If you’re wondering where to go next in your dental hygienist career, you don’t need to look far. Opting for dental laser training can be a great way to get ahead and learn new skills. Plus, it will provide you with more opportunities and new treatments that can benefit your patients.
We’ll explain what laser dentistry is, how you can get training, and its benefits to patients.
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a non-invasive, innovative approach to dentistry. It’s been used in many dental clinics since 1989 for various procedures. Laser dentistry can be a more affordable treatment option for patients who need to undergo hard and soft tissue dental procedures.
Hard tissue lasers
Hard tissue lasers treat teeth issues. The wavelength of hard tissue lasers can cut through enamel and is highly accurate. In fact, the lasers can remove small amounts of a tooth for shaping or in preparation for other procedures.
Some procedures hard tissue lasers are suitable for include:
- Cavity detection and removal
- Treating tooth sensitivity
- Preparing teeth for dental fillings and crowns
Soft tissue lasers
Soft tissue lasers use a light wavelength and are easily absorbed by hemoglobin and water. These lasers are typically used for soft tissue procedures dealing with the gums and help reduce bleeding, promoting a faster recovery time post-surgery and for specific cosmetic procedures.
Soft tissue lasers are mainly used for:
- Crown lengthening
- Reshaping gummy smiles
- Repairing soft tissue
- Removing soft tissue for treating sleep apnea
How can you get laser dentistry training?
If you’re looking to advance your dental hygienist career, getting a certificate in laser dentistry may be what you are looking for. Several places like rdhu offer online and in-person courses and training for a laser dentistry certification.
Training typically consists of a multi-part process that includes a mix of education courses and hands-on training. To get your laser dentistry certificate, you will likely need to complete an online exam for successful standard-level course completion.
Laser Dentistry Patient Benefits
Suppose you undergo all this training and are wondering what to do now. Well, you can apply the techniques you were taught and put them into daily practice. This will not only help you continue to gain new skills and advance your career but open up new treatment opportunities for patients.
Here are a few ideas on how you could apply your laser training to procedures.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy
Lasers can be a great way to target and treat diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets following therapy. The laser’s precision will allow you to remove diseased tissue without cutting away healthy gums or into the bone.
It provides patients with a more comfortable experience through a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates or greatly minimizes instances of pain.
Bacterial Reduction
Using a laser before cleaning or during a patient’s regular cleaning can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in gum pockets. This can typically be done in a manner of minutes.
The benefits of bacterial reduction include:
- Improved oral health
- A stronger immune system
- Greater resistance to infection and gum disease
Oral Lesion Treatment
Lasers can also be used to treat herpes lesions and aphthous ulcers. Since patients should not be treated when they have cold sores, lasers can speed along their treatment, so they are ready for their rescheduled appointment.
Are you a dental hygienist looking to learn more about laser dentistry? Contact rdhu today to learn about our on-demand educational courses.
