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About the ALD Certification Programs
ALD CERTIFICATION INFORMATION BOOKLET
Becoming an Academy of Laser Dentistry certified professional can help you differentiate yourself from your competitors, attract and win new patients, build loyalty and improve patient, and team satisfaction. The ALD program is a professional certificate that ALD offers to dentists and hygienists who demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced aspects of laser use in dentistry. The ALD certification program allows individuals to demonstrate that ALD recognizes them as a skilled professional in laser dentistry.
Be prepared to learn and understand through distance learning, lecture, discussion, and hands-on participation.
ALD Dental Laser Standard Level Course - A Certificate Program
The Standard Level Course is the basic level of education in dental laser usage, including specific laser proficiency and laboratory knowledge. Candidates for the Standard Level Course must demonstrate a basic understanding of all wavelengths via an online 75-question multiple-choice examination and an oral clinical simulation exam, with at least one wavelength. The Standard Level Course defines the standard of care for the dental professional. These courses are a minimum of 12 hours: 6 CEUs are self-paced online including the examination and a full day 6 CEUs in-person hands-on learning. The Standard Level Dental Laser Certificate program is taught by speakers who are recognized by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. The Standard Level Course also forms the base credential for progressing to the Advanced Proficiency Level. Successful candidates at the Standard Level can submit for the advanced examination immediately after obtaining their Standard Level Course Certification. Standard Level Courses are held throughout the year by ALD recognized speakers. Successful Standard Level Course Completion In order to successfully complete the ALD's Dental Laser Standard Level Course in its entirety, you must successfully complete all 3 Parts within 90 days of your Part 2 Hands-on course. Upon successful completion you will receive a continuing education record of completion letter from the Academy of Laser Dentistry (within 6-8 weeks) indicating your Continuing Education Credits for the exam. ALD members will also receive a Certificate of Successful Completion noting the specific course participation and clinical simulation wavelength. Advanced Proficiency CertificationAdvanced Proficiency is the second level of certification from ALD. Successful candidates participate in 3 educational segments by demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of lasers and their applications in dentistry as well as a commitment to excellence in patience care and to advancing laser dentistry. The Advanced level is taken over a 3-year period to successful completion.
This level represents advanced knowledge and clinical experience with the dental laser. Learners for advanced level recognition will demonstrate knowledge of all laser wavelengths via a written multiple choice examination, demonstrate advanced clinical proficiency using the dental laser of their choosing in the Clinical Simulation Exam, plus dental practitioners who use the laser for treatment must also prepare five (5) clinical case studies and be prepared to present a minimum of two of them at an ALD annual conference. These should be the cases with the highest degree of difficulty following the Clinical Case Study Guidelines that are provided to candidates upon application. Successful participation in all 3 parts of the Advanced program is required to meet this level of education. Separate application fees and requirements apply for each part. The Advanced program exceeds the standard of care for the dental professional.
Advanced Criteria
Clinical Case Presentation of Advanced Proficiency Criteria
Practitioners are advised to investigate and consider which medical devices and materials are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy and which are considered experimental, and which procedures are considered within the applicable scope of their license, competence, skills, and abilities, as established by their education, training, and experience. Clinicians are advised to review the specific indications for use of their devices and to review their operator manuals for guidance on operating parameters before attempting similar techniques on their patients. Certification FAQsWhy is laser certification important? It is a mechanism to demonstrate an understanding of laser light and tissue interaction for ultimate clinical efficacy, efficiency and patient safety. Some licensing bodies require a demonstration of continuing education is lasers.
What is a certificate program? A certificate program typically indicates attendance or completion of a course or series of courses with a specific focus. They are open to newcomers and experienced professionals alike. The result demonstrates knowledge of content at the end of a specific period of time. Associations create certification programs by gathering experts to discuss and determine content and criteria that improves or changes behavior.
What sets ALD above any others? Let the buyer beware. ALD’s certificate program includes an education and experience component and requires passing exams. Depending upon the level, at least 2 and up to 3 examinations are required. It is a peer-reviewed and approved educational standard. It does not require re-certification although ALD’s programs encourage practitioners to stay current through continuing education.
What does it mean to be an ALD Certified Professional? An ALD Certified dentist or hygienist demonstrates expertise in understanding laser use in everyday patient care. The more practical the chair-side experience you have, and the more training you complete, the better your chances are to pass the test.
Why are the ALD Certification Exams essential? Certification exams measure your skill and proficiency with laser use in dentistry. They are a psychometric instrument intended to demonstrate your ability to meet challenges with a mastery that comes with training and everyday laser use. The ALD examinations are fair but challenging, designed to assess the ability of test-takers to apply fundamental dental laser knowledge and more advanced knowledge, depending upon the program. ALD exam content is updated every three years and is based on research and input from subject-matter experts and changes in dentistry conducted in 2019.
What are the benefits of an ALD Certification?
Ask a Certification CoachPreparing for the oral case examinations for Advanced Proficiency? Ask a Credentialing Coach for tips on how to prepare. ALD Credentialing Coaches provide encouragement, support and advice based on his or her personal experience as you prepare for the advanced examinations. |