Dental Laser Certification Facts and Myths: A Comprehensive Guide

Dentists should undergo proper training to ensure lasers’ safe and effective use in their practice. In this article, we will delve into the facts and myths surrounding dental laser certification, exploring the requirements and definitions of laser certification and training in all 50 US states and Canadian provinces.

Understanding Dental Laser Training and Certification

Dental laser training is a process that enhances a dental professional’s competence and knowledge in the safe and effective use of dental lasers. It equips practitioners with the necessary skills to deliver optimal patient care while minimizing potential risks associated with laser technology.

The content of dental laser training programs may vary but commonly includes theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Dentists learn about different types of dental lasers, their specific wavelengths and clinical applications, laser safety guidelines, appropriate laser parameters, and proper techniques for laser-assisted dental procedures.

Upon completing a dental laser training program or course, dentists may receive a certificate from the training provider, which signifies their knowledge in laser dentistry and laser safety. Despite the Laser Institute of America (LIA) ANSI Z136.3 – 2018 standard not explicitly mentioning certification and the fact that most states and provinces do not require it, undergoing this training ensures that dentists adhere to the necessary standards for using lasers in their practice.

Understanding the LIA ANSI Z136.3 – 2018: Emphasis on Hands-On Training, Not Certification

Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care

The LIA ANSI Z136.3 (2018) – Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care, a standard for the safe use of lasers in health care, emphasizes the importance of device-specific hands-on training for clinicians, dentists, dental hygienists, and other personnel operating Class 3B or Class 4 lasers. It stipulates that this training should be provided by an accredited educational course provider or facility recognized by the state licensing agency. However, it does not explicitly mention any certification requirement. Read this quoted text from the “LIA ANSI Z136.3 (2018) – American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care”, Appendix D11.3 – Credentialing or Training:

“Clinicians, dentists, and dental hygienists, and other appropriate personnel operating a Class 3B or Class 4 laser must have device specific hands-on training on the procedures to be performed to enable the safe and effective use of these devices. This training shall be provided by an accredited educational course provider or educational facility recognized by the state licensing agency for licensure or re-licensure in the location where the HCLS is being operated.” … “The educational program shall be of sufficient length to provide a comprehensive understanding of the possible hazards and knowledge of the proper safety protocols to mitigate potential dangerous situations. Additionally, the educational program must contain a hands-on clinical simulation portion on the basic procedures to be performed with the laser device and the potential risks to the HCP and patients being treated.”

Which American Laser Study Club Courses Offer Laser “Certification”?

Course Certificate
Laser Dentistry Certificate Example

The American Laser Study Club (ALSC) is committed to providing comprehensive and hands-on education in laser dentistry and laser surgery. All ALSC courses that include hands-on labs offer participants the opportunity to receive a course certificate upon completion.

ALSC course participants will receive a Laser Dentistry and Laser Surgery Basic Knowledge and Hands-On Participation Certificate from the ALSC, provided free of charge upon successful completion of an online exam. These certificates serve as a testament to the participants’ successful completion of the course, their acquisition of essential knowledge in laser safety, and their practical engagement in hands-on activities, ensuring they are well-prepared to integrate laser technology into their dental practice.

Upcoming CE Courses

State-by-State Requirements

As of July 2023, when this research was conducted, most US states and Canadian provinces did not have explicit dental laser certification or training requirements listed on their websites. In the United States, only Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina have specific requirements or guidelines for laser certification and training. The rest of the states do not provide specific information online regarding these requirements. In Canada, the situation is similar, with most provinces not having explicit online information about laser training. It is recommended to contact the respective dental boards or regulatory bodies for the most accurate information.

It is important to note that the regulations regarding dental laser certification can vary from state to state and province to province. Most US states and Canadian provinces do not have explicit laser certification requirements. Let’s look at the requirements and definitions of laser certification in each jurisdiction as of July 2023.

United States

  • Alabama: There is no online information regarding laser certification and training requirements for dentists on the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama website​​.
  • Alaska: The Alaska Board of Dental Examiners also does not provide specific online information regarding laser dentistry certification and training requirements for dentists. The statutes specify that dental hygienists may perform “other dental operations and services delegated by a licensed dentist” but does not explicitly mention the use of lasers​.
  • Arizona: The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners does not provide specific online information regarding laser certification and training requirements for dentists. Arizona statutes mention that dental hygienists may perform duties delegated by a licensed dentist and that dentists may delegate tasks to dental hygienists or dental assistants. Still, there is no explicit mention of lasers.
  • Arkansas: There is no specific information available online from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners regarding laser dentistry certification and training requirements.
  • California: The Dental Board of California licenses and regulates dentists, registered dental assistants, and registered dental assistants in extended functions, but it does not explicitly state any requirements or regulations related to dental laser usage on its website​.
  • Colorado: In Colorado, dentists can use lasers capable of removing hard and soft tissue, but they must first complete a minimum of eight hours of training that covers laser physics, safety, and appropriate use, including a hands-on component. This training must be obtained through a course provided or recognized by a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved institution, the American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE), or the American Medical Association (AMA). Dentists must maintain evidence of such training and submit it upon request of the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners.
  • Connecticut: No specific regulations exist for dental laser certification in Connecticut. Dentists should follow the guidelines provided by the Connecticut State Dental Commission.
  • District of Columbia: There is no specific information available online from the District of Columbia Board of Dentistry regarding laser dentistry certification and training requirements for dentists in DC.
  • Delaware: The official Delaware State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene’s regulations does not specify any laser certification and training requirements for dentists. Thus, there are no specific regulations for dental laser use by dentists in Delaware.
  • Florida: On the Florida Board of Dentistry’s website and the Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules, there is no specific mention of laser certification and training requirements for dentists. It is recommended to directly contact the Florida Board of Dentistry for the most accurate information. Here is the link to their website: Florida Board of Dentistry
  • Georgia: Based on the information on the Georgia Board of Dentistry website, there are no specific rules or regulations regarding laser certification and training for dentists in Georgia. However, it is stated that only dentists licensed by the Georgia Board of Dentistry are authorized to perform procedures involving laser technology which alters tissue, creates a thermal effect, or is intended to cut, coagulate, photocoagulate, vaporize, or ablate essentially any soft or hard tissues of the body.
  • Hawaii: The website of the Hawaii State Board of Dentistry does not list any specific information regarding laser certification and training requirements for dentists.
  • Idaho: Based on the information from the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, there are no specific rules or requirements mentioned about laser certification and training for dentists in the state of Idaho.
  • Illinois: The Illinois Dental Practice Act does not explicitly mention any specific requirements or certifications for dentists to use lasers in their practice. However, the Act does mention the Board of Dentistry’s ability to review emerging scientific technology and applications, potentially including laser treatments, and recommends that the Department adopt rules governing their appropriate use and required training (Section 7.5). It is recommended to directly contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Indiana: Based on the information from the Indiana State Board of Dentistry, there are no specific regulations or requirements mentioned for dentists regarding laser dentistry certification and training. The document states that a dental hygienist may not use a laser to treat a patient, but it does not provide any guidelines for dentists. It may be best to contact the Indiana State Board of Dentistry for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Iowa: The Iowa Dental Board requires dentists to complete continuing education for license renewal but does not explicitly mention laser certification or training. The board accepts a variety of continuing education activities, including organized programs of learning that contribute directly to the professional competency of the licensee and are of value to dentistry and applicable to oral health care. However, the board does not explicitly state that laser training is required or recognized as part of these continuing education activities.
  • Kansas: No specific regulations are online for dental laser certification in Kansas. Dentists should follow the guidelines provided by the Kansas Dental Board.
  • Kentucky: On the Kentucky Board of Dentistry‘s website, there is no specific mention of laser certification and training requirements for dentists.
  • Louisiana: No specific regulations are listed on the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry‘s website for dental laser training in Louisiana.
  • Maine: No specific regulations are listed on the Maine Board of Dental Practice‘s website for laser certification in Maine.
  • Maryland: No specific regulations are listed on the Examiners’ website for laser dentistry certification in Maryland.
  • Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, dentists who wish to use lasers for procedures in the oral cavity must have completed a course of study in laser use consistent with the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education. The course must be provided by an institution recognized by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Learn more on the  Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry website.
  • Michigan: No specific regulations are listed on the Michigan Board of Dentistry‘s website.
  • Minnesota: No specific regulations are listed on the Minnesota Board of Dentistry‘s website for dental laser training and certification in Minnesota.
  • Mississippi: No specific laser training regulations are listed on the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners website.
  • Missouri: No specific regulations are listed on the Missouri Dental Board website for dental laser certification in Missouri.
  • Montana: No specific regulations are listed on the Montana Board of Dentistry website.
  • Nebraska: No specific regulations are listed on the Nebraska Board of Dentistry website.
  • Nevada: In Nevada, dentists who wish to use lasers in their practice must complete a proficiency laser course recognized by the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners (NSBDE). Online courses are not recognized for meeting this requirement. The board has approved several laser proficiency courses, and it’s essential to verify with the provider that the specific laser course is approved by the NSBDE. For more detailed information, please refer to the NSBDE’s approved certification programs/courses page.
  • New Hampshire: No specific regulations are listed on the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners website for dental laser training and certification in New Hampshire.
  • New Jersey: No specific regulations are listed on the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry website for dental laser training or advanced certification in New Jersey.
  • New Mexico: No specific regulations are listed on the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care website for dental laser certification in New Mexico.
  • New York: No specific laser dentistry training regulations are listed on the New York State Board of Dentistry website.
  • North Carolina: No specific regulations are listed on the North Carolina Dental Board website.
  • North Dakota: The North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners requires dentists using laser technology to have equal or greater proficiency and training in this technology compared to other treatment modalities. Dentists must maintain documentation of satisfactory completion of formal continuing education or training in the use of this technology. The Board emphasizes that regardless of technology, the dentist is ultimately responsible for the services provided.
  • Ohio: No specific regulations are listed on the Ohio State Dental Board website for dental laser training or certification in Ohio.
  • Oklahoma: No specific regulations are listed on the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry website for laser dentistry certification in Oklahoma.
  • Oregon: No specific regulations are listed on the Oregon Board of Dentistry website for dental laser training in Oregon.
  • Pennsylvania: No specific regulations are listed on the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry website for laser dentistry certification in Pennsylvania.
  • Rhode Island: No specific regulations are listed on the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry website for laser certification in Rhode Island.
  • South Carolina: In South Carolina, dentists who wish to use lasers for the removal of hard and/or soft tissue in dental treatment must first complete a training that covers laser physics, safety, and appropriate use of the laser. This training must also include an interactive component that addresses the operation of the specific laser(s) used in the practice. The initial training must consist of a minimum of 12 hours of instruction and must be obtained through a course provided or recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE), or the American Medical Association (AMA). Dentists with more than three years of experience using lasers before January 1, 2021, are exempt from these training requirements. All this information can be found on the South Carolina Board of Dentistry’s regulations.
  • South Dakota: No specific regulations are listed on the South Dakota Board of Dentistry website for laser certification in South Dakota.
  • Tennessee: In Tennessee, only dentists licensed by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry are authorized to perform procedures involving laser technology in the course of their duties source. The specific training or certification requirements for dentists to use lasers are not explicitly stated in the available online resources from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.
  • Texas: No specific regulations are listed on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website.
  • Utah: No specific regulations are listed on the Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board website for dental laser training in Utah.
  • Vermont: No specific regulations are listed on the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners website for dental laser certification in Vermont.
  • Virginia: No specific regulations are listed on the Virginia Board of Dentistry website for certification in Virginia.
  • Washington: No specific regulations are listed on the Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission website for laser certification in Washington.
  • West Virginia: No specific regulations are listed on the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners website for laser dentistry certification in West Virginia.
  • Wisconsin: No specific regulations are listed on the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board website for laser certification in Wisconsin.
  • Wyoming: No specific regulations are listed on the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners website for laser dentistry training in Wyoming.

Canadian Provinces

Note that the information provided is based on what was available online as of July 2023, and it is advisable to consult the respective state dental boards or regulatory bodies for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Conclusion

dental diode laser training

Most jurisdictions do not explicitly outline any rules or regulations about laser-specific training or certifications for dentists. The emphasis on certification is primarily directed toward dental hygienists, and any implication that such certification is a requirement for dentists may be misleading. This lack of explicit guidelines suggests that the use of laser technology in dentistry is primarily governed by general dental practice regulations and the professional judgment of the dentist rather than specific laser certification requirements.

Remember, the information provided in this article serves as a general overview and is subject to change. Always consult your local dental board or regulatory agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding dental laser training and certification in your state or province. If you see any inaccuracies, please get in touch with us and let us know.