ALD Continuing Education
Online Courses for ADA CERP and AGD Credit
Welcome to the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s Virtual Campus!
The Introductory to Lasers course is not available at this time. We are revising the course and the anticipated launch date is April 15, 2012. Please check back with us and complete your application at that time.
Lasers in Dentistry - An Introductory Course
COMING SOON!
- Free SignUp Now!
- $225 (3 CEUs) SignUp Now!
This course is provided free of charge upon registration. If you would like to receive CE credits, there is a $225 fee for 3 CE credit hours.
Description
This PowerPoint presentation will take you through the Wonderful World of Dental Lasers, and is intended to provide you with the basics of laser science, tissue interaction and safety as well as to show you different clinical procedures utilizing lasers. There will be a brief discussion of laser benefits and a short quiz to test your knowledge.
The contents of this course satisfy the pre-requisites of Standard Proficiency Certification. We encourage you to participate in Standard Proficiency with an Academy of Laser Dentistry Recognized Course Provider, take the clinical simulation and return to the Virtual Campus to complete Standard Proficiency by taking the online 75 question multiple choice exam. Then you may, if you choose, begin preparation for Advanced Proficiency.
Introductory Course Topics
- The Wonderful World of Dental Lasers.
- Now, we'll build a laser.
- Laser-tissue interaction.
- The family tree of lasers in dentistry.
- Clinical cases, soft tissue: Phase one periodontal therapy, gingival enlargement.
- Clinical cases, soft tissue: Esthetic contouring, ovate pontic, removal of pigmentation, frenectomy, vestibuloplasty, tuberosity reduction.
- Clinical cases, soft tissue: second stage implant uncovering, operculectomy, uncovering unerupted teeth, fibroma, hemangioma.
- Clinical cases, soft tissue: fibrous tissue on edentuluous ridge, tooth exposure for orthodontics, gingival tissue retraction, aphthous ulcer and herpetic lesion.
- Clinical cases, hard tissue: caries removal and tooth preparation, tooth whitening, endodontics, pulpotomy.
- Clinical cases, hard tissue: desensitization, osseous surgery and contouring. Laser dentistry made easy.
- Laser regulation, laser safety, advantages and comparisons of the use of lasers.
Overall Expected Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Introduction to Lasers Online Course expected learner outcomes include a broad overview of the research and clinical aspects of the safe and effective uses of lasers in dentistry. Participants will demonstrate general understanding of laser use via a brief online multiple choice quiz.
Intended Audience for the Introduction to Lasers Online Course
Anyone interested in lasers in dentistry is eligible to take the course upon payment of applicable fees.
Lasers in Dentistry - An Introductory Course Series (1 CEU per course is available)
COMING SOON!
Description
This series of introductory course topics is intended to provide you with the basics of laser science, tissue interaction and safety as well as to show you different clinical procedures utilizing lasers. The contents of the full series satisfies the pre-requisites of Standard Proficiency Certification. We encourage you to participate in Standard Proficiency with an Academy of Laser Dentistry Recognized Course Provider, take the clinical simulation and return to the Virtual Campus to complete Standard Proficiency by taking the online 75 question multiple choice exam. Then you may, if you choose, begin preparation for Advanced Proficiency. Some courses may offer a short quiz to test your knowledge.
Introductory Course Topics: Coming Soon!
-
Considerations When Selecting a Dental Laser:
Making the Best Choice for your Practice - The Fundamental Science and Physics of Dental Lasers
- Laser Safety Program for the Dental Team
- Basic Soft Tissue Procedures with a Diode Laser
- Basic Dental Procedures with an Erbium Laser
- Basic Soft Tissue Procedures with a CO2 Laser
- History of Dental Lasers
- Laser regulation and your State's Scope of Practice Act - what does it all mean?
Intended Audience for the Introduction to Lasers Online Course
Anyone interested in lasers in dentistry is eligible to take the course upon payment of applicable fees.
Standard Proficiency Online Examination (2 CEU'S)
SignUp Now!
Description and Eligibility Requirements
The standard proficiency online 75-question multiple choice examination is available for all eligible participants. To be eligible you must have participated in a 12 hour two-day standard proficiency course given by an Academy of Laser Dentistry Recognized Course Provider (RCP). You must apply and take the online exam within 30 days of the course date. You must have successfully completed the Clinical Simulation Examination in at least one wavelength. Click here for further details about the requirements for Standard Proficiency Certification.
Instructions for Taking the Standard Proficiency Exam
You will be provided with instructions on how to take the Online Standard Proficiency Written Examination. A PDF document is available. As this is an online exam, the instructions provide you with practical and technical guidance on how to complete the exam in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Academy. The module also includes a course evaluation survey which you must complete to receive your continuing education credits for the Standard Proficiency certification exam.
Successful Standard Proficiency Completion
Upon successful completion of the online exam you will receive a letter from the Academy of Laser Dentistry indicating your Continuing Education Credits for the exam. ALD members will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion noting the specific course participation and clinical simulation wavelength. To find out more about membership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry, click here. Applicants for the Standard Proficiency Online Exam and CE credit may join ALD on the exam enrollment application form.
Overall Expected Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Standard Proficiency Examination expected learner outcomes include demonstration of the basic level of education in dental laser usage, including specific laser proficiency and laboratory knowledge. Successful learners demonstrate an understanding of all wavelengths via a 75-question multiple choice written examination and clinical proficiency simulation examination with at least one wavelength. Participants in the Standard Proficiency Online Examination are required to have successfully completed a 12-hour standard proficiency course and clinical simulation examination with an ALD Recognized Course Provider. This level defines the standard of care for the dental professional.
ALD Policy and Procedure for Recognition of Standard Proficiency Dental Laser Courses
A list of Academy of Laser Dentistry Recognized Standard Proficiency Course Providers (RCPs) can be found here. The Academy of Laser Dentistry initially launched the process for renewal and recognition of dental laser course providers in October 1999. This process follows the standards of education set forth in the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education. Only an ALD certificate from an Academy-recognized Standard Proficiency Course can be used to make application for the Advanced Proficiency examination. An applicant who has taken a non-recognized course would not be accepted.
Intended Audience
As in the Standard Proficiency course, the intended audience for the on-line examination includes dentists in all disciplines, hygienists, dental assistants, office staff, industry representatives, and government professionals. Dentists and Dental Hygienists would receive a 'practitioner' Standard Proficiency, and all others would receive Standard Proficiency as a laser safety officer.
Advanced Proficiency ONLINE Review and Examination (6 CE's)
SignUp Now!
Onlne Advanced Review Course Description
The Advanced Proficiency Review is designed to help you prepare for completing the online written exam of the Advanced Proficiency Certification process. The Review provides instructional lessons that highlight the key concepts you must master in order to pass the written examination. Please note however that the Review does not cover all of the material that you are expected to know and master. It is designed to only highlight the general areas of study. Your preparation for the Online Written Examination should be supplemented by using other references for deeper knowledge and understanding. Candidates may also participate in an in-person Advanced Review Lecture and Discussion at the ALD Annual Conference.
Expected Learner Outcomes the Online Advanced Review and Examination
Successful participants in the Online Advanced Review and Examination will demonstrate an advanced knowledge of laser use in all laser wavelengths via an online 175-question multiple choice exam.
Requirements for Advanced Proficiency Application
- Applicant must be a licensed dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, office manager or industry representative, etc. wishing to attain Advanced Proficiency recognition.
- Applicants must have achieved Standard level recognition approved by the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
- Applicant must be a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry; Candidates must maintain ALD membership during the AP process and of course we hope well beyond!
- Candidates must attend a minimum of 2 ALD Annual Conferences during the Advanced Proficiency process before the award can be earned.
- Successful participation in all 3 parts of Advanced Proficiency is required to meet this level of education. Passing mark of 85% is required on each part. Separate applications for each part are required.
For a full description of the Advanced Proficiency Certification Program click here.
