Standard Proficiency Course
LASER CERTIFICATION
The curriculum guidelines and educational
standards for laser certification were established
by the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), long considered
the premier source for laser education and information.
There are 4 types of laser courses for the dental clinician:
STANDARD PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION
(SP)
SP certification is a 12 hour course
that includes lecture, a clinical lab practical and
a written exam administered by the ALD. The Dental
Hygiene Laser Course provides parts 1 & 2 of
the 3 part process in a course called the Intermediate
Dental Laser Course (IDLC). Upon completion of the
IDLC, the course attendee is eligible to register
with ALD to take the written exam. When the written
exam has been passed, the ALD will then provide the
clinician with SP certification.
The Dental Hygiene Laser Course
adapts the ALD curriculum to the needs of the dental
hygienist while still covering the full extent of
the necessary curriculum to pass the written exam.
ALD curriculum includes:
Additionally, the Dental Hygiene
Laser Course includes Laser Soft Tissue Management
(LSTM). LSTM involves the integration of the laser
into the dental hygiene program. Information covered
in this section of the course is described below.
LASER SOFT TISSUE MANAGEMENT (LSTM)
LSTM involves the day to day use
of the laser and the procedures in which it will
be incorporated. It includes the following:
