Registration Site: ..:: Learning Stream ::..

Synopsis

This program is designed to enhance the practitioner's knowledge and understanding of the science, function and roles that lasers can offer your patients. You will gain an understanding of the science, physics and tissue interaction as they relate to clinical procedures you will be able to perform. Emphasis will be on showing how variations in lasers' physical properties — such as wavelength, power and temporal modes — can be used to alter the desired outcomes. We will discuss reimbursement considerations and proper third-party (insurance) submittal procedures. We will practice procedures on porcine tissue to learn the various procedures that can be routinely performed by the dental clinician. Procedures such as frenectomy, biopsy, gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, osseous surgery, tooth preparation and other periodontal procedures will be included for dentists, while hygienists will learn debridement and sulcular decontamination procedures.

This course meets the TSBDE requirements for dentists and dental hygienists for RULE §115.2
(1) Prior to using a laser for non-diagnostic purposes, dental hygienists must complete no less than twelve hours of in-person continuing education in laser utilization specific to the procedures to be performed by the dental hygienist using the laser. Three of the twelve required hours must include clinical simulation laser training similar to the procedures to be performed by the dental hygienist. The continuing education must be provided by an educational course provider recognized by the Board. Dental hygienists must maintain documentation of the satisfactory completion of the required continuing education courses.

(2) Use of lasers by dental hygienists must be in accordance with the minimum standard of care and limited to the dental hygienist's scope of practice.

(3) A dentist who supervises a dental hygienist in the use of lasers must have laser education and training sufficient to adequately supervise the dental hygienist, including but not limited to meeting the continuing education requirements required of dental hygienists in subsection (b)(1) of this section. Pursuant to §258.003 of the Dental Practice Act, the delegating dentist is responsible for all dental acts delegated to the dental hygienist, including the use of lasers.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the patient benefits and many applications of dental lasers
• Discuss the basics of laser physics, safety and infection control considerations
• Discuss how controlling the parameters of laser allows treatment to be specific for a give procedure, and how the same laser can be used for both dental and hygiene procedures
• Apply periodontal procedures that enhance patient care, knowing which procedures are within the scope of practice of the dentist and hygienist
• Describe the guidelines for documentation of laser treatment
• Integrate lasers into your dental practice and apply the guidelines for dental insurance submission for laser therapy.