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November 4, 2008 | Web Exclusive

The MID Report

It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

With all the dental lasers on the market and the many manufacturers who want to sell them to you, the thought of buying your first laser can be a bit overwhelming. Every laser comes with different features, different specifications and a host of other applications that may or may not be well suited for your practice.

Need help sorting through it all? Check out these tips from Gail Siminovsky, CAE, the Executive Director of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (laserdentistry.org).

1. Do your homework

Remember not all lasers are created equal. They come with different wavelengths and recommended applications for use. Before you sit down to look at your various laser options, it’s important to understand basic laser technology and how laser wavelengths interact with human tissue. Attend introductory laser courses at national meetings or commit to attending an Intermediate Dental Laser Course sponsored by ALD to experience a variety of lasers first hand. What you learn from such courses will help you ask the manufacturers the right questions and will give you the knowledge to challenge claims that just don’t sound right to you. Then after you purchase a laser, attend a Standard Proficiency Dental Laser Certification Course to demonstrate safe and effective clinical use for yourself, your team and your patients.

2. Don’t give into the hype

Once you have the basics down, it will be easier for you to sort through the marketing hype. Marketing can be a huge distraction, so it’s important to understand how lasers work clinically so you don’t get stuck with a piece of equipment you know nothing about. If you know basic laser physics, laser safety and clinical applications, it’s less likely that this will happen to you.

3. Know what you need

It won’t do you any good to buy a laser that doesn’t fit into your practice model. You have to know how the laser works and how it will fit into your practice. Think about what kind of practice you have and how you might treat existing patients with the clinical benefits of laser technology. From there, with the research you’ve done, determine which laser wavelength best fits your needs.

4. Do it for the right reasons

Don’t just buy a laser because you think you should or because you think it will attract patients to your practice. You won’t be happy with your purchase if you simply look at a laser as a marketing tool and don’t really understand how to use it and how it can benefit your patients.

5. Research the company

Once you determine which lasers are on your short list, check out each manufacturer’s training and service plans. They all offer such plans, but some are better than others. It’s important to find out how much help the company plans to give you when it comes to troubleshooting and problem solving. Talk with other dentists about their experiences with these companies and get a feel for the track record. Don’t be afraid to ask the company tough questions; this is an investment in your practice, and you should have all the information you need before you buy. Check out laserdentistry.org/about/corpmembers.cfm for ALD’s corporate member manufacturers resource.

Additional information on buying a laser:

Get to know your laser

Before you buy a laser, go through this checklist to make sure you’re up to speed on everything it has to offer:

• Range of applications

• Precision

• Controllability (factory pre-sets, pulse duration and frequency)

• Delivery systems

• Limitations

• Safety

• Infection control

• Cost, including initial, maintenance, CE and replacements

• Control panel displays

• Foot pedals

• Portability

• Features and accessories

• Training, warranty and service provided by the company

Source: The Academy of Laser Dentistry’s The Journal of Laser Dentistry

A little Q&A

Make sure you ask yourself a few questions before you buy a laser:

• What features do I want or need?

• What procedures do I perform that could be assisted with laser technology?

• What procedures have been cleared for marketing by the FDA?

• How much training and certification do I need?

• How do I successfully incorporate laser technology into my practice?

• How long has the device been on the market and what is the company’s track record?

• Is consistent technical support available from the company?

Source: The Academy of Laser Dentistry’s The Journal of Laser Dentistry

What now?

You finally have your laser in your practice and ready to go, but you’re not sure what to do next. Here are a few tips:

• Attend manufacturer training

• Sign up for a Standard Proficiency Dental Laser Certification Course that includes lecture, hands-on exercises, written examination and clinical simulation exams

• Start slowly; remember there is a learning curve and your confidence will increase over time

• Don’t use new technology on new patients initially. Start with existing patients until you build your confidence

• Remember dental laser education is continual

Source: The Academy of Laser Dentistry’s The Journal of Laser Dentistry

Check it out

The ALD’s 16th Annual Conference is set for April 22-25, 2009. For details about the conference, where you can experience a variety of lasers first hand, visit laserdentistry.org.

Click here to read this month’s MID Report or check out the November issue of DPR.