The Academy of Laser Dentistry Certification Program for the Introductory Hands-On Course, Standard Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency will be conducted March 15-16, 2006, in Tucson, Ariz., in conjunction with Source 2006, ALD's 13th Annual Conference and Exhibition.
Visit www.source2006.org to register. The One-day Introductory Hands-On course, Wednesday, March 15, 2006, is in conjunction with the Standard Proficiency Course and is intended for anyone interested in lasers in dentistry. No prior knowledge is required. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical applications of lasers in contemporary dental practice.
The full range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications for soft tissue and hard tissue will be demonstrated and discussed. Participants will learn the fundamentals of using lasers in dentistry. Interactive discussions complete with clinical case presentations will provide a balanced view of dental laser wavelengths, techniques and applications including:
* Current dental laser wavelengths for hard and soft tissue procedures, diagnosis and treatment.
* The effects and results of laser tissue interaction.
* Treatment objectives, sequence, patient management and healing assessment.
* Basic laser physics, how lasers work and brief laser safety considerations.
All introductory course participants will work with laser devices to learn set-up and operation of various dental laser systems and surgical technique simulation.
Candidates in the Two-day Standard Proficiency Program on March 15-16, 2006, participate in a lecture and hands-on course and then demonstrate understanding of all wavelengths through a 75-question multiple choice written examination and clinical proficiency simulation examination. This level defines the standard of care for the dental professional according to the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education.
Applicants may be a licensed dentist, hygienist or any assistant, office manager, industry representative, hospital staff or anyone interested in learning about the safe & effective use of lasers in dentistry. Participants who successfully complete both the lecture and hands-on course and examinations will receive a certificate of completion of a Dental Laser Standard Proficiency continuing education course recognized by the Academy of Laser Dentistry, upon joining the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
The Standard Proficiency level is a pre-requisite for progressing to the Advanced Proficiency level. The Academy of Laser Dentistry strongly encourages successful completion of Dental Laser Standard Proficiency prior to using a laser on patients.
Application for Standard Proficiency by Jan. 16, 2006, ensures that participants will receive appropriate study materials. Advanced Proficiency represents advanced knowledge and clinical experience with the dental laser.
Candidates for Advanced level recognition must demonstrate knowledge of all laser wavelengths via a comprehensive written examination, advanced clinical proficiency via a clinical simulation using the dental laser of their choice and, must also prepare five clinical case studies and be prepared to present a minimum of two of them.
Laser safety officers do not participate in the case study presentation section of this examination. Applicants must be a licensed dentist, hygienist or any assistant, office manager, industry representative, etc. wishing to act as a laser safety officer. The prerequisite for this level of certification is the successful completion of ALD's standard proficiency level course and examination.
Advanced candidates are mentored by experienced ALD members through the Mentor Program for Advanced Proficiency Candidates. Advanced Proficiency applicants must apply by Nov. 15. A full schedule, examination applications, preparatory guidelines and conference information is available at www.source2006.org or by calling the Academy of Laser Dentistry. The Academy of Laser Dentistry has formally adopted the Curriculum Guidelines and Standard for Dental Laser Education.
This document was initially developed in 1992 and revised in 1998 through a consensus process with individuals from dental academia, industry and clinical practice. The document offers guidelines and establishes standards of education for the use of lasers in dentistry. It defines standards for the demonstration of competency for the safe and effective use of lasers by dental professionals.
The ALD is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider and an AGD Accepted National Sponsor (FAGD/MAGD Credit).
