Your Feedback

Your feedback

How and why are you personally satisfied with the ATP38?

I’m extremely satisfied with the ATP38 because it consistently delivers both clinical and business value. It has helped transform our surgical protocols, improved patient outcomes, and aligned beautifully with our mission to offer biological, regenerative care. It was our gateway into broader integrative therapies—and one I’m very grateful we invested in early.

What are the main benefits for you and your patients?

For me, it’s clinical efficiency and peace of mind. For patients, it’s faster healing, reduced pain, and a feeling of being cared for with cutting-edge tools. From a business perspective, it’s one of the few technologies that truly serves clinical excellence while offering a measurable return on investment.

Have you observed a noticeable reduction in pain, inflammation, or accelerated healing?

Absolutely. Swelling is consistently reduced, and pain often resolves faster than expected. Healing timelines are shortened—in some cases by 30% to 50%—which makes a huge difference, especially for surgical cases and patients with compromised immune systems. I use this on myself regularly as part of a wellness and longevity program.

“The ATP38 helped us transform our surgical protocols, improved patient outcomes, and aligned beautifully with our mission to offer biological, regenerative care.”

Integration Experience

Integration experience

From an organizational standpoint, is it easy to integrate the ATP38 into a daily clinical workflow? How did you do it with your team?

Yes—it’s surprisingly easy to integrate. We trained our clinical team early on and developed clear protocols for when and how to use it. It’s now a standard part of our pre- and post-op care, orthodontic support, and systemic protocols. Once the team saw the benefits, they became strong advocates. It’s now so deeply integrated that it’s almost invisible in our workflow—just a natural part of how we care for patients.

What advice would you give to a colleague considering adopting the ATP38 in their practice?

Commit to it. Don’t treat it like an optional add-on. Train your team, build it into your protocols, and educate your patients. They’ll embrace it, and you’ll see the difference. Also, don’t underestimate the marketing value—patients talk about it, they share their experience, and it builds trust in your clinic. It’s rare to find a technology that checks all the boxes: clinical, operational, and reputational.

If you only ever do 1 session, you’ll never really get the real benefit from it—this is something you must live with and use every day in your practice regularly. I’ve heard some critics say that it doesn’t work, but then when I ask how many sessions they did, and they answer only 1 post-op session.

Have you observed a noticeable reduction in pain, inflammation, or accelerated healing?

Absolutely. Swelling is consistently reduced, and pain often resolves faster than expected. Healing timelines are shortened—in some cases by 30% to 50%—which makes a huge difference, especially for surgical cases and patients with compromised immune systems. I use this on myself regularly as part of a wellness and longevity program.

Obviously, that is not enough, so if you see the protocols that we show, patients have to come in regularly.

Future Vision

Future Vision

How do you see the future of photobiomodulation in dentistry over the next few years?

I believe the dental community is only just beginning to understand its potential. With the growing interest in red light therapy among biohackers and longevity clinics—especially across social media—it’s already becoming a wellness trend. But dentistry is uniquely positioned to adopt it in a clinically meaningful way. As research and clinical adoption expand, PBM (photobiomodulation) will become a central pillar of regenerative dental care.

Do you believe it will become a standard of care?

Without a doubt. The science is strong, the benefits are clear, and the demand is rising. In the years ahead, PBM will be as routine as anesthetics or radiographs in any forward-thinking practice.

“We don’t innovate for the sake of it—we innovate to serve our patients better.”

Conclusion

conclusion

Any advice or message for dentists regarding technological innovation?

Stay curious and remain open. True innovation isn’t about gadgets—it’s about transformation. Look outside of traditional dentistry and explore what medicine, sports recovery, and wellness are doing. That’s where the future is being built.

A quote or key message on the importance of innovating to improve care?

As I always say, “Health is the new beauty,” but here goes: “We don’t innovate for the sake of it—we innovate to serve our patients better. Real innovation elevates healing, empowers teams, and builds a future of dentistry that’s smarter, faster, and more human.”

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