Who Can Use a Dental Laser?
Today we'll talk about Who Can Use a Dental Laser?, lets find out:
Laser dentistry is now a normal practice for both dentists and orthodontists. A laser tool is used in common procedures for the health of your mouth and teeth. The tool is also used for cosmetic purposes such as teeth whitening. You may have even had a procedure done with the use of a dental diode laser. Does your dentist's office have these tools? Who performs the procedures in the office? Only certified persons can use a laser for dental procedures. The use of the tool requires training and documentation and not every dentist or orthodontist is certified to practice laser dentistry.
Typically, there is one designated person on staff who is authorized to use the dental diode laser. They are given the title Laser Safety Officer, or LSO. They are the person in charge when the tool is in use during a procedure and must monitor himself, the patient, and any other person in the room. They oversee the procedure and all aspects of the laser. If you are having dental work done with a laser, you should ask your dentist for documentation that he or she is certified to use the tool.
The LSO is the person who must enforce all laser safety rules. They must complete a checklist of requirements before and after the laser has been used for dental procedures like soft tissue therapy and teeth whitening for example. There are different classification levels for laser tools and the LSO must document and confirm which classification is being used. They must also inspect all hazardous zones because the beams from the tool can cause damage and the area must be secure and free of hazards.
Before using the dental laser tool, the LSO has to inspect the machine to make sure the controls are working properly. He or she must also check that the procedure being completed is an approved standard of the certification. They have to check that all safety gear is in use and available such as protective eye wear. Equipment controls and safety signs should be displayed in the room and should be placed in easily seen locations. The LSO also needs to verify that the person operating the machine has had dental laser safety training.
All procedures that are used with a laser have to be documented and recorded. The LSO has to record who was in the room, who the patient was, and what procedure was being completed that day. All people who are trained to be in the room while the laser is in use have to document their laser training. A dentist or orthodontist can also have their own training classes to teach his staff safety signals, warning signs, and the procedures that their office performs.
Bob Cobley is the President of Spectrum Lasers Inc. Spectrum manufactures and has marketed dental laser internationally since 1998. Approx 2000 GPs and 1200 orthodontists have purchased laser periodontal from him. For more information visit http://www.spectralasedental.com.