Lasers: From the Science to Clinical Applications

        Understanding the Role and Limitations of Lasers in Everyday Dentistry & Dental Hygiene

Course Description:

The increasing number of lasers and related light-based technologies and their expanding list of applications are leading to much confusion of the role and value they play in dentistry. Separating the marketing claims from the true science is challenging. The functionality of these technologies is the merger of physics, biology, and art. Today lasers have a multitude of hard and soft tissue applications as well as play a significant role in endodontics and hygiene. Laser technology has revolutionized and simplified endodontics as well as enhancing periodontal care with significantly improved outcomes.  The use of lasers and LEDs for photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) to enhance the healing process and assist in managing inflammation has become integral part of post operative care.

This program is designed to enhance the attendee’s knowledge of the science, applications, and importance that various laser wavelengths bring to everyday patient care.  It will increase the attendees’ understanding of the benefits and limitations lasers provide in enhancing the efficiency and quality of care with improved outcomes. The goal of this program is to provide the attendees with the knowledge and confidence to evaluate and enhance the utilization that lasers and related light-based technologies provide in everyday dentistry and dental hygiene.

Course Objectives:

   At the End of this Program Attendees Should Have and Understand:

• The benefits and limitations of what laser technology can provide for the practice and patient.
• An introductory knowledge of laser physics, as it relates to dental applications .
• The laser applications and procedures that dentists and hygienists can routinely perform with enhanced outcomes .
• The regulations and required training for the successful and efficient implementation of lasers into everyday dentistry.
• Appropriate use of the new CDT procedure codes for photobiomodulation (PBM)
• Laser safety & infection control considerations.
• The confidence to select the type of laser(s) that will be beneficial to their practice.