Lasers in Dentistry: Minimally Invasive Instruments for the Modern Practice
COURSE NUMBER: 394
Credit Hours:
4 Hour(s)
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Lasers have been used in dentistry for over 25 years. Recent developments in technology and differing wavelengths are creating a host of innovative treatments using various dental lasers. The modern practitioner needs to be familiarized w...
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Overview
Lasers have been used in dentistry for over 25 years. Recent developments in technology and differing wavelengths are creating a host of innovative treatments using various dental lasers. The modern practitioner needs to be familiarized with these devices and understand the possibilities and limitations of each device.
Shortly after the invention of the first ruby laser in 1960, researchers began investigating lasers potential use in dentistry. Dental lasers are now well-established in the dental armamentarium and their future potential is even greater. Recent developments in technology and differing wavelengths are creating a host of innovative treatments using various dental lasers. The modern practitioner needs to be familiarized with these devices and understand the possibilities and limitations of each device. This course is designed to help educate clinicians and to clear the confusion regarding the various wavelengths available.
Every discipline of dentistry can benefit from the use of these modern devices. There are currently five predominant types of lasers available for dental professionals: diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Er:YSGG, and CO2.
Practitioners who want to integrate laser technology into their patient care face the daunting task of trying to sort through all the information available to make the right decision. Each device and wavelength available offers specific capabilities and limitations. A proper understanding of dental lasers’ potential is not possible without a basic understanding of laser physics and biological interactions.
Intended Audience:
Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Hygienists, Dental Students, Dentists
Date Course Online:
Jun 10, 2012
Last Revision Date:
Sep 10, 2015
Course Expiration Date:
Dec 30, 2018
Cost:
Free
Method:
Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s):
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Understand basic laser physics.
- Describe the concept of stimulated emission and what is an active medium.
- Differentiate between the concepts of energy versus power.
- Describe the difference between average power and peak power.
- Understand the three different laser emission modes and their role in peak power and thermal effects on target tissue.
- Understand the impact of pulse duration on peak power and thermal effects on target tissue.
- Define thermal relaxation.
- State the four types of tissue interaction.
- Define chromophore.
- Know the tissue temperatures that result in hyperthermia, coagulation, denaturation, vaporization, and carbonization.
- Describe the four major categories of dental lasers in use today.
- State the three safety practices required for all laser types.
- Understand the role of laser fluorescence in caries diagnosis and management.
- Know which types of lasers are able to be used on hard tissue.
- Understand the basic principles of hard tissue ablation and laser restorative techniques.
- Describe the various soft tissue surgical techniques.
- Define PIPS and its role in endodontics.
- State uses of low level laser therapy/biostimulation in dentistry.
Disclaimers
Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy. Note: Registration is required to take test.
Submission Information
Recognition
Approved PACE Program Provider
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027
Provider ID# 211886
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