Premier Laser Systems Ousts Founder

Colette Cozean, the founder of Premier Laser Systems Inc. who attracted national attention for a dental laser designed to treat tooth decay painlessly, was ousted from the Irvine firm. Cozean, who relinquished her positions as chief executive and president in November, was replaced as chairman and “removed” as chief technology officer. Premier Laser said she will remain on the seven-member board but is no longer a company employee. The board elected outside director Fredric J. Feldman, 59, as its chairman. Cozean, who in 1991 was one of the few women in the nation to form a technology company, said she may yet resign. “The company has been lauded for the number of . . . products that have come to market,” Cozean, 40, said. “Considering that, these changes are surprising.”