Dr. Steven A. Burman of Manalapan was among more than 350 clinicians and academicians who gathered for discussion on new research, technological developments and the expanding role of lasers in dental care, during the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s 12th annual conference and exhibition held recently in New Orleans.

Burman is a certified laser educator, holds a position on the Board of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and was a clinical investigator during Food and Drug Administration’s trials for the Erbium YAG laser.

The Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association (JSPRAA) will hold a professional development and networking luncheon at 11:30 a.m. May 6 at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch.

Guest speaker Darralyn Rieth, director of global design for the Campbell Soup Co., will discuss worldwide branding.

The cost to attend is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers, if reserved before May 3, and $35 after the deadline. To register, call (732) 842-3311 or visit online at www.jspraa.com.

Gil Benjamin, a licensed and certified career counselor based in Morganville, will be a featured speaker at the New Jersey Counseling Association’s “Creativity and Challenge in Counseling” program to be held May 1-3 at the Sheraton in Eatontown.

Benjamin’s presentation, titled “Choosing or Changing Your Career,” will be presented May 2 and will discuss three primary considerations that student and adult clients need to consider when choosing or changing a career path.

Benjamin holds accreditation as a master career counselor (NCDA), national certified counselor (NCC), national certified career counselor (NCCC), and New Jersey State career counselor license. He also holds a sixth-year certificate of advanced study in vocational counseling from New York University’s Graduate School of Education, a master’s degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology/economics from Brooklyn College. He is an adjunct assistant professor and career counselor at The College of Staten Island of the City University of New York, where he was formerly the director of the career development and placement center.

ComputerKiddies of Manalapan will hold its grand opening May 16. Owned by Ken and Miles Jones, the computer center will offer computer classes for children.

Imagine Tomorrow computer classes are available for children ages 3-7, led by certified Imagine Tomorrow teachers. The class combines a learning adventure with sophisticated technology concepts in a creative way that teaches children to use computers as a tool. Children work on their own computers using software that is custom built for each lesson and scaffolds to each child’s academic and technical ability levels. Parents receive online passwords to access lessons learned and software activities for reinforcement home.

The new center is located at 83 Bridge Plaza Drive, Manalapan. For more information, call (732) 536-5744 or visit the Web site www.computerkiddies.com.