About the ALD Certification Programs

Learn about the ALD Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education.

The Academy of Laser Dentistry formally recognizes 3 levels of dental laser certification: Standard Level, Advanced Proficiency and Educator Level. Currently, ALD offers 2 options:  Standard and Advanced Certification. Due to COVID-19 there are no scheduled Face-2-Face hands-on events planned. ALD expects possibilities for hands-on programs to resume as soon as possible, but not before September 2021.

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
ALD’s Standard Level Dental Laser Certificate Program is a peer-reviewed, hands-on training, comprehensive laser certificate course for the entire dental team.  The Standard Level Certificate Program provides candidates with a strong foundational understanding of laser physics, laser tissue interaction, characteristics of various laser wavelengths, clinical case studies, safety and regulatory information.

Educational Objectives - These 12 CEU hours include:

• An understanding of the basic principles of laser physics and laser-tissue interaction.
• How variations in the laser’s wavelength, power, and temporal modes can be used to alter desired clinical outcomes.
• An understanding of laser operation and safety features in a hands-on learning assessment exercise.
• Practical hands-on exercises in laser-assisted clinical procedures on porcine tissue under controlled supervision.
• Fulfillment of the Dental Laser Licensure Requirements.

• Part 1 - Foundations in Laser Dentistry - Self-paced Digital Learning (6 CEU hours at your leisure)
  

• Chapter 1 Foundations of Light
• Chapter 2 Production of Light
• Chapter 3 Laser-Tissue and Laser Material Interactions
• Chapter 4 Clinical Applications in Laser Dentistry
• Chapter 5Laser Safety in Dentistry

• Part 2 - Hands-on (in person) Clinical Simulation Training Program - provided by an ALD Recognized Standard Course Speaker that includes a Clinical Simulation Oral Exam on the specific laser you are using in your practice (6 CE hours from training program)
• Part 3 - Standard Level Online Exam - 75 question multiple-choice online exam administered by the Academy of Laser Dentistry (1 CE from ALD)

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.

Advanced Proficiency Certification

Advanced 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. 

• Advanced Certification Part I - Written Exam
• Advanced Certification Part II - Clinical Simulation Exam
• Advanced Certification Part III - Case Study Presentation

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. 

Application Requirements for Advanced Certification

• Applicant must be a licensed dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, office manager or industry representative, etc. wishing to attain Advanced recognition.
• Applicant must have achieved Standard level recognition approved by the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
• Applicant must be a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and 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 process before the award can be earned.
• Successful participation in all 3 parts of Advanced is required to meet this level of education. Passing mark of 75% is required on Part 1 written exam, and 85% is required on Parts II and III. Separate applications for each part are required.

Advanced Criteria 

1. The Advanced Written Examination is administered in a proctored setting, at an ALD Conference or Meeting.  The Advanced candidate is expected to have a level of knowledge above and beyond that which is required for the Standard level examination.  Applicants may apply for the Advanced Written Exam AND the Clinical Simulation Examination at the same time.  Please ensure that you meet the application requirements before submitting your application.   
2. As a courtesy to the individual study required for success, ALD provides a mentor for candidates.  Applicants are encouraged to meet regularly with their assigned AP mentor during their preparations. 
3. The Clinical Simulation Examination passing mark is 85%. The Clinical Simulation exam is administered in person during an ALD Conference or Meeting. Please reference the Clinical Simulation Guideline documents, Exam Grade Sheets and Advanced Policies and Procedures Manual upon application.  Candidates should be able to address all the points on the Clinical Simulation Exam grade sheet within a 30-minute time frame.  This part is timed to 30 minutes. Candidates are notified of their time slot approximately 1 week prior to the exam date.  

Clinical Case Presentation of Advanced Proficiency Criteria

1. Clinical Case Examination passing mark is 85%.  The Clinical Case Presentation Exam is administered in person during an ALD Conference or Meeting. Clinical Case Submission Guidelines, Checklists and Exam Grade sheets are provided upon application.
2. Passing the Written Examination requires 75%.  Success in both the Written Exam AND the Clinical Simulation Exam is a pre-requisite for presenting the Part 3 Clinical Case Examination.
3. Applicants may begin documenting clinical cases and obtaining the required photographs as soon as you apply for the Advanced Program. Close contact with your assigned mentor is strongly suggested as you prepare your clinical cases.  Strict adherence to the level of difficulty of selected cases is typical. 
4. You may present your Clinical Cases any time it is offered after 1-year of successfully completing both the Written Exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam.  This means there is a minimum preparation period of 2 years before you may present your Clinical Cases, if you begin your case selections when you apply for AP. Most candidates take 3 years to complete this level of proficiency status.
5. Clinical Case Presentations must be completed within a 3-year time limit has elapsed after completing the Written Exam and the Clinical Simulation exam. 

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.

Curriculum Guidelines and Standards

Certification FAQs

Why 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?

• ALD certified professionals demonstrate safety and proficiency.
• They have taken a peer-reviewed dental laser foundation course.
• They have passed a 75-question psychometric multiple-choice exam covering 5 distinct areas of laser use.
• They have demonstrated safe hand skills in a clinical simulation hands-on examination by well-experienced examiners.
• They understand the purpose and role of dental lasers in everyday treatment.
• They have participated in a recognized professional program.  The Academy of Laser Dentistry is the standard-setting organization for dental laser education and certificate programs. 
• The Standard Level Certification Course fee includes your first year of ALD Membership.

Ask a Certification Coach

Preparing 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.