Course overview 

Dental practitioners can use lasers to augment or replace traditional instruments in a range of clinical procedures. While low power lasers used in diagnostic aids are not regulated under radiation safety legislation, higher power lasers (Class 4) used in restorative dentistry, bleaching and minor oral surgery are regulated in Qld and some other jurisdictions. In the coming years, uniform national regulatory legislation is expected to be introduced. The need for formal training in laser safety is a key element so that these devices are used both effectively and safely. 

This course is approved by Radiation Health Queensland (course code ED029). Its content follows the recommendations of AS/NZS4173:2004 in terms of training requirements for dental clinicians. 

The course assumes no prior knowledge of laser physics and is designed specifically for the new laser user and for those wanting to understand how the technology is used in practice and how different laser types interact with tissues in unique ways.

The course includes a lecture and benchtop hands-on components, as well as a written examination. Please see below for a breakdown of the course topics: 

• The generation of laser light and its unique properties 
• Laser delivery systems, including their optics and performance 
• Modes of operation of lasers, and how these are selected for different clinical applications 
• Interactions of laser radiation with soft and hard tissues 
• Soft tissue surgery 
• Caries removal, laser etching and laser-induced analgesia 
• Methods of laser enhanced bleaching 
• Low level laser therapy and laser disinfection 
• Hazards of surgical lasers used in dentistry 
• Laser safety considerations including hazard area assessment, selection of eyewear, in office protocols and checklists, and administrative controls.

Learning Objectives

To make an informed decision about how lasers can enhance their clinical practice, dental practitioners need to gain an appreciation of:

• Where lasers can be used, 
• What advantages they offer, 
• What their limitations are, and
• How the technology can be handled safely. 

Presenter biography

Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh AO

BDSc, PhD, DDSc, GCEd, FRACDS, FFOP(RCPA), FIADFE, FICD, FADI, FPFA

Laurence Walsh was Professor of Dental Science at UQ from 2000-2020. He now contributes to UQ as an emeritus professor to research in advanced technologies and materials. Laurie is the current president of the Australian Association for Laser Dentistry. He is also the lead adviser to ADA Inc on dental bleaching. He has undertaken clinical and laboratory trials for a wide range of lasers and bleaching systems, and he has published extensively on these topics in the national and international literature.

Laurence has over 30 years clinical experience with conventional and laser-based systems for treating more difficult cases including tetracycline staining using lasers. He has presented over 200 hands-on courses on lasers and on tooth bleaching systems and technologies across the Asia-Pacific region and in North America.

Dr David Cox

BDSc Clin Assoc USyd

David is a former president of the Australian Association for Laser Dentistry, and was an early adopter of lasers in private clinical practice. As a general dentist, David has been using multiple hard and soft tissue lasers in clinical patient care for over 25 years, and has been teaching clinicians across the Asia-Pacific region how to use lasers in general dental practice.

Dr Lan Tran

Dr Lan Tran graduated from University of Queensland Dental School in 1995 and moved to her own private practice in 1998 developing a holistic approach to Aesthetic Dentistry, starting at encouraging ideal bone growth in children and adolescents for optimal function and aesthetics. Dr Tran has completed AADFA & Facial Institute courses for aesthetic dentistry as well as use and administration of BTx-A and Fillers and she holds special interest in Aesthetic Dentistry and Dental Technology.

Dr Tran is a Key Opinion Leader and Clinical liaison for International and National Dental Companies and is both a national and international speaker on a range of topics. She is also an authorised Trainer and Executive Master Provider for Fastbraces and an Invisalign authorised provider.

Dr Tran is an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute and a Study Club Convenor and is an integral part of the administration team for the Australian Association of Laser Dentistry.

Event Pricing

1st & 2nd Year Graduate ADA Member - $660
ADA Member Clinical Staff* - $770
Non-Member - $1000
Non-Member Clinical Staff* - $1000

*Clinical staff include Oral Health Therapists, Dental Therapists and Hygienists.

CPD Points

6 Scientific hours 

EVENT SUPPORTERS

This event is proudly supported by iHealthco, Ritter Dental and Ultradent