ALD certification is a professional certificate program that ALD offers to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in standard and advanced aspects of lasers in dentistry.  These programs allow individuals to demonstrate that ALD recognizes them as a skilled professional in laser dentistry. Completing an ALD certification course can help you differentiate yourself from your competitors, attract new patients, and improve patient and team satisfaction. Currently, the ALD recognizes 3 levels of dental laser certification: Standard, Fellowship and Mastership Certification (Fellowship & Mastership announcement coming soon!).

Be prepared to learn and understand through online learning, lecture, discussion, and hands-on participation. 

ALD Dental Laser Standard Level Course - A Certificate Program

This program is a peer-reviewed, hands-on training, comprehensive laser certificate course for the entire dental team.  This program provides candidates with a strong foundational understanding of laser physics, laser tissue interaction, characteristics of various laser wavelengths, clinical case studies, laser safety, regulatory information and a live hands-on portion. 

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.

3-PART CERTIFICATION PROCESS

• Part 1 - Foundations in Laser Dentistry - Self-paced Online Digital Learning Program (6 CEU's)
  

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

• Part 2 - Hands-on Clinical Simulation & Training (in person) - Provided by an approved ALD Trainer
  Includes a minimum of 6 hours of didactic device-specific or wavelength(s)-specific training, more than 3 hours of which are devoted to supervised hands-on activities which includes a comprehensive clinical simulation examination. Also included is a 1-hour review of the Part 1 key concepts and a course evaluation. (6 CEU's from trainer or venue).
  PLEASE NOTE: Parts 1 and 2 must be successfully completed prior to taking the Standard Level Online Exam (Part 3).
  
  
• Part 3 - ALD Dental Laser Standard Level Online Exam - Timed 1-hour exam with 75 question multiple-choice questions. This is a CLOSED book exam. The online exam is administered by the Academy of Laser Dentistry (1 CE from ALD).

The Standard Level Course also forms the base credential for progressing to the Fellowship and Mastership Certification Programs. Successful candidates of the Standard Level Course, can immediately apply for the Fellowship Program (details coming soon!).  

Successful Standard Level Course Completion

In order to successfully complete the ALD Dental Laser Standard Level Course in its entirety, you must successfully complete all 3 Parts (as described above) within 90 days of your Part 2 Hands-on course date. After the 90 days have passed, the course will be closed, and anyone who has successfully completed the course will receive their continuing education record of completion and Standard Level Course certificate within 6-8 weeks from that close date.  

Registration Information and Upcoming Courses

• First, register to secure your seat in a Part 2 - Hands-on Course (provided by an approved ALD Trainer).
  Upcoming courses are located on the right hand side of the screen under "Upcoming Events" OR on our ALD CE Calendar by clicking here. Fees vary and are paid directly to the ALD Trainer. 
• Next, the ALD Trainer will provide a registration link to add-on the certification portion. The fee is $275, paid directly to the ALD and includes the following:
  Part 1: Foundations in Laser Dentistry
  Part 3: ALD Dental Laser Standard Level Online Exam
  1-year Complimentary ALD Membership
  Important notes: We suggest that you complete Part 1 PRIOR to attending your Part 2 Hands-on course, although not necessary. Once you pay the $275 fee online, you will have immediate access to the Part 1 - Foundations in Laser Dentistry Course. You will also be registered for the Part 3 - Standard Level Online Exam. Instructions on how to access the exam will be emailed to you after you successfully complete your Part 2 - Hands-on course. We will also process your 1-year Complimentary ALD Membership.

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

ALD CERTIFICATION INFORMATION BOOKLET

Certification FAQs

Why is laser certification important? It is a mechanism to demonstrate an understanding of laser light and tissue interaction for ultimate clinical use. Some licensing bodies require a demonstration of clinical and hands-on knowledge of 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. These courses will meet or exceed current requirements for states that require laser certification. 

What does it mean to be an ALD Certified Professional? An ALD certified dentist or hygienists 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 more likely you are to provide the best care for your patients. A

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. 

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Donna Rell, Certification Program Manager, at [email protected].